 SeaFrance began operations between Dover and Calais in 1996 after the termination of a pooling agreement with Sealink (by then known as Stena Sealink Line) in 1995.The service initially began with the former Sealink vessels "Fiesta" and "Côte d'Azur" which became "SeaFrance Cézanne" and "SeaFrance Renoir" respectively after extensive refurbishments to create a distinctive French atmosphere on board.Former Sealink train ferry "Nord Pas-de-Calais" became the and operated as a freight only ferry, though SeaFrance did market the ship to passengers as a quiet ship.