Feature, Freight News, Sea

Pride of Hull goes 100% biofuel

[ September 22, 2025   //   Chris Lewis ]

P&O Ferries vessel Pride of Hull has become the first ferry on the Rotterdam route to permanently run on lower-carbon biofuel. Following a successful trial, the vessel is now running entirely on Biofuel B30.

At 215 metres long, Pride of Hull carries up to 400 freight vehicles and 1,360 passengers on the Hull–Rotterdam corridor. B30 cuts lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared with traditional marine fuel.

 The transition directly supports compliance with the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into force in January 2025 and requires ships over 5,000 gross tonnage to progressively reduce their greenhouse gas intensity.

Fleet director, Stewart Hayes, 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. Alternative fuels such as methanol and ammonia would require significant engine modifications or replacements.

Tags: P&O Ferries