[ 120 ] THE SHIP OF THE FUTURE The Port of Dover is ‘the’ gateway to and from the Continent with an annual throughput of two million freight vehicles. Handling more lorries than any other UK port, the Dover ferries carry over GBP 144 billion of goods per year as the UK’s premier ferry port handles 33 per cent of all trade with the EU. As freight remains the backbone of the business, commercial drivers are understandably treated like a king with the brandnew Fusion-class offering the largest and best-ever dedicated spaces for commercial drivers on the English Channel. The available freight volumes on the Dover–Calais route are currently shared between three ferry operators, with P&O Ferries having a market share of about 47 per cent. On account of the short crossing time, trailers are typically driveraccompanied with many drivers crossing the Channel on a very regular basis. The 90-minute crossing provides commercial drivers a welcome break to enjoy a wholesome meal, take a shower and relax before hitting the road again, refreshed and recharged. The freight flow never stops, representing a large chunk of the revenue made by ferry operators. Because of this and the repeat customer status of commercial drivers, the ferries typically roll out the red carpet for them. This is quite a contrast to about 35 years ago when commercial drivers typically had to content themselves with a reserved table in the main self-service restaurant at best. P&O Ferries’ Darwin-class, introduced in 2003, boasted a designated commercial drivers’ restaurant. Located inboard of the Deck 8 starboard arcade, it didn’t have any direct natural daylight, being reminiscent of a Spartan canteen with rows of fixed seating. All the shortcomings of this ‘first generation’ commercial drivers’ restaurant were addressed on the 2011–12-built Spiritclass whose ‘Routemasters’ restaurant and lounge were a huge step forward, occupying a prime location on Deck 9 with large picture windows and even a small outdoor deck. THE ULTIMATE COMMERCIAL DRIVERS’ RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE On the Fusion-class, P&O Ferries has raised the bar even further with commercial driver amenities that are second to none. Away from the tourist passenger buzz, commercial drivers enter their own microcosm through glass doors in the yellow/Calais-end stair lobby on the portside of Deck 9. Unlike on the Spirit-class, the commercial drivers’ restaurant and lounge are separated by the stair lobby which also gives access to the drivers’ own outer deck. The restaurant’s décor is a typical example of Scandinavian minimalism with the double-height windows letting in an abundance of natural light. The mixed multicoloured seating and table arrangements as well as the partitions and pendant lamps break any monotony, creating an inviting “ Unlike on the Spiritclass, the commercial drivers’ restaurant and lounge are separated by the stair lobby which also gives access to the drivers’ own outer deck. The restaurant’s décor is a typical example of Scandinavian minimalism with the double-height windows letting in an abundance of natural light”
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