Ferry services between Amsterdam and the Port of Tyne resume

The DFDS King Seaways sails on the River Tyne past North Shields fish Quay, as it returns to service carrying passengers from Amsterdam for the first time since the beginning of lockdown.
The DFDS King Seaways sails on the River Tyne past North Shields fish quay, as it returns to service carrying passengers from Amsterdam for the first time since the beginning of lockdown. Credit: PA Images

The King Seaways ferry returned to the River Tyne on Thursday after a three month absence.

Carrying passengers from Amsterdam to North Shields for the first time since March, the ferry sailed past the fish quay and into the Port of Tyne, following the restritions of quarantine restrictions. A daily service to the Netherlands is now being reintroduced.

Among the first of the ship were Robert and Camilla, whose journey began three weeks ago in Mexico, bound for a new home in Edinburgh.

There are limits on the number of people allowed in any one area of the ship, signs on the floor enforcing social distancing and seats in the bar closed to customers.

DFDS say the biggest difference is the dramatic reduction in passeger numbers.

  • Watch Tom's Barton's report here: