Brittany Ferries new hybrid LNG-electric ship has made a preview call into Portsmouth ahead of entering service on February 12.
The 1,290-passenger Saint-Malo departed the port on pure battery power.
The vessel runs on liquefied natural gas, battery power or a combination of the two to reduce emissions at sea, when manoeuvring and while berthed in port.
It means zero emissions when entering and exiting Portsmouth harbour, according to the company.
Alongside sister ship Guillaume de Normandie, arriving in March, Saint-Malo is shore-power capable.
This week’s preview coincided with ramp trials in Portsmouth International Port and various operational tests to prepare her for service.
Saint-Malo, the fourth new vessel to join the fleet between 2019 and 2025, is claimed to be the biggest hybrid vessel ever to enter service – with the largest battery pack. It has 10 decks and 387 cabins, 28 of which are pet-friendly.
The ship offers improved comfort and accessibility for passengers, including a more spacious car deck, wider interior spaces and more comfortable beds.
The latest new ferry in the fleet replaces Bretagne on the route to St Malo.
Chief executive Christophe Mathieu said: “This week we turned the page on a new chapter in the history of Brittany Ferries. It’s a story of sustainable growth and Saint-Malo reflects this commitment to the future.
“Residents and port partners will certainly have heard and seen her first arrival, thanks to water-cannon and welcoming fog horns.
“But they won’t have seen anything untoward from her funnel. That’s because she ran in and out of the harbour on pure electric power – and will continue to do so as she serves Portsmouth in the years to come.”
Portsmouth City Council leader Steve Pitt said: “The arrival of Saint-Malo is the latest step in our long-standing partnership with Brittany Ferries, and also marks a big milestone in our shared sustainability ambitions.
“Not only will Saint-Malo be the first to use LNG bunkering in Portsmouth, but she will also be ready to receive clean electricity from our shore power system when it goes live later this year, making her journeys greener and improving air quality for the city.
“Saint-Malo’s arrival is testament to the environmental commitments we share with Brittany Ferries, and we’re sure all of her passengers will be delighted with the experience she will deliver.”