Greener new ferry service sets sail in Dover

Published by

Sam Pither

A new ‘greener’ ferry service is launching in Dover this September for pedestrians and cyclists.

The new service will take passengers between Dover and Boulogne-Sur-Mer in fast commercial sailing catamarans, taking around four hours.

SailLink’s sailing vessels have electric propulsion installed to give them auxiliary power and provide marina access. When weather conditions don’t permit a crossing, SailLink will work with existing ferry operators to maintain service.

On board a SailLink catamaran. Credit: SailLink

Andrew Simons, founder of SailLink, said: “At SailLink, we are delighted to commence our first crossing between these two great ports, as brilliant destinations in their own right.

"In Dover, there is a wealth of history and activities, and in Boulogne-sur-Mer, a beautiful beach and old town as well as the largest sea-life aquarium in Europe.

“We’ve received enthusiastic support from both the Port of Dover and port authority at Boulogne-Sur-Mer and greatly look forward to the launch in September."

SailLink is running a pilot phase between 10-18 September and hopes to launch officially in Spring 2023. It will start by running one service per day.

Mobile border agents will perform border checks on departure and arrival to allow passengers to set sail within half an hour of arriving at the marina.

As well as enjoying the open sea, passengers will be able to get stuck in sailing the vessel or helping with sampling and observations performed for SailLink’s research partners.

Christian Pryce, Chief commercial officer at the Port of Dover, said: "We’re excited to play a part in this innovative project with SailLink.

"Dover’s strategic location on the Short Straits crossing makes us an ideal location for the launch of this service and we look forward to working alongside the SailLink team on their upcoming pilot and to see how their operation develops."

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.