P&O Ferries charts course to greener future

A shipping operator has taken a major step towards greener maritime trade.

P&O Ferries has made history on the North Sea by making its vessel, the Pride of Hull, the first ferry on the Hull–Rotterdam route to run entirely on lower-carbon biofuel. 

The 215-metre ferry carries up to 1360 passengers and 400 freight vehicles, providing an essential transport link between the UK and Europe. 

Following a successful trial, the ferry now operates solely on Biofuel B30, cutting lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by around 20 per cent compared with traditional marine fuel while maintaining service reliability.

Officials say the move marks a key milestone in P&O Ferries’ efforts to cut emissions across its fleet and helps support compliance with the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, which requires ships over 5000 gross tonnage to reduce greenhouse gas intensity. 

They add that biofuel B30 was chosen as a practical transitional fuel after consultation with engine manufacturer Wärtsilä and leading suppliers, avoiding costly engine conversions needed for alternatives such as methanol or ammonia.

Stewart Hayes, fleet director for 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 towards our ambition for a more sustainable future for ferry travel and trade, part of DP World’s wider commitment to cut emissions by 42 per cent by 2030. 

“Our shared goal exceeds European standards to limit global temperature rise.”

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