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new ships

P&O Ferries confirm €360m Dover-Calais ferries order!

Updated 8 August 2008:

We are really pleased to announce that we have just signed a €360m contract with the Finnish shipbuilder, Aker Yards for the two largest ferries EVER to be constructed for the Dover-Calais service. We have also taken options on a further two vessels of the same design.

The first of these will enter service in December 2010 and the second in September 2011, replacing the Pride of Dover and the Pride of Calais. At 49,000 gross tonnes, the new ships will be the largest ferries ever to operate in the Short Sea sector and, at 210 metres in length, will be the largest ships capable of fitting into facilities in the Channel ports and will be the first Channel ferries designed to manoeuvre under their own power in 50 knot winds.

They will have space for more than 180 freight vehicles, more than doubling the freight-carrying capacity of the ships they are replacing, whilst additionally providing a third vehicle deck for up to 195 tourist vehicles. In addition, up to 2,000 passengers can be carried on each vessel.

We've been listening carefully to your feedback and suggestions and we know it's so important for our customers that the onboard experience be as pleasant, relaxing and hassle-free as possible. And we will continue to talk throughout the build process - after all, we recognise that consistently delivering what you want is paramount to the success of our business.

Green issues are becoming more important to you than ever before, so the ships will be as environmentally friendly as possible, offering significant advances in fuel efficiency through a hydro-dynamically efficient hull form that will optimise vessel performance with minimal fuel consumption.

We will continue to share more information about these exciting new builds as and when it becomes available - so watch this space!

Click the thumbnail below to view an artist's impression of the new ferries:

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