DFDS has confirmed the identity of the third ship to join its new Rosslare – Dunkerque service. The Visentini-built Ro-Pax OPTIMA SEAWAYS will be temporarily redeployed from the Karlshamn-Klaipeda route until the end of January.
The former STENA TRAVELLER, PATRIA SEAWAYS, will release OPTIMA SEAWAYS from her usual route. The company expects that her running mate, SIRENA SEAWAYS, will provide sufficient capacity for the time of year on their Paldiski-Kapellskär service.
Confirming the identity of the ships, Aidan Coffey, DFDS’s route director said:
“I am extremely pleased to present the three freight ferries that will soon be welcoming our customers on board the route. The three ships are Visby, Kerry and Optima Seaways,”
“Visby and Kerry are chartered ships, including crews, and Optima Seaways is our own ferry, which currently operates between Sweden and Lithuania. They are all proven and efficient freight ferries with capacity for up to 120 trucks and trailers plus drivers. The drivers will all be comfortably accommodated in their own COVID-19 safe cabins during the crossing.”
Last week it was confirmed that the other two vessels on the new Ireland – France route would be KERRY and VISBY. Unlike OPTIMA SEAWAYS, both of these ships have been chartered for the new route.
At present VISBY is chartered until May with the option of an extension. It is not yet clear how long KERRY has been chartered for.
When OPTIMA SEAWAYS returns to the Karlshamn-Klaipeda route at the end of January, PATRIA SEAWAYS will revert to the Paldiski-Kapellskär service.
DFDS has not yet said what ship will replace OPTIMA SEAWAYS on the Rosslare route. The company launched the new service in response to expected delays to traffic using the UK landbridge after the UK exits its EU transition arrangement on January 1st. From January 2, DFDS will offer six sailings per week in each direction between Dunkerque and Rosslare.
OPTIMA SEAWAYS was originally completed in 1999 as ALYSSA. Like KERRY, her design is an evolution of the same design used for the original MERSEY VIKING.
DFDS has confirmed that its new office in Rosslare is ready. Dwain Rodgers has been appointed Port Manager, and Donna Lynch Assisting Port Manager. The company appears to be sharing checkin facilities with Brittany Ferries.
Vessel Tech Data
| Visby | Kerry | Optima Seaways | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built | 2003 Guangzhou Shipyard Int | 2001 C.N. Visentini, Italy | 1999 C.N. Visentini, Italy |
| Gross tonnage | 29,746 | 24,418 | 25,206 |
| Length | 196 metres | 186.5 metres | 186.25 metres |
| Beam | 25.67 metres | 25.6 metres | 25.6 metres |
| Draught | 6.4 metres | 6.5 metres | 6.5 metres |
| Freight Capacity | 1,800 lane metres | 2,030 lane metres | 2,115 lane metres |
| Cabins | 92 (in DFDS service) | 80 | 80 |
