P&O Ferries launches second hybrid ferry on Dover-Calais route

The new ferry began commercial sailings today (19 March), carrying both passenger and freight customers.

P&O Liberté and its sister ship P&O Pioneer represent a £250M (US$317M) investment by P&O Ferries in UK trade and travel. The two vessels are the newest and most technologically advanced in P&O’s Channel fleet. They are powered by a hybrid system that reduces carbon emissions by up to 40% compared with older vessels.

"The arrival of our second revolutionary hybrid vessel means we can offer even more of our customers the best travel experience and facilities available on the Channel," says P&O Ferries chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite. "Our customers – tourist and freight – have welcomed our new hybrid ship with open arms and we are excited to bring P&O Liberté into service."

At 230 m long and more than 47,000 gt each, P&O Liberté and P&O Pioneer are expected to make more than 100,000 Channel crossings each in their lifetime. Last year, more than 3.5M passengers and nearly 800,000 freight units travelled with P&O Ferries on the Dover-Calais route.

The new ferries offer enhanced amenities for both freight drivers and passengers. Drivers have access to the largest dedicated space on the route, including a separate dining area, lounge and showers. Passengers can enjoy duty-free shopping, multiple dining options, and a private Club Lounge with premium food and drink offerings.

The launch of P&O Liberté comes as P&O Ferries announced it cut nearly 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions from its operations in 2023, following a reduction of more than 85,000 tonnes in 2022. The company says the new hybrid vessels have the potential for fully carbon-neutral operation in the future once shore power improvements are made at ports.