ALTERNATIVE PROMOTION

P&O ferries are really pleased to announce that we have just signed a €360m contract with the Finnish shipbuilder, Aker Yards for the two largets ferries EVER to be constructed for the Dover - Calias service. We have also taken options on a further two vessels of the same design.

The first of these will enter service in December 2010 and the second in September 2011, replacing the Pride of Dover and the Pride of Calais. At 49,000 gross tonnes, the new ships will be the largest ferries ever to operate in the short sea sector and at 210 metres in length, will be the largest ships capable of fitting into facilities in the Channel ports and will be the first Channel ferries designed to manoeuvre under their own power in 50 knot winds.

They will have space for more than 180 frieght vehicles, more than doubling the freight carrying capacity of the ships they are replacing, whislt additionally providing a third vehicle deck for up to 195 tourist vehicles. In addition up to 2,000 passengers will be carried on each vessel.