P&O Ferries Fleet Replacement Programme (Fusion Class Vessels)
Dover-Calais route (built in China) · 2019–2023 (contract signed 2019, vessels delivered 2023) · €260m (approx. £220m at 2019 exchange rates) for two vessels
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchStrategic investment to modernize the fleet and secure P&O Ferries' position on a key cross-Channel route. - Emphasis on sustainability and fuel efficiency with the development of the Fusion Class vessels. - The double-ended design eliminates the need to turn around in port, improving efficiency and reducing turnaround times.
Key engineering challenges
Designing and building the world's largest double-ended ferries for efficient operation on the Dover-Calais route. - Incorporating eco-friendly technologies to reduce environmental impact (e.g., hybrid electric propulsion, waste heat recovery). - Ensuring high capacity for both passengers and freight while maintaining maneuverability and speed. - Managing the construction process in an international shipyard (China) for timely delivery.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- P&O Ferries
- Lead contractor
- Guangzhou Shipyard International Ltd (China)
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build (vessel/fleet programme)
- Scale
- 230.5m long; world's largest double-ended ferries; capacity for 1,800 passengers and 300 cars (example from Irish Ferries, but similar class); fusion class vessels.
- Disciplines
- Marine Engineering; Naval Architecture; Electrical Engineering; Environmental Engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- International maritime regulations (IMO), classification society rules, relevant EU directives.
Sources: P&O Ferries: PO Pioneer | Dover to Calais (https://www.poferries.com/en/ships/po-pioneer) - Nautilus Federation: P&O Ferries signs contract to build new ‘green’ ferries for cross-Channel operations (https://www.nautilusfederation.org/en/news/po-ferries-signs-contract-to-build-new-green-ferries-for-cross-channel-operations/) - Port of Dover: P&O Ferries To Invest In 260M Euro New Generation Of Super Ferries (https://www.portofdover.com/news/po-ferries-to-invest-in-260m-euro-new-generation-of-super-ferries-to-revolutionise-transport-between-britain-and-the-continent/) - ABB: ABB powers P&O super-ferries towards new sustainable transport era (https://new.abb.com/news/detail/67952/abb-powers-po-super-ferries-towards-new-sustainable-transport-era) - Wikipedia: P&O Ferries (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P%26O_Ferries)