The SPIRIT OF BRITAIN will enhance and increase the capacity for both passenger and freight customers on the Dover – Calais route. The ship was built by STX Europe in Finland in 2010 and entered service on the Dover – Calais route in 2011 where she has remained in the service of P&O Ferries.

The ship has been acquired for a total consideration of EUR 89.4 million settled through a combination of a two-year bareboat charter set at EUR 20,000 per day and a purchase obligation for EUR 74.8 million at the end of the charter.

The acquisition of the vessel will allow Irish Ferries to move one of the three existing ships on Dover – Calais to replace a chartered vessel currently operating on the Rosslare – Pembroke route.  

The agreement means customers booked with either carrier will be offered the next available departure when they arrive at the port, whichever company is operating it – helping them reach their destination faster.

Initially serving freight customers, the agreement means all freight on the quayside will be shipped on the next available sailing on either carrier. This will ensure ferry capacity is fully utilised, easing port congestion, lowering the carbon footprint of the cross-Channel route and delivering efficiencies.

Under the agreement, the two operators plan to extend the space charter arrangement to passengers, enabling them to benefit from greater flexibility over travel times, reduced port waiting times, and reduced delays if they miss intended crossings, particularly in peak periods.

This space charter will benefit ferry customers focussed on both journey time and the value offered by ferry crossings, and gives a significant upgrade to the Dover-Calais ferry proposition compared to other options.

All commercial activities remain entirely under the control of each of P&O Ferries and Irish Ferries.