The P&O Pioneer – P&O Ferries’ latest hybrid ship – set sail on its maiden voyage today (June 19) between Dover, UK, and Calais, France.
The 230m-long vessel has a fuel- and battery-powered propulsion system to reduce emissions and will be responsible for carrying both passengers and cargo between the two countries.
Additional design elements will enable the ferry to become carbon neutral in the future, supported and made possible by using shore power in ports and the installation of additional batteries for fully electric operation when infrastructure allows it.
The ship is said to be the world’s largest double-ended hybrid ferry. This design further reduces emissions – the two bridges meaning it does not need to be turned around in port. It is estimated that the P&O Pioneer will carry out more than 100,000 crossings of the Channel during its service life.
“P&O Pioneer marks a new era in low-carbon travel and trade for the UK and France, with the investment of £250m in new hybrid ships on the iconic Dover-Calais route,” said Peter Hebblethwaite, CEO of P&O Ferries. “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.”
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