PRESS RELEASES

Here you can find our latest press releases

29th AUGUST 2024

START OF NEW DOVER-CALAIS PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN P&O FERRIES AND IRISH FERRIES TO CUT FREIGHT WAIT TIMES BY 25 PER CENT 

• P&O Ferries is delighted to formally go live with its ‘Turn-up and Go’ space charter with Irish Ferries this week, following trials during the summer.

• The new space charter agreement between the two operators is a material step forward on previous space charters, with a first come first served principle at its heart.

• At peak times ships will always be fully loaded for freight, meaning port clearance times will be up to 25 per cent quicker.

• The agreement makes full use of P&O Ferries' advanced and modern fleet, including the first two hybrid electric vessels on the Channel crossing.

Dover, 29 August 2024 – P&O Ferries are excited to be running their ‘Turn-up and Go’ space charter with Irish Ferries on the Dover-Calais route, meaning ships will always be fully loaded for freight at peak, allowing freight to clear the port up to 25 per cent faster. This is a material improvement for freight customers as they will be offered the next available departure when they arrive at the port on a first come first served principle, regardless of which company operates it.

The agreement also lowers the carbon footprint of the cross-Channel route by always fully loading P&O Ferries’ modern fleet, including two best-in-class hybrid vessels that are 40 per cent more efficient. Dover-Calais is the single largest commercial route servicing the UK and the Continent.

During the trial period, which began on 8th July, more than 12,000 freight vehicles were transferred between the two operators.

P&O Ferries Chief Executive Peter Hebblethwaite said: "Our 'Turn-up and Go' service with Irish Ferries promises our freight customers speedier, more efficient passages from Dover to Calais. This is a material step forward on previous space charters, ensuring that capacity is fully utilised, reducing port congestion and minimising the carbon impact of the cross-Channel route. With this agreement and P&O Ferries' modern fleet, which includes two best in class hybrid vessels, we are setting a new benchmark for the industry – assuring faster and greener journeys and making the Dover-Calais route more competitive.”

The space charter will initially serve freight customers and will eventually expand to include passengers, giving them greater choice over journey schedules, shorter port wait times, and fewer delays if they miss planned crossings, particularly during peak periods.

23rd AUGUST 2024

P&O FERRIES BOOSTS NORTH SEA FREIGHT CAPACITY WITH NEW LONG-TERM SHIP CHARTERS.

P&O Ferries is proud to announce the addition of the Longstone vessel to its fleet, increasing freight capacity on its route between Tilbury near London and its hub at Zeebrugge in Belgium. This ro-ro cargo ship, chartered long term, will enable P&O Ferries to carry more freight on its North Sea network, offering customers greater capacity and flexibility. P&O Ferries will also add the Longstone’s sister vessel to its fleet in late 2025.

The Longstone’s capacity is over 50% greater than P&O Ferries’ existing vessels on the Tilbury-Zeebrugge route. With 4076 lane meters and the ability to carry 346 freight units, the new ship is the first step of P&O Ferries’ demand-led expansion plan for its North Sea Services and is expected to begin service in early September. 

To complement this maritime expansion, P&O Ferries – with the support of its customers - has expanded its rail handling service in Zeebrugge with new intermodal services to/from Germany and Central Europe. This substantial boost in capacity for P&O Ferries’ Zeebrugge-Tilbury route, supported by the new rail connections, will facilitate smoother trade flows between the UK and Europe. 

“We are expanding our North Sea network in response to the demand from our customers,” said Peter Hebblethwaite, CEO of P&O Ferries. “This long-term investment is just the first step of our expansion plan for this network. It is about having the right tonnage, underpinned by effective rail handling, to allow our customers to plan new opportunities. Boosting capacity on our routes between Tilbury and the continent of Europe is what our customers need, and will give them even greater direct access to London and its transport connections.”

“The efficiency and capacity of the Longstone vessel, along with integrated rail services will also help cut the carbon emissions associated with freight movements and reduce road congestion around ports and in the wider catchment area.

“We will deliver significant growth of unaccompanied transportation on the North Sea by offering our customers scalable capacity and the right service package in ports and on our ferries. This contributes directly to the end-to-end logistics service offered by our parent company, DP World.” 

Contact

P&O Ferries Press Office

E: POFerries.PressOffice@edelman.com

T: +44 203 047 2460

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