On the route between the UK and the Netherlands, ferry operator P&O Ferries is using biofuel permanently for the first time: the 215-meter-long “Pride of Hull” now uses only Biofuel B30.
The ferry operator P&O Ferries is using biofuel for the first time on a permanent basis on its routes between the UK and the Netherlands. The “Pride of Hull”, one of the largest ships in North Sea traffic, now runs exclusively on Biofuel B30 on the Hull-Rotterdam route. According to the shipping company, this reduces greenhouse gas emissions by around 20% compared to conventional marine diesel.
The 215 m long ferry offers space for up to 1,360 passengers and 400 trucks. With the conversion, P&O Ferries is fulfilling the requirements of the EU FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which has been in force since January 2025 and provides for a gradual reduction in greenhouse gas intensity for ships over 5,000 GT.
Biofuel enables significant reductions in emissions
“This step shows that noticeable reductions in emissions are already possible today – even for one of the largest ferries in Europe. By using biofuels, we are helping our freight and passenger customers to achieve their climate targets while making travel and supply chains cleaner,” explains Stewart Hayes, Head of Fleet at P&O Ferries.
“It is another step towards a more sustainable future for ferry transport and trade, embedded in DP World ‘s overarching goal to reduce emissions by 42% by 2030. Our joint goal goes beyond European standards to limit the global temperature rise,” Hayes continues.
The measure complements CO₂ savings of more than 135,000 t that P&O Ferries has achieved in recent years through hybrid newbuilds and fleet optimization. The shipping company is part of the DP World logistics group, which has committed to reducing its emissions by 42% by 2030.
