STX Rauma yard starts construction of second P&O ferry

Construction of the second in a pair of large new ropax vessels for P&O Ferries has started at the yard of STX Europe in Rauma, Finland.

The first of the new ships is on schedule to be floated out of its building dock in early May when it will be fitted out before being delivered at the end of 2010. The second vessel will be delivered in the third quarter of 2011.

P&O Ferries is investing a total of ?360 million in the new ships, which at

49,000 tonnes are the largest ferries ever designed for the Dover – Calais service.