The Dover Seaways, Delft Seaways and Dunkerque Seaways are DFDS’s three sister ships on Dover to Dunkirk, the 2-hour crossing to the far north of France. Built in 2005, each carries up to 1,000 passengers and 250 cars, and DFDS describes their Scandinavian design as light and airy.
They fly the UK flag, and DFDS lists them on its Dover to Calais route as well. On board each there are several places to eat, a café, play areas, a shop and a private lounge.
Where the Seaways ships sail
The three ships are the backbone of Dover to Dunkirk, which DFDS runs like a shuttle:
- The crossing takes 2 hours; DFDS puts the distance at 47 nautical miles.
- There are about 10 sailings a day each way, roughly every 2 hours, day and night.
- 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: there are no foot passengers on Dover to Dunkirk.
- DFDS lets you travel up to 4 hours either side of your booked sailing, subject to space.
In Dunkirk, DFDS’s terminal is at Loon-Plage, west of the city and a short drive from the Belgian border. For Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Lille, Dunkirk is 10 to 15 minutes closer by road than Calais. See the Dover to Dunkirk guide and the Dunkirk port guide.
Check DFDS Dover to Dunkirk fares
Where are the Dover, Delft and Dunkerque Seaways now?
These live maps show each ship’s latest position and her track over the last 24 hours, from AIS data via VesselFinder. Tap or click a map to use it, and tap the ship for her speed, course and next port. Positions can be a few minutes old.
Dover Seaways
Live map from VesselFinder. IMO 9318345.
Delft Seaways
Live map from VesselFinder. IMO 9293088.
Dunkerque Seaways
Live map from VesselFinder. IMO 9293076.
On board
DFDS lists several places to eat, a café, play areas, a shop, a private lounge and facilities for lorry drivers on all three ships. On its Dover routes, DFDS’s food and services include:
- 7 Seas Restaurant and the Lighthouse Café, both open 24/7.
- Hot meals including Harry Ramsden’s fish and chips, curries, vegetarian dishes and cooked breakfasts.
- A Premium Lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks on selected crossings, and Priority Boarding.
- A duty-free shop, with Reserve & Collect and an ATM.
- Play areas and the Jack’s Treasure Hunt app game for children.
- Free Wi-Fi.
Not every outlet is on every ship or every sailing, so check on board.
Pets
Pets travel in your vehicle, at £15 per pet each way; there are no kennels or pet cabins. 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. Cats and other small pets should be in a secure carrier. DFDS only carries pets at least 16 weeks old.
Dover, Delft and Dunkerque Seaways specification
| Built | 2005 |
|---|---|
| Length | 186 m |
| Width | 28 m |
| Passengers | 1,000 |
| Cars | 250 |
| Cruising speed | 20.5 knots |
| Flag | United Kingdom |
| IMO numbers | 9318345 (Dover Seaways), 9293088 (Delft Seaways), 9293076 (Dunkerque Seaways) |
Other DFDS ships: the Côte d’Opale, the Côte des Dunes and Côte des Flandres, and the Seven Sisters and Côte d’Albâtre. See the DFDS fleet and the DFDS guide.
Dover, Delft and Dunkerque Seaways Ferry Guide FAQs
Which ships sail Dover to Dunkirk?
DFDS's three sister ships, the Dover Seaways, Delft Seaways and Dunkerque Seaways. DFDS also lists them on its Dover to Calais route.
How long is the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk?
2 hours, with about 10 sailings a day each way, roughly every 2 hours, day and night.
How many passengers do the Seaways ships carry?
Up to 1,000 passengers and 250 cars each. They're 186 m long and cruise at 20.5 knots.
Where are the Dover, Delft and Dunkerque Seaways now?
The live maps on this page show each ship's latest position and her track over the last 24 hours, from VesselFinder's AIS data. Their IMO numbers are 9318345 (Dover Seaways), 9293088 (Delft Seaways) and 9293076 (Dunkerque Seaways).
Can I walk onto the Dover to Dunkirk ferry?
No. Dover to Dunkirk is for vehicles only. From Dover, only P&O Ferries to Calais takes foot passengers.