Spirit of France

Current Status: Under Construction     Joined Fleet: Expected Qtr 3 2011

On the 8th August 2008 P&O Ferries released news that they had concluded their design process and that an order for two new ships had been placed with Aker Yards in Finland. These two new ships will be the largest and most modern on the Dover to Calais route, whilst not reducing the sailing time they will increase the standards of the onboard experience.

Whilst the news that two new ships will be built, with an option to build two more to the same design, was excellent news it did however lead naturally to an event that will was a sad day not only for P&O Ferries, but the ports of Dover and Calais. The 1987 built Pride of Dover and Pride of Calais, the last ships built for Townsend Thorsen and the most successful ships ever built for the route would be withdrawn from service. The ships will be 24/25 years old when they are to be withdrawn and unlike many ships their age they can claim to have always served the same operator and same home port for the duration of their careers.

Sister Ships
Former Names
Quick Facts
Cars:195
Freight:180
Passengers:2000
Built:2011
Speed:22 knots
Route:Dover to Calais
Crossing Time:90 minutes