Britain’s most eco-friendly ship Arvia celebrates keel laying ceremony 

Words by Karen Pasquali Jones 

P&O’s latest ship Arvia will be Britain’s most environmentally-friendly vessel, the cruise line has said at its keel laying ceremony – a key milestone in its construction.

Run on liquified natural gas (LNG) instead of marine diesel fuel, and with a raft of ‘green cruising’ design innovations, Arvia will be among the world’s most eco-friendly ships.

The new technology, which includes using LNG to generate power at sea and in port – an innovation that eliminates sulfur and significantly improves overall air emissions to protect the environment – is part of P&O’s ongoing commitment to sustainable travel.

Arvia is the cruise line’s second LNG-powered ship after Iona, and by the virtual elimination of sulfur dioxide emissions and drastic reduction of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide, the clean fuel reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat global warming, all part of the line’s sustainability goals.

The eco-friendly innovations were revealed at the coin-laying ceremony at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg which is a long-held ship-building tradition to bring the ship and future crew good luck.

As specially-selected Barbados coins were placed under the keel before the block was lowered onto them,P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: ‘This is yet another landmark in P&O Cruises new build history.

“Arvia will be our second ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas as part of P&O Cruises ongoing commitment to sustainable travel. Other world-class environmentally-friendly innovations include shore power connectivity and the latest technology for its four main engines.’

Arvia – which means ‘from the seashore’ – will be delivered in December 2022 and will sail her maiden voyage to the Canary Islands followed by a winter season in the Caribbean, out of the home port of Barbados.

‘Arvia will be our “sunshine” ship,’ Paul Ludlow said. ‘The coins that are laid under Arvia’s keel today will be the embodiment of that warmth and sun as they are currency from our winter homeport of Barbados, an island which has had a special place in our heart for over 20 years.’

The new ship, the second LNG-powered Excel class ship after sister ship Iona, will have 16 decks and will feature Altitude Skywalk a unique high ropes experience, a swim-up bar and infinity pool, a new restaurant Green & Co featuring Mizuhana serving a plant and fish-led menu, Ocean Studios cinema, 1,300sqm of shopping and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.

Arvia will also feature Mission Control – P&O Cruises first multi-sensory escape room. This new experience is set underwater on board a fictional submarine Arvia II, with a series of challenging, mind stimulating live-action puzzles.

The “expedition” is led by fictional Dr Ryan and has multiple storylines, suitable for all ages, with a film-like plot of twists and turns including motion simulation.

P&O Cruises president Paul Ludlow said: ‘Holidays are all about new experiences and the immersive escape room will create unforgettable action-packed moments with family and friends.

‘Mission Control will expand our on board entertainment offering even further, giving guests an opportunity to create unique bonding experiences they will talk about for years to come.’