The first of two former MyFerryLink and SeaFrance ferries has entered service for DFDS on the Dover-Calais route.
The renamed Côte des Dunes has been transformed since DFDS took delivery of the vessel at the end of last year.
A second ship, Côte des Flandres, is due to enter service in the week of February 22.
The vessels will join Calais Seaways on the route, increasing the company’s daily schedule of sailings to up to 30 a day.
DFDS claims it will operate the largest fleet on the Dover Strait, with up to 54 daily sailings to two French ports when combined with three ferries on the Dover-Dunkirk route.
Malo Seaways, which is currently chartered by DFDS and sails alongside Calais Seaways on the Dover-Calais service, will temporarily serve as the third ship on the route while Calais Seaways undergoes routine maintenance and will then be returned to its owner.
The Côte des Dunes been renovated with new cafes and bars, a self-service restaurant and a large shop.
Other facilities include a children’s play area and a Premium Lounge offering complimentary teas, coffees, cold drinks, snacks and newspapers.
DFDS senior vice president, Carsten Jensen, said: “We are always striving to deliver our customers the best possible experience on our ferries. Côte des Dunes is an important part of our commitment to offer customers a sustainable, frequent and reliable cross Channel ferry service.”