Pictured: P&O’s new £220million cross-Channel ‘super ferry’, which has two bridges so it doesn’t have to turn around in port
- The first of the new vessels will set sail in 2023 and cut fuel use by 40 per cent. They will be 750ft long
- Energy will be conserved through a cutting-edge system that cuts power to part of the ships that aren’t in use
- The company says these energy savings will make it the first ‘zero carbon emissions’ fleet
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P&O Ferries is to launch a new fleet of £220million cross-Channel ‘super ferries’.
The first of the new vessels will set sail in 2023 and cut fuel use by 40 per cent.
Passengers will be treated to panoramic sea views, as well as outside viewing platforms for the White Cliffs of Dover.
P&O’s new ‘super ferry’ will cut emissions and lower journey times because the ships won’t have to turn around in port – thanks to a double-bridge design
The 750ft boats also have a double-ended design featuring two bridges facing in each direction.
This will cut emissions and lower journey times because the ships won’t have to turn around in port.
Engineers have also developed a new hull specially designed to increase manoeuvrability through the Channel’s busy shipping lanes.
Energy will be conserved through a cutting-edge system that cuts power to part of the ships that aren’t in use.
The company says these energy savings will make it the first ‘zero carbon emissions’ fleet.
An infographic highlighting some of the new ferry’s features. The first of the new vessels will set sail in 2023 and cut fuel use by 40 per cent
Pictures previewing the design of the new ship were unveiled yesterday.
Managing director David Stretch said: ‘These remarkable images provide a glimpse of the transformation which our customers will experience when they travel between Britain and Europe on the most sustainable, most reliable and most customer-friendly ships ever to sail on the route.
‘This major investment will be a vital part of Europe’s transport infrastructure into the 2040s and symbolises our commitment to making trade flow for our customers.’
P&O ferries sails 27,000 times a year on routes between Britain, France, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Holland and Belgium.
The company boasts a fleet of 20 ships, carrying 8.4million passengers and 2.3million freight units every year.