P&O Ferries is ordering two new ships for the Dover-Calais route costing £285 million.

The vessels will be the largest ever to operate from Dover.

The first will enter service in December, 2010, and the second in September, 2011, replacing the Pride of Dover and the Pride of Calais.

At 49,000 gross tonnes and 210 metres in length, they will be the largest ships capable of fitting into facilities in the Channel ports.

With space for more than 160 articulated lorries they will double the freight carrying capacity of the ships they are replacing, whilst additionally providing a third vehicle deck for up to 250 tourist vehicles.

There will be facilities for up to 1,500 freight drivers and passengers.

The company says the ships will be as environmentally friendly as possible, offering significant advances in fuel efficiency.

P&O will also be selecting eco-friendly materials in their construction and intends obtaining for them a "green passport" issued by Lloyd's Register.

The ships will be built by Finnish company Aker Yards.

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