The first of two new 64,000-tonne superferries went into service on a UK to Holland crossing.

Stena Line launched the 750 foot-long Stena Hollandica, which will operate from Harwich to the Hook of Holland.

The second superferry - the Stena Britannica - will begin service in autumn, with Stena having invested £375 million in the two vessels. The pair are thought to be the largest of their kind in the world and are capable of transporting 230 cars as well as carrying 1,200 passengers.

The ferries have 538 cabins each and passenger facilities on the 6.5-hour crossing include restaurants, a sundeck, and a cinema. There are also 12 dog kennels.

The vessels were built at the Nordic Yards shipyard in Wismar, Germany, with work starting in 2007.

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