Denmark's DFDS Ferries has announced a 10-year newbuild charter contract with Stena Ro-Ro from 2021.
Available with an option to buy after the contract, the newbuilding will be able to carry 3,100 lane metres of cargo and 1,000 passengers.
Under contruction at Avic Weihai Shipyard in China, the newbuild will be deployed on the Dover-Calais-Dunkerque route of the English Channel in 2021.
Shipping Division Executive Vice President Peder Gellert said four DFDS captains have been testing in simulators how to navigate the future ship to make sure it is fitted for channel conditions.
"When sailing on the channel, we need to ensure that the ship is at least as fast in arrival and departure situations as our current ships. Therefore, we have made modifications to increase manoeuvrability," Commercial Fleet Director Henrik Tidblad said.
The initial plan is for replacement of the oldest of the ferries, Calais Seaways, which was built in 1991.
Market developments will determine the final deployment plan, which will be announced in 2020.
