Isle of Innisfree’s deployment will double the number of Irish Ferries ships operating the route – which was launched in June – to two, with Isle of Inishmore already in service.

Innisfree was built in 1992 in Belgium and was delivered as Prins Filip. It The ship will have capacity for up to 1,140 passengers, 83 freight vehicles or 600 cars.

Facilities include a self-service restaurant, a cafe/bar, club class lounge, duty-free shop, children’s play area and access to outdoor decks.

Andrew Sheen, Irish Ferries managing director, said: “We are delighted be able to add a second ship to our Dover-Calais route, with the ship doubling our frequency with a departure every two-and-a-half hours rather than the current five hours between sailings.

"The ship underlines our commitment to this route and facilitates trade for both exporters and importers as well as ensuring capacity for essential passenger movements and greater choice for tourism."