News

Two giant superferries have been ordered for P&O's Dover to Calais route.

The 49,000 tonne ships, as long as two football pitches, will replace the Pride of Dover and Pride of Calais and are expected to be sailing in two years.

They will have space for more than 160 articulated lorries and 250 tourist vehicles and will double the freight capacity of those they replace. There will be facilities for up to 1,500 freight drivers and passengers.

The 210m ferries, which will be the largest ever to operate the short sea crossing to France are more than 40m longer than the existing ships.

They are being built by Finnish shipbuilder Aker Yards in a £285m deal.

The company builds cruise ships, ferries, merchant vessels and offshore vessels.