PRIDE OF HULL

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Ferry converted to run on biofuels

The "Pride of Hull"has been converted to run on biofuels. The operator P&O Ferries aims to demonstrate a significant step toward cleaner trade between the UK and the EU and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The ship is the first North Sea ferry on the Hull-Rotterdam route to operate permanently on the lower-emission biofuel "Biofuel B30." By switching to "Biofuel B30," the ferry reduces its greenhouse gas emissions over its entire life cycle by approximately 20 %, compared to conventional marine fuel, while maintaining operational reliability. The biofuel was selected as the most practical transitional fuel after the approval from engine manufacturer Wärtsilä. It reduces emissions without requiring expensive modifications to ships. Alternative fuels such as methanol or ammonia would require significant modifications or engine replacement. The use of this environmentally friendly fuel builds on the carbon dioxide savings of over 135,000 tons that P&O Ferries has already achieved in recent years through the use of hybrid vessels and fleet optimization. The ferry's conversion also supports compliance with the new EU FuelEU Maritime Regulation, which came into force in Jan 2025.

Medevac on the Northsea

On Jan 5, 2023, shortly before midnight, a 70 year old passenger of the 'Pride of Hull', en route from Hull to Rotterdam, started to feel unwell, and his condition quickly deteriorated. He was rushed to the ferry's emergency room where he fell in and out of consciousness and went into cardiac arrest. He had to be revived three times, twice manually and once with a defibrillator, with help from a Polish doctor, who was onboard as a passenger, and P&O staff. In the morning of Jan 5, the Coastguard helicopter from Humberside, flew out to airlift the man who was in a very bad state. He was hoisted and taken to the James Paget Hospital in Gorleston. At the hospital, the man was put in intensive care (ICU) for a short period, but he was now stable and his heart was being monitored.

Ferry will not return to service the forthcoming weeks

The 'Pride of Hull' will not return to service until April 23 at the earliest, the company P&O has said. The vessel is docked in Rotterdam after sailing from Hull following P&O's decision to sack 800 workers in favour of lower-paid replacements. It was expected to restart its North Sea crossing on April 4, but in a tweet the ferry company announced the postponement. The ship was cleared to sail with passengers and cargo after passing an inspection by the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).