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MS ''Spirit of Britain'' is a cross-channel ferry operated by P&O Ferries on the Dover-Calais route. She is the first of two 'Spirit' class ships built for P&O Ferries, the other being . The vessels are the largest ferries constructed for the cross-channel route. ==History== P&O Ferries signed a €360m contract with Aker Yards (later renamed STX Europe) on 8 August 2008, for the two largest ferries ever to be constructed for the Dover-Calais service. The first of these ships was to enter service in January 2011, and the second in September 2011, replacing ' and '. The new vessels were specifically designed for the Dover-Calais route and are built to Lloyd’s Register ‘Green Passport’ which provides a comprehensive strategy for all materials used. The ferries are environmentally friendly, offering significant advances in fuel efficiency through a hydro-dynamically efficient hull form that optimises vessel performance with minimum fuel consumption. They are the first passenger ferries in the world to comply with the new International Maritime Organization "Safe Return to Port" requirements, ahead of the international compliance date. These rules require that, in the event of a ship becoming a casualty, basic services are provided to all persons on board and that certain systems remain operational for safe return to port. Performance standards are stipulated for a wide range of ship systems including fire-fighting, power supply, propulsion, steering and navigation. The requirements come into force for vessels built after 1 July 2010. The ships have the Lloyd's Register class notation of PSMR (propulsion and steering machinery redundancy) which will be assigned where the main propulsion and steering systems are configured to ensure that, in the event of equipment failure, the ship retains availability of propulsion power and manoeuvring capability to provide a safe return to port. *March 3, 2009: The first steel plate was cut by P&O Ferries chief executive, Helen Deeble. *August 25, 2009: The keel block was laid at the STX Europe Rauma shipyard in Rauma, Finland. In keeping with maritime tradition, coins were placed under the keel for good fortune. *May 13, 2010: It was announced that the new ships would be named ''Spirit of Britain'' and ''Spirit of France''. ''Spirit of Britain'' was originally to be called ''Olympic Spirit'', but was renamed to avoid copyright infringement. Dame Kelly Holmes agreed to become godmother to the ''Spirit of Britain''. *June 8, 2010: ''Spirit of Britain'' is floated out of its construction dock in Rauma, Finland. *June 8, 2010: After being floated out of her building dock ''Spirit of Britain'' is manoeuvred to the fitting out quay by tugs. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「MS Spirit of Britain」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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