
The MV P&O Pioneer is a cruise ship that offers a unique experience for its passengers.
It has a gross tonnage of 42,400 tons.
The ship's length is 198 meters, making it a decent size for a cruise ship.
It was built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, a well-known manufacturer of cruise ships.
Ship Information
The MV P&O Pioneer is a double-ended ferry/Ro-Pax ship with a flag state of Cyprus. It was built in 2023 by COMEC Guangzhou Shipyard in China.
The ferry is 229 meters long and 30 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 47653 gt. It has a speed of 21 knots and can carry 1500 passengers.
Here are some key details about the P&O Pioneer's capacity:
The ferry has 7 decks and is operated by P&O FERRIES UK, with P&O Ferries Cyprus Ltd as its owner.
Ship Technology
The PO Pioneer ferry is equipped with four Azipods, which are in-hull mounted and can rotate 360 degrees, providing better maneuverability.
These Azipods are located at both the bow and stern of the ship, allowing for more efficient docking and undocking.
The ferry's double-ended design saves around 10 minutes of in-port docking and undocking time, as there's no need to maneuver for berthing or departing the dock.
This design also allows vehicles to be loaded and unloaded via both ends of the ship, making it ideal for short routes, including river crossings.
The PO Pioneer ferry has a unique feature - doubled propulsion, with identical units installed at each end, resulting in better stopping power and greater maneuverability.
This design also allows the ship to save maneuvering time and lower fuel consumption, reducing risks before docking.
Here are the key features of the PO Pioneer ferry's propulsion system:
- Two Wheelhouses/Navigation Bridges (one on each end)
- Four Azipods (2x bow, 2x stern)
- Doubled propulsion (identical units installed at each end)
The ship's batteries are provided by XALT Energy, a US-based company specializing in lithium-ion cells, battery packs, and system development.
These batteries have enough power capacity to allow the ship to leave homeports without powering the diesel generators, and are plug-in ready by design, allowing for conversion to battery-electric propulsion in the near future.
Technical Data
The PO Pioneer ferry is a impressive vessel, and let's take a closer look at its technical data. It has a length of 229 m (751 ft) and a beam of 30 m (98 ft), which is quite spacious.
The ferry is powered by Wärtsilä 16v31 Marine Diesel Engines, fitted with ABB turbochargers and Wärtsilä AI technology, and has a propulsion system consisting of 4 x 7.5MW ABB DO1600 Azipods. This setup allows the ferry to reach a top speed of 21 kn (39 km/h / 24 mph).
Here's a breakdown of the ferry's key technical specifications:
The ferry has a gross tonnage of 47653 gt and a deadweight capacity of 11500t, making it a reliable and efficient vessel for transporting passengers and cargo.
PO Ferry Details
The PO Pioneer ferry is a double-ended ferry/Ro-Pax ship built in 2023 by COMEC Guangzhou Shipyard in China.
The ferry is 229 meters long and 30 meters wide, with a gross tonnage of 47653 gt. It has 7 decks and can carry 200 cars and 175 freight vehicles.
Here are some key specifications of the PO Pioneer ferry:
PO Ferry Current Position
The PO Pioneer ferry is currently cruising in the North Sea. Its last reported position was 15 seconds ago.
You can find the exact coordinates of the ferry at 50.96836 N / 1.85319 E.
PO Ferry Cruise News
The PO Pioneer ferry is a great option for those looking to travel between the UK and France. It has a maximum capacity of 1500 passengers and 200 cars, as well as 175 lorries or semi-trailer trucks.
The ferry operates on the Dover-Calais route, with a crossing time of just 1.5 hours. This is a significant improvement over other options, making it a great choice for those with limited time.
You won't find any cabins or passenger staterooms on the PO Pioneer, as the route is relatively short. Instead, the ship offers a Reserved Seating Lounge with comfortable leather couches and luxury amenities.
One of the best things about the Reserved Seating Lounge is that it's inclusive of complimentary beverages and newspapers. You can pre-book your reserved seat and enjoy a range of drinks and snacks during your journey.

Smoking is not permitted on the PO Pioneer, not even on the outdoor deck areas. This is great news for those who prefer a smoke-free environment.
If you're traveling with kids, you should note that there are no children-dedicated staff or facilities on the ferry. This means that you'll need to make your own arrangements for keeping your little ones entertained during the journey.
Here are some key stats about the PO Pioneer ferry:
- IMO number: 9895161
- MMSI: 210385000
- Registered in: Limassol
- Flag: Cyprus
The PO Pioneer has been making headlines in recent years, with several notable announcements and developments. Here are a few key pieces of news:
- Finnish technology conglomerate Wartsila has signed a lifecycle agreement with P&O Ferries.
- The PO Pioneer is set to start revenue operations soon, according to P&O Ferries' timetables.
- The PO Pioneer is one of two new "fusion class" ships being introduced by P&O Ferries in the Dover Strait.
- P&O Ferries has faced criticism for its purchase of the PO Pioneer and its sister ship, despite concerns about shore-power and in-port charging.
A Purposeful Mixture
The MV P&O Pioneer is designed to provide an exceptional experience for its passengers, and one of the ways it achieves this is through its shipboard facilities and amenities.
You'll find two large glass walls on the portside and starboard, each stretching across two decks and offering unobstructed views of the ocean.
The outdoor deck space is impressive, covering around 1500 square meters, giving you plenty of room to take in the breathtaking sea views.
One of the main attractions on board is The Food Court, a buffet-style restaurant serving a wide range of dishes.
If you're in the mood for something more upscale, head to the Brasserie, where you can enjoy gourmet food and fine wines in a sophisticated setting.
The ship also features a range of shops, including a Starbucks Coffee Bar, where you can grab a coffee or snack on the go.
The Pioneer Lounge is another great spot to relax, with comfortable seating and a bar serving light snacks and drinks.
Shopping on board offers a unique experience, with up to 40% discounts on luxury brand perfumes, skincare, and cosmetics, and up to 30% discounts on alcohol.
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