A SHIP has moored up off the coast of Bournemouth where it is likely to remain over the weekend. 

Ferry operator P&O has moored its new craft Pioneer off the coast at the request of the Port of Dover. 

The craft was supposed to arrive in Dover today but bad weather and strong winds across southern England means the boat will have to stay in Dorset’s part of the English Channel in the meantime. 

A spokesperson for P&O Ferries said: “At the request of the Port of Dover, P&O Ferries new ship will arrive in Dover next week to allow them to prioritise trade journeys. 

“Until then, the P&O Pioneer will be safely moored off the south coast of England.”

Bournemouth Echo: Pioneer in better weatherPioneer in better weather (Image: P&O Ferries)

Newly commissioned by P&O Ferries, Pioneer is the world’s largest hybrid double-ended ferry and is expected to cut fuel usage on the Dover-Calais crossing by 40 per cent, delivering a major carbon emission saving. 

The P&O Pioneer will be the most sustainable ferry ever to sail between Britain and Europe and is described as a true leader in advancing the UK maritime sector's journey towards net zero. 

P&O Pioneer weighs 47,394 gross tonnes and is 230 metres (or 756 feet) long. 

Bournemouth Echo: PioneerPioneer (Image: P&O Ferries)

It’s capable of reaching speeds of 20.8 knots (24mph) and can carry 1,500 passengers while accommodating 3,600 lane metres of vehicles across the Channel, including 2,800 lane metres of commercial traffic, 800 lane metres of cars. 

Peter Hebblethwaite, chief executive of P&O Ferries, said: “The delivery of P&O Pioneer is an important step for P&O Ferries, and one that will bring advanced sustainable technology to the Dover-Calais crossing.  

“We are excited to offer our passengers and freight customers the chance to experience this state-of-the-art new ferry on our busiest route, which is also one of the UK’s most important connections with the continent of Europe.”