SeaFrance operates five ships on up to 46 daily Channel crossings

The SeaFrance Berlioz, which is a sister ship to the SeaFrance Rodin, has been custom-designed for the route.

She is named after the French composer Hector Berlioz, strengthening the ferry company's link with French culture.

SeaFrance managing director Robin Wilkins said the "new state of the art addition" to the fleet would increase its quality and capacity.

SeaFrance will now be able to offer 15 daily return crossings, with the majority of sailings on either the SeaFrance Rodin or the SeaFrance Berlioz.

The new ship was built at Les Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint Nazaire, Brittany.

It has a capacity to carry 1,900 passengers and 700 cars, and offers a 70 minute Channel crossing time.

The French ferry company operates five ships, with up to 46 crossings per day.