The vessel’s first trip to its new home has been aided by DP World’s vast global network of terminals allowing it to dock in one of its own terminals where it will be fully serviced by various specialist teams from within the global firm’s group of companies.

DP World's integrated services will provide berthing, bunkering, and marine services while the vessel is docked at Limassol. Unifeeder and P&O Maritime Cyprus will be responsible for bunkering and marine operations, while DP World Limassol terminal operators will be in charge of berthing the vessel while it remains at the port.

P&O PIONEER' is set to be the world’s largest double-ended hybrid ferry with two bridges meaning there is no need for it to turn around in ports, saving fuel on every roundtrip. Forecasts anticipate that P&O Pioneer will deliver a 40% reduction in carbon emissions on the Dover-Calais route from its first day in service, making it the most sustainable ferry ever to sail between Britain and the Continent and a true leader in advancing the UK maritime sector's journey towards net zero.

Peter Hebblethwaite, CEO of P&O Ferries, said: “The delivery of P&O PIONEER' is an important step for P&O Ferries, and one that will bring advanced sustainable technology to the Dover-Calais crossing. We are excited to offer our passengers and freight customers the chance to experience this state-of-the-art new ferry on our busiest route, which is also one of the UK’s most important connections with the continent of Europe.

"Last summer we carried more than one million passengers on this route and are looking forward to an exciting summer ahead with the first of our two new ships."

P&O PIONEER © P&O Ferries