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
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
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.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.