DFDS is investing in new propeller blades for the three ferries in service between Dover and Dunkirk with the aim of reducing bunker consumption and environmental impact.
Built in South Korea by Samsung, Dunkerque Seaways (2005), Delft Seaways (2006) and Dover Seaways (2006) were introduced by Norfolkline and acquired by DFDS last year as part of the takeover of the former Maersk ferry arm, and will go in turn to the Arno Shipyard, Dunkirk between January and March next year.
s part of its ‘Project Light Crossing’, each of the 34,500gt vessels’ twin four-bladed propellers will be replaced, with DFDS hopeful of repeating the success of similar work on Copenhagen-Oslo route vessels Crown Seaways (1994) and Pearl Seaways (1989), where there have been fuel savings of 12 per cent. Kasper Moos, DFDS vice president explained: ‘The new propellers are designed by and powered by Rolls Royce and adapted to speed and English Channel conditions, and we have high expectations for them.’