P&O Ferries has taken delivery of its new €180 million ship Spirit of Britain during a handover ceremony at the stxeurope shipyard in Rauma, Finland.

The Spirit of Britain then followed a route cleared by icebreakers to start its delivery voyage to Dover, where it is due to arrive at 11.00hrs on Sunday 9 January. Final preparations will then be made for the ship to enter service on the Dover – Calais route form 21 January.

At 49,000 gross registered tonnes and 213 metres in length, Spirit of Britain is by far the largest ferry ever built for service on the Dover Strait. She is the first of a pair of new ships coming into service for P&O Ferries on the Dover – Calais route this year, with sister ship Spirit of France due for delivery in September.

The combined cost of €360 million for the two ships represents the largest investment ever made by P&O Ferries.