Biofuel first for Hull-Rotterdam ro-ro runs

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P&O Ferries has announced that its passenger cargo and ro-ro ferry Pride of Hull has become the first vessel in its fleet to run entirely on biofuel B30, a blend of 30% biodiesel and 70% conventional diesel. As a result of the fuel swap, the 215m x 32m vessel, which services a route linking Hull, UK and Rotterdam, will cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20% compared with traditionally fuelled ferries – and without impacting on service reliability.

A spokesperson for P&O Ferries comments: “Following consultation with engine manufacturer Wärtsilä and leading fuel suppliers, biofuel B30 was selected as the most practical transitional fuel – reducing emissions without the need for costly vessel conversions.” The spokesperson adds that alt-fuels such as methanol and ammonia were rejected because they would have required expensive and significant engine modifications or replacements.

Completed by Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri and put into service in 2001, Pride of Hull features 12 decks and the capacity to carry up to 1,360 passengers and 400 freight vehicles.

Stewart Hayes, P&O Ferries fleet director, comments: “This transition shows that meaningful emissions reductions are possible today – even on one of the largest ferries in Europe.” Hayes adds that the move is part of a wider scheme by DP World (which acquired P&O Ferries in 2019) “to cut emissions by 42% by 2030”.