February 17th, 2026.




The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry is now claimed to be one of the UK’s most successful international short sea passenger routes, showing 47.9% growth since 2013.

That’s according to the Economic and Social Impact Study commissioned by Newhaven Enterprise Zone (NEZ) which revealed the ferry generates a net economic benefit of £31.63m and supports 495 full time equivalent jobs county wide. The report also highlighted opportunities to build on the success of the ferry service, with scope to increase ferry passengers, ramp up the visitor offer in Newhaven and improve facilities for hauliers.

Michelle Connors, programme manager, NEZ explained: “The ferry is a vital asset for Newhaven and the wider Sussex economy, underpinning local employment, supporting tourism and strengthening our connections with Europe.

“With services currently operating at around 40% on average over the course of the year, there is clear potential to grow passenger numbers.

“Alongside London Gatwick and Shoreham Port, the ferry can play a central role in establishing Sussex as a strategic international gateway, driving trade and tourism with France and beyond. Our report shows how we can provide support by bringing key stakeholders together and delivering funding in the town which will support its future success.”

The in-depth report was delivered by leading economic development and regeneration consultancy Rubicon Regeneration and reveals the economic and social benefits of the Newhaven–Dieppe ferry service to Newhaven and the wider Sussex region.

The ferry service brings in a net economic benefit of £13.45m to Newhaven and supports the equivalent of 209 full time jobs in the town.

The only other route in the UK which has seen a significant growth in passengers is the Plymouth to Santander route with an increase of 76% or 50,000 passengers, compared with the Newhaven to Dieppe route, which has seen passenger numbers climb to 133,000 since 2013.

Tourism currently contributes just over £47m to the Newhaven economy, supporting over 699 full-time equivalent FTE jobs, but there is significant potential to ‘ramp up’ the visitor offer in Newhaven, with ferry passengers a key target market.

Actions recommended in the report include innovative marketing to promote the town, short break packages and itineraries and improving facilities for campervans and motorhomes.

Significant investment has been made both in facilities on the ferries and in and around the ferry terminal in Newhaven, however, there is scope to improve the experience on arrival and exit from Newhaven, by expanding facilities to attract hauliers and investing in ferry decarbonisation.

The Newhaven to Dieppe ferry also has the potential to grow as a trading gateway between the UK and mainland Europe.

The report recommends raising awareness of the benefits of the route and creating a bespoke export brokerage service for freight users.

The Newhaven–Dieppe ferry service started in 1825, with the arrival of the railway in 1847 making the crossing more accessible and transforming Newhaven into a major international transit point.

Since 2001, the service has been owned and managed by the Syndicat Mixte de Promotion de l’Activité Transmarche (SMPAT), which contracts DFDS Seaways to operate the service on five-year terms.

Alain Bazille, chairman of SMPAT said: “The determination of the Département de la Seine-Maritime to maintain this line, with the creation of the SMPAT and the Transmanche Ferries brand in 2001, highlights the importance of the route as a driver of economic development.

“The study carried out by NEZ confirms the importance of this line and also supports the intention to strengthen partnerships between the various stakeholders.

“The growth identified by the study between 2013 and 2024, with an increase of more than 47.9% in passenger numbers, reinforces the route’s potential.”

For further information visit: newhavenenterprisezone.com