The world's largest double-ender hybrid shuttle ferry
P&O Pioneer
Project details
The P&O Pioneer project was part of a broader strategy to develop a new tonnage for P&O Ferries’ operations across the English Channel. The goal was to design a ferry capable of accommodating 1,500 passengers, with scalable interiors adaptable to fluctuating passenger numbers, especially during peak and off-peak times.
Our design focused on flexibility, allowing P&O Ferries to adjust the ferry’s recreational areas and facilities based on passenger flow, ensuring efficiency and comfort across all seasons. By integrating a power management system, we also optimized energy use, allowing lighting and ventilation in unused areas to be automatically turned off during off-peak hours, further enhancing sustainability.
Client
P&O Ferries
Category
Passenger ferry - RoPax
Year
2022
Disciplines
Tonnage strategy, concept design, basic design, interior design, total cost of ownership
Contact person

Kristian Carøe Lind

Our approach
Based on a 360-degrees understanding of P&O’s operation on the English Channel, we developed a concept that allows them to adapt the layout based on passenger fluctuations to ensure the ferries are constantly optimised. The double-ended design also offers faster turn-around time in ports.
The interiors of P&O Pioneer elegantly blend modern aesthetics with functionality. We designed expansive, light-filled spaces that offer panoramic views of the sea, framed by strategically placed windows. These features not only elevate the passenger experience but also highlight the natural beauty of the surroundings, especially the iconic white cliffs of Dover.

The result
P&O Pioneer has proven to be a true success, achieving its core objectives of fuel efficiency, operational optimization, and an enhanced passenger experience. The collaborative efforts between our design team and P&O Ferries resulted in a vessel that exceeded expectations, combining innovation with practicality to create a seamless and sustainable ferry.
P&O PIONEER was awarded the Shippax Ferry Concept & Efficiency Award 2023 for both naval architecture and interior design.
