Press Release

Ferry company DFDS is giving an insight into the preparation of its ships to accommodate holidaymakers planning to go on holiday this summer.

As containment measures begin to be lifted across Europe, more and more holidaymakers are looking for new travel ideas and destinations for this summer. While summer holidays will be very different for everyone this summer, DFDS is reassuring travellers that its ferries are now adapted to the new strict social distance rules.

The company has introduced a number of measures on board its vessels to ensure compliance with these rules and the safety of its passengers and crew:

Space - DFDS ferries are wide and much more spacious than other means of transport both inside and on deck. Passenger capacity is reduced to limit the number of people on board at any one time.

Fresh air - A continuous supply of fresh air is pumped through the ferries' air supply systems, no recycled air is used. The outer decks are also open.

Cleaning - Continuous high frequency cleaning of all points of contact by the crew with an effective disinfectant eliminating Covid-19.

Hand sanitisers - Distribution of hand sanitisers to passengers and crew on all ferries.

Protective equipment - Use of protective equipment, masks and gloves by crew and installation of plexiglass barrier walls at points of contact.

Embarkation and disembarkation - Staggered embarkation and disembarkation procedures to allow social distancing.

Public spaces - Seating in all public spaces is arranged to allow for social distancing.

Bars and restaurants - Tables are now arranged to ensure social distancing. All food and drink is served by the crew, with no possibility of self-service.

Shops - Shops will be open, but only a limited number of passengers will be allowed.

New signage - New passenger information signs and clear floor markings will be installed to manage the flow of passengers on board and in the terminal.

Kasper Moos, Vice President Passenger Affairs says: "Our priority is the well-being of our passengers and crew. The precautions we are taking across our route network will protect the well-being of everyone who travels on our ferries and allow us to maintain a social distance at all times.

"The travel industry as a whole is facing a number of challenges. However, DFDS ferries are differentiated by their ability to offer plenty of space on and off board, fresh air and unique destinations. Adapting to this new world offers a real opportunity for holidaymakers to embrace alternative travel options, to now experience the freedom of ferry travel and start their holiday in style."

DFDS has continued to operate its pan-European freight routes during the lockdown period to keep vital trade links open and support the delivery of essential goods to shops and businesses. On some of its routes, the company also increased capacity and offered additional sailings to help communities and industries stay supplied with the products they need. In addition, we have continued to accommodate our passengers on the company's Channel and Baltic routes to support essential travel and allow travellers to return to their families.

We hope to be able to accommodate our holidaymakers soon once government restrictions have been lifted.

Our Amsterdam/Newcastle and Copenhagen/Oslo routes are currently suspended until 17 June 2020 inclusive.

The Channel and Baltic services continue to offer only freight and essential travel.

Please ensure you are authorised to travel before booking a ferry.

For more information on DFDS ferry services and the new measures being implemented, please visit www.dfds.fr.