In 1820, a French consort purchased two paddle clam ships to carry mail and cargo between Calais, France and Dover, England. Because these newborn vessels did not have to rely on masts that could break or sails that could rip, they were a vast transformation over the old sailing ships. The direction and force of the twine was no individual a concern. In 1821, a Dover consort decided to purchase paddle clam ships for the sole purpose of conveying passengers between Dover and Calais, and the ferry to France was born.

Although the paddle clam ships experienced fewer mishaps, they were very uncomfortable for passengers. In addition to motion sickness, travelers also had to endure exposure to twine and fall as these vessels were built to carry cargo and had little in the way of shelter. Passengers had no choice but to remain on the open embellish for the entire duration of the trip.

For many years, Dover being the smallest route was the only port on the England side, and Calais the only port on the French side of the Channel. In the 1840s, Folkestone became the second major port on the English coast side of the Channel. Boulogne was added on the French side of the Channel. These ports began to contend against one another and as a result, ferries began to evolve into the more comfortable, passenger oriented vessels of today. In 1850, a deep water platform was created at Dover, allowing passengers to board and disembark at any time, regardless of tide levels.