New STX ferry for P&O ferries

New STX ferry for P&O ferries

New cruise ferry Spirit of France was launched at one of the largest shipyards of the world - Finnish STX (Rauma) - on January 24, 2012. This cruise ferry will serve P&O ferries ships. This company is today regarded as the leader of ferry transportation market in Western Europe.

Spirit of France ferry is capable of carrying passengers and cars. Its length is 213 meters, width - 31.5 meters.

The ship is designed to carry cars, trucks and vans. In addition Spirit of France can receive up to 2,000 passengers. As noted by the ship creators, it was constructed using the techniques that reduce environmental harm of the giant.

Spirit of France is an analogue of another ferry - Spirit of Britain. The Finnish shipyard constructed it for P&O last year.

Cruise ferry Spirit of France is expected to serve voyages between France and Britain on Dover-Calais route.

It is worth noting that ferry transportation market in the region have recently experienced significant changes. It is about the bankruptcy of one of the largest ferry operators in Europe - French company SeaFrance. As reported earlier by cruise-profi.ru, it will is likely be replaced by the alliance of Danish cruise operator DFDS Seaways and French company LD Lines, which promise to become major competitor of P&O ferries in the region. Taking into account current situation increase of P&O ferries fleet on the popular route must ensure operator’s leading place in the region.

P&O Ferries is one of the oldest ferry companies in Europe, which operates cruises from the 1960s. Launching pad for further expansion of the company to the global markets were English Channel and North Sea. The company wants to strengthen its position on the routes in northern Europe against the background of growing competition from low cost carriers.

STX shipyard in Rauma is the largest producer of ferry boats in the world. It is a part of a shipbuilding union STX Europe.

Ilya Kalachev

Date: 30/01/2012