New ferries double freight space

The new ferries will replace the Pride of Dover and Pride of Calais

Two new ferries have been ordered for P&O's Dover to Calais route to replace the Pride of Dover and Pride of Calais.

The 49,000 ton, 210m (690ft) long ships will have space for more than 160 articulated lorries and will double the freight capacity of those they replace.

They will also have a third vehicle deck for up to 250 tourist vehicles.

The ferries, which will be the largest able to fit into the Channel ports, are being built by Finnish shipbuilder Aker Yards in a £285m deal.

'Environmentally friendly'

There will be facilities for up to 1,500 freight drivers and passengers.

"These ships will be as environmentally friendly as possible, offering significant advances in fuel efficiency," said a P&O spokesman.

"The company will also be selecting eco-friendly materials in their construction and intends obtaining for them a Green Passport issued by Lloyd's Register."

P&O Ferries, which operates a fleet of 27 ferries and employs 4,500 people, said it hoped the investment would help capture growth in the freight market, which is running at more than 5% a year.

Aker Yards said the deal will be of "crucial importance" to the Finnish maritime industries, creating some 1,800 man years of work.

The first of the new ships will enter service in December 2010 and the second in September 2011.