Work has begun on the second of two new P&O cross-Channel ferries.

The vessel is being built by STX Europe in Rauma, Finland.

The first of the new ships is due to be floated out of its building dock in early May. It will then be fitted out before being delivered at the end of 2010.

The second ship will be delivered in the third quarter of 2011. The combined cost of the two ferries is around £300million, and at 49,000 tonnes each, will be the largest ever designed for the Dover-Calais service.