Construction of new P&O Ferries vessel underway

Shipbuilding company STX Europe announced recently that it had laid the keel for a new vessel being constructed for P&O Ferries, which is the first of two to be delivered from Rauma shipyard in Finland in 2010 and 2011.

A traditional ceremony was carried out that saw some lucky coins placed under the keel to bring good fortune to the ship in the future.

Upon completion, the new vessel will be the largest ship in the cross channel ferry market, with a length of 212 metres and capacity to carry up to 195 tourist vehicles and 1,750 passengers.

STX Europe, which is reportedly the largest ferry builder in the world, said that "special attention" will be paid to safety and environmental friendliness during the development of the new P&O Ferries ship.

The vessel will have a hydro-dynamically efficient hull shape that will minimise its fuel consumption, among other features.

P&O Ferries is one of the largest operators in the cross channel market, providing regular daily crossings on the Dover to Calais ferry route.

The company also operates ferries to Dublin from Liverpool and a Portsmouth to Bilbao ferry service.

Written by Andrew Smith