P&O Ferries’ new hybrid ship P&O Pioneer will sail tourist passengers and trade business across the channel between Dover and Calais
The ship is propelled by a combination of traditional fuel and battery power and has been designed with the capacity to become carbon neutral in future. The major investment in this 230-m hybrid ships allows P&O Ferries to cut fuel use while maintaining capacity.
The ship will be the world’s largest double-ended hybrid ferry, with two bridges meaning there is no need for it to turn in port, saving fuel on every roundtrip.
P&O Pioneer is the next step in P&O Ferries’ commitment to the Dover-Calais route. It is expected to cross the channel 100,000 times in its lifetime.
The introduction of new, more efficient ships comes after the integrated transport and logistics company’s best-ever sustainability performance in 2022 – when it achieved a 9% carbon reduction.
The modular elements of the ship mean its electric power capabilities will develop in the future. As technology develops and charging stations are brought in at ports, the additional batteries will be installed to allow fully electric operation.
As the longest ferry to sail between Dover and Calais, P&O Pioneer and its sister ship P&O Liberté, which will join the fleet later this year, will replace the capacity of three older vessels with just two, delivering further efficiency benefits.
P&O Ferries chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite said, “P&O Pioneer marks a new era in low-carbon travel and trade for the UK and France, with the investment of £250M (US$319M) in new hybrid ships on the iconic Dover-Calais route.
“For the millions of passengers who sail with P&O Ferries between the UK and France, our two ultra-modern vessels being introduced this year will deliver a fantastic travel experience.
“We are determined to make P&O Ferries the best ferry company in Europe. That means: the best ships, the best routes, and the best value for our customers.”
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