P&O Ferries confirms 360m euro order

P&O Ferries has confirmed a €360 million (£281 million) contract with Aker Yards for two new vessels to operate the Dover-Calais service.

The two ships, which will replace the Pride of Dover and the Pride of Calais, are the largest ferries ever to be constructed for this particular crossing.

At 49,000 tonnes in weight and 210 metres in length, the vessels will be the largest ships capable of docking in existing facilities at Dover and Calais.

They will have capacity for up to 195 tourist vehicles and be capable of carrying up to 2,000 people.

Passengers will be able to board the first ship when it enters service in December 2010. The second ferry will be launched in September 2011.

P&O Ferries chairman Robert Woods said: "This contract reflects our Dubai shareholder's strong belief in P&O Ferries and its support of our determination to grow our business over the long term."

The operator claimed that the new ships will be as eco-friendly as possible, with a hull design that will optimise performance with minimum fuel consumption.