DFDS is to make another change to the vessels serving its Rosslare – Dunkerque service this coming week. The Visentini-built Ro-Pax KERRY, which has been on the route since it started in January, is to be replaced by REGINA SEAWAYS.
KERRY is to move to the Baltic Sea Klaipeda – Karslhamn route, joining OPTIMA SEAWAYS (another former DFDS Rosslare ship) and PATRIA SEAWAYS on the route. PATRIA SEAWAYS is another vessel with an Irish Sea connection having previously served Stena’s Holyhead – Dublin route as STENA TRAVELLER.
REGINA SEAWAYS is expected to arrive at Dunkerque on September 30, entering service the following evening at 20:45. The ship has moved from the Kiel – Klaipeda route which is being maintained by fellow Apuania-built Ro-Pax’s VICTORIA SEAWAYS ad ATHENA SEAWAYS. The Apuania Ro-Pax’s are a similar concept to the more prolific Visentini-built Ro-Pax ferries, but offer a slightly higher service speed than earlier Visentini’s such as KERRY.
The transfer of REGINA SEAWAYS to the Irish service has allowed DFDS to implement a new timetable. This new timetable is more customer friendly with shorter crossing times taking advantage of the higher speed offered by REGINA SEAWAYS and her running mate VISBY. Going forward, DFDS will offer five sailings per week in each direction between Dunkerque and Rosslare.
In other DFDS news, the delivery of the Baltic new-build AURA SEAWAYS from China has suffered further delays. At present it appears she will not be delivered until well into the new year. She was previously timetabled to be in service during October. The original contract delivery date for AURA SEAWAYS was during the first half of 2021. A second vessel, LUNA SEAWAYS, will also be delivered late.
