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. The three vessels were later joined by the former "Stena Londoner" which became the "SeaFrance Monet". SeaFrance quickly became the second busiest operator on the Dover-Calais route after P&O European Ferries and ahead of their former partners now known as Stena Line. In 1997 the "SeaFrance Manet" entered service after a five-year charter to Stena Line for the Newhaven—Dieppe service, the ship essentially replaced the "Monet" which was later sold, after being damaged in Calais. SeaFrance took delivery of the "SeaFrance Rodin" in 2001, their first new ship and the fastest Dover—Calais ferry. She was joined in 2005 by the "SeaFrance Berlioz", a sister ship built at a different yard.