MANY ships sailing from Dover have a new look. P&O has already had any references to Stena erased, following the company's decision to buy out their Swedish partner's 40 per cent share of the company.

The Stena flag and name have been painted out, and only the title P&O now appears in front of the ships' names.

The European Commission cleared the buy-out earlier this month. P&O chairman Lord Sterling said: "We can now proceed on schedule with the planned consolidation of our ferry business.

"By managing the businesses together we will be able to maximise synergies and growth opportunities across the board and build on what is undoubtedly the strongest brand name in the industry - P&O Ferries."