P&O Ferries orders largest ever Dover-Calais ferries

P&O Ferries has ordered two new units for the Dover-Calais route from the Finnish shipyard Aker Yards. The ferries will enter service in 2010 and 2011 and will replace the "Pride of Dover" and the "Pride of Calais".

The 49,000 grt vessels will be the largest ferries ever deployed in the short sea sector and at 210 m long they will be the longest ships that can use the quay facilities in the English Channel ports. They can carry more than 160 trucks, thus doubling their predecessors' capacities. They will also boast a third car deck for 250 vehicles.