Britannia's engines fire up for the first time

The engines of Britain’s biggest cruise ship, P&O's Britannia, were started for the first time today by the BBC's Formula One presenter Suzi Perry. Also on hand were Captain of the Britannia, Paul Brown, and chief engineer, Sinclair Ross.

When working to full capacity, Britannia’s four engines will generate 62.4 Megawatts or 84,000 horsepower - equivalent to the power generated by 168 super cars - allowing the 141,000 ton ship to cruise at a speed of 22 knots.

The ship, currently under construction at Monfalcone, Italy, sets sail on its maiden voyage from Southampton to the Mediterranean on 14 March next year.

PICTURES by James Morgan

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