STX Finland’s Rauma Shipyard Delivers Spirit of France

January 25, 2012

The P&O Ferries cross-Channel newbuilding ‘Spirit of France’ was handed over on 24 January by the builder, STX Finland’s Rauma shipyard. She is a sister to ‘Spirit of Britain’, delivered from Rauma in January 2011.

Like her sister, the Spirit of France is 213m long and 31.5m wide, with 3,746 lane-m for trailers, cars and other cargo. The 47,600gt ship can accommodate 2,000 passengers, as well as about 180 freight trucks and 195 passenger cars. According to STX Finland, in the design of the ship special attention was paid to environmental friendliness, energy efficiency and safety.

“The Spirit of France and her sistership the Spirit of Britain are the largest, most efficient and modern vessels on the route Dover – Calais. We trust that these ships will be highly appreciated by the passengers and they will serve successfully P&O Ferries for a long time. I want to thank the owner and all those involved in the project for a good co-operation“, said director of STX Rauma shipyard, Timo Suistio.

No mention was made by the yard of the fact that the ship was originally scheduled to be delivered in September 2011, but was not accepted, reportedly because of vibration problems. A further delay was said to have occurred because the ship was damaged after breaking away from her moorings in Rauma during a storm in November last. It would appear that the owner is now able to accept the ship. Once Spirit of France enters service, Spirit of Britain will return to Rauma to have a similar, but apparently less severe, vibration problem investigated.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, January 25, 2012;