P&O Ferries powers cleaner future with North Sea’s first biofuel ferry

P&O Ferries has made history on the North Sea, with its vessel, the Pride of Hull, becoming the first ferry on the busy Hull–Rotterdam route to permanently run on lower-carbon biofuel.
Following a successful trial, the vessel is now running entirely on B30 – a milestone in P&O Ferries’ journey to cut emissions across its fleet.

At 215 metres long, Pride of Hull carries up to 1,360 passengers and 400 freight vehicles on the busy Hull–Rotterdam corridor, a critical trade and travel link between the UK and Europe.
Now, with the transition to B30, the ferry is cutting lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 20% compared with traditional marine fuel, while maintaining the reliability of services.

Stewart Hayes, fleet director for P&O Ferries, said: “By adopting biofuels, we’re helping our freight and passenger customers meet their climate goals while making journeys and supply chains cleaner.
“It’s another step towards our ambition for a more sustainable future for ferry travel and trade, part of DP World’s wider commitment to cut emissions by 42% by 2030. Our shared goal exceeds European standards to limit global temperature rise.”

Following consultation with engine manufacturer Wärtsilä and leading fuel suppliers, B30 was selected as the most practical transitional fuel - reducing emissions without the need for costly vessel conversions.