After many months of uncertainty over SeaFrance until their final liquidation on 9th January 2012 with reported debts of €190million the future of Dover – Calais ferry services looks much more promising.

A joint venture between DFDS and LD Lines looks set to start a Dover – Calais service by February 10th. The joint venture, which had had a takeover bid for SeaFrance rejected last year, have made no secret of their plans to get the 2 ship service up and running as soon as possible. Speaking to IFW LD Lines MD Christophe Santoni said that “As soon as we have finalised the negotiations we have begun with the port authorities of Calais and Dover on operating agreements, we will start recruiting staff for the Calais-Dover crossing, with priority given to ex-SeaFrance workers.”

Whilst both DFDS and LD Lines are new to the Dover-Calais route, neither operator is unknown to cross-channel services from Dover. Whilst DFDS operate a long running service between Dover and Dunkerque, LD Lines had a less successful experience in their efforts to run a Dover – Boulogne service. That ill-fated service was scrapped in September 2010 after just 18 months of operation. DFDS have already stated that the new joint venture will not affect its existing service – instead designed to complement it. “From Dunkerque we can reach markets in northern Europe and from Calais those to the south” a spokesman has said.

And whilst DFDS and LD Lines are busy preparing to commence their service, P&O have also taken delivery of the second of their brand new €180million ships – the Spirit of France. 12 months after the arrival of her sister the Spirit of Britain, the Spirit of France represents the second half of P&O’s €360million investment in the route. As the largest ferries ever to sail on the Dover straits, the Spirits have raised the bar in terms of quality and comfort of Dover-Calais ferry travel for both freight and passengers alike.

A brand new pair of operators, a brand new ferry and the good news might not even stop there for Dover – Calais. Eurotunnel is currently trying to finalise its own plans for the commencement of a cross-channel ferry service, involving the purchase of SeaFrance vessels and a joint venture with a co-operative of former SeaFrance workers.

As the SeaFrance saga turned the Dover Straits into a breeding ground for a price war amid the air of uncertainty, 2012 promises stability and a bright future for Dover – Calais ferry travel.