The Côte d’Opale is DFDS’s newest and biggest ship on Dover to Calais. At 214 m, DFDS describes her as the longest ferry operating on the English Channel, and she has the Channel’s largest duty-free shop. She’s sailed the route since August 2021.
She’s named after the Côte d’Opale, the Opal Coast of northern France around Calais and Boulogne. She replaced the Calais Seaways, built in 1991, and DFDS charters her long-term from Stena RoRo. With two engines instead of her predecessor’s four, DFDS says she uses less fuel and produces less carbon dioxide.
Where the Côte d’Opale sails
The Côte d’Opale sails Dover to Calais for DFDS, alongside the Côte des Dunes and Côte des Flandres.
- The crossing takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
- DFDS runs up to 30 sailings a day to Calais, from 00:10 to 21:10.
- Fares started at £99 one way for a car and up to 5 people in October 2026.
- Check-in closes 1 hour before departure; DFDS advises allowing 120 minutes before that for border and security checks.
- Vehicles only: DFDS doesn’t take foot passengers from Dover.
- DFDS lets you travel up to 4 hours either side of your booked sailing, subject to space.
Which DFDS ship you get depends on the sailing. See the Dover to Calais guide for times and how DFDS compares with P&O and Irish Ferries.
Check DFDS Dover to Calais fares
Where is the Côte d’Opale now?
This live map shows the ship’s latest position and her track over the last 24 hours, from her AIS transmitter via VesselFinder. Tap or click the map to use it, and tap the ship for her speed, course and next port. You’ll usually find her in Dover or Calais, or crossing the Strait of Dover. Positions can be a few minutes old.
Live map from VesselFinder. IMO 9858321.
On board the Côte d’Opale
- Duty free: an open-plan shop of 1,100 m², which DFDS says is the largest on the Channel, with savings of up to 50%. Pre-order with Reserve & Collect, and there’s an ATM on board.
- Three restaurants, including the 7 Seas, with French dishes and sea views.
- The Lighthouse Café for sandwiches, coffee and cake.
- A Premium Lounge with complimentary refreshments and sea views, on selected crossings. You can also add Priority Boarding to be among the first on and off.
- A children’s play area; on DFDS’s Dover ships, children can also play Jack’s Treasure Hunt, an app game around the ship.
- Free Wi-Fi.
- The Road Kings lounge for lorry drivers, with dining, showers and rest areas.
- Active stabilisers for a smoother crossing.
Pets on the Côte d’Opale
Pets travel in your vehicle, at £15 per pet each way. You can’t stay in the vehicle during the crossing, but you can ask at the Guest Service Centre to visit your pet. Leave fresh water, food, absorbent bedding and good ventilation, and lock the car with the alarm switched off. DFDS only carries pets at least 16 weeks old. If you’d rather your dog was with you, P&O’s Pet Lounge and Irish Ferries’ Pet Den are the options on Dover to Calais.
Côte d’Opale specification
| Maiden voyage | 4 August 2021 |
|---|---|
| Length | 214 m |
| Width | 27.8 m |
| Passengers | 1,000 in her current configuration |
| Vehicle space | 3,100 lane metres |
| Engines | 2 |
| Speed | 20 to 22 knots |
| IMO number | 9858321 |
Other DFDS ships: the Côte des Dunes and Côte des Flandres, the Dover, Delft and Dunkerque Seaways, and the Seven Sisters and Côte d’Albâtre. See the DFDS fleet and the DFDS guide.
Côte d’Opale Ferry Guide FAQs
What route does the Côte d'Opale sail?
Dover to Calais, with DFDS. The crossing takes about 1 hour 40 minutes.
How big is the Côte d'Opale?
214 m long and 27.8 m wide, with 3,100 lane metres of vehicle space and room for 1,000 passengers. DFDS describes her as the longest ferry operating on the English Channel.
When did the Côte d'Opale enter service?
Her maiden voyage was on the evening of 4 August 2021, on Dover to Calais. She replaced the Calais Seaways, built in 1991.
Where is the Côte d'Opale now?
The live map on this page shows her latest position and her track over the last 24 hours, from VesselFinder's AIS data. Her IMO number is 9858321.
Does the Côte d'Opale have a duty-free shop?
Yes, the largest on the Channel according to DFDS, at 1,100 m², with savings of up to 50%. You can pre-order with Reserve & Collect.
Can I take my dog on the Côte d'Opale?
Yes, in your vehicle, at £15 per pet each way. You can't stay in the vehicle during the crossing, but you can ask at the Guest Service Centre to visit your pet.