The DFDS ferry service from the Port of Tyne has resumed.
The route between Newcastle, UK and IJmuiden, near Amsterdam is operational again, following the UK government?s announcement to remove quarantine restrictions for travellers.
The route had been suspended since the commencement of the UK lockdown in March but bookings are now open for the rest of summer and beyond.
?We are delighted to welcome the return of the popular DFDS ferry service, which has been sailing daily from the Port of Tyne since 1995. The route is incredibly important to the region, with almost 600,000 passengers stepping on-board last year,? said Kate O'Hara, commercial director, Port of Tyne. ?The eye-catching ferries on the River Tyne, have become a part of our daily lives over the last 25 years and we are looking forward to locals and visitors using the ferry once again.?
The ferry service will operate daily with reduced passengers capacity to maximise the space available on-board, and ensure that the passengers can comply with the government?s guidance on social distancing. There will be new signage, social distancing measures, screens for Port and Border Force employees, hand sanitiser stations, and increased cleaning at the port?s ferry terminal. The crew will be provided with protective equipment, and passengers will be advised to wear face coverings for embarkation and disembarkation.
Teun Wim Leene, route director at DFDS, said, ?It is fantastic to have both vessels returned to service again. Our call centres, web-visits and bookings have seen a surge in demand. Our crew is very much looking forward to welcoming holiday makers and mini cruise passengers back on-board, to rediscover the freedom of ferry travel with DFDS.?
Port of Tyne recently celebrated 25 years of DFDS ferries sailing from its international passenger terminal, with the route between Newcastle and Amsterdam receiving almost 600,000 passengers last year.
