Superferry Spirit of France has arrived in Dover to embark on a new era of cross-Channel sailing.

She is due to make her inaugural sailing to Calais from the port next Thursday (February 9) at noon.

The P&O Ferries vessel, with her sister ship the Spirit of Britain, cost 360 million euros, and represent the largest investment by the ferry company.

They are the largest ferries ever built for the Dover Strait

Spirit of France has 12 decks, weighs 47,492 tons, is 213 metres long and more than 31 metres wide.

She can carry 170 15-metre lorries plus 195 cars (or 1,000 cars only), plus 2,000 passengers.

The ferry is undergoing berthing trials in Dover and Calais before starting cross-Channel service mid February.

She will make the crossing in 90 minutes at a speed of around 23 knots.

A P&O spokesman said the ferry’s arrival has generated a great deal of interest – despite the fact that the Spirit of Britain had preceded her some months ago.

This picture was taken by Katie Garrod. More of Miss Garrod’s excellent pictures of the ship appear in this week’s Dover Mercury.