P&O Ferries’ new hybrid ship arrives in Dover
The company expects the vessel, named Pioneer, to cut fuel usage on the Dover-Calais crossing by 40% compared with ships in its current fleet.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.P&O Ferries’ first new hybrid ship has arrived in Dover.
The company expects the vessel, named Pioneer, to cut fuel usage on Dover-Calais crossings by 40% compared with its current fleet.
Its hybrid system involves batteries being charged by diesel generators.
Pioneer, built in Guangzhou, China, will now conduct final trial sailings before entering service on June 19.
P&O Ferries’ second hybrid ship, named Liberte, is expected to begin operations towards the end of the year.
The vessels, which cost a total of £230 million, are designed to become fully carbon neutral in the future.
This would require them to recharge their batteries at ports, which is not currently possible at Dover or Calais.
The ferries are double-ended so do not need to turn around for loading and unloading.