P&O Ferries claims a new hybrid vessel will cut fuel used on Dover-Calais crossings by 40%.
The P&O Pioneer is due to enter service on the English Channel short sea route in May.
Propelled by a combination of fuel and battery power, the ferry is the first of two identical ships.
Built in China, 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 return trip.
Company 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.
This will make it the most sustainable ferry to sail between Britain and the Continent and a leader in advancing the UK maritime sector’s journey towards net zero.
A second identical ship, P&O Liberte, is expected to join the fleet before the end of the year.
P&O Ferries chief executive Peter Hebblethwaite 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.”