DFDS have launched a new Calais to Sheerness unaccompanied freight ferry service using a ship called 'Maxine'. This new service offers an alternative route to Dover which benefits from being considerably closer to the M25 orbital road network.

This morning (August 6) Maxine was transferred to the old Olau Line ferry berth for the first time. This purpose built roll on / roll off berth was last used by Olau's luxury passenger ships to Holland in 1994, but has recently been adapted and brought back into use by the port for the new DFDS ferry.

Footage shows Maxine being moved from her temporary berth inside the Port of Sheerness, to the old Olau berth for the first time, with a lot of technical staff checking everything went smoothly. The new berth is visible from Sheerness promenade.

The new ferry is estimated to have created around 100 jobs.