P&O Ferries has announced that it supports the replacement of existing ferries with more environmentally friendly, hydrogen-powered vessels.

As Britain’s first hydrogen-powered ferry – a relatively small vessel to be used in Bristol – is prepared for launch in June, P&O Ferries has hinted that it may switch to a zero-carbon fleet over the coming years.

Communications executive, Michelle Ulyatt, said: “One of the big issues with that [hydrogen-powered ferries] will be the cost of actually introducing it. The more we can do to help the environment the better, but we have to do it in a realistic way.”

While Ms Ulyatt analyses the numbers involved in establishing an eco-friendly ferry fleet, P&O Ferries celebrated the successful floating of the Spirit of France superferry in Finland on Friday.

Describing the Spirit of Britain’s sister ship, chief executive, Helen Deeble, said: “With capacity for up to 2,000 passengers and three separate vehicle decks capable of carrying nearly four kilometres of traffic parked end to end, these huge ships open a new era in cross-Channel travel. Their revolutionary design, with a unique hull form that reduces drag in shallow Channel waters and enhances fuel economy, means P&O Ferries can carry twice the payload of today’s ferries for the same running costs.”

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