DP World subsidiary P&O Ferries’ vessel, ‘Pride of Hull’, which operates on the Hull-Rotterdam route, has become the first ferry on the North Sea to run permanently on B30 biofuel with the aim of cutting GHG emissions.
The 215m ferry has caacity for 1,360 passengers and 400 vehicles, and the switch to alternative fuel will cut GHG emissions aby about 20%, enabling compliance with FuelEU Maritime regulations.
Stewart Hayes, fleet director, P&O Ferries, said: “This transition shows that meaningful emissions reductions are possible today, even on one of the largest ferries in Europe. By adopting biofuels, we’re helping our freight and passenger customers meet their climate goals while making journeys and supply chains cleaner. It’s another step toward our ambition for a more sustainable future for ferry travel and trade, part of DP World’s wider commitment to cut emissions by 42% by 2030. Our shared goal exceeds European standards to limit global temperature rise.”
The B30 biofuel vlend was selected as the most practical transitional fuel following consultation with engine builder Wärtsilä and bunker fuel suppliers. The fuel acts as a ‘drop-in’ alternative and reduces emissions without the need for engine modifications.
Image: ‘Pride of Hull’ ro-pax (source: P&O Ferries)
