THE largest UK-registered ferry was unveiled in an Essex port yesterday.

Stena Line toasted its ‘Superferry’ - which cost around �180m - with hundreds of dignitaries in Harwich.

The vessel, called Stena Britannica, is 240 metre long and has capacity for 1,200 passengers, 230 cars and 300 freight vehicles.

Susan Hammond - wife of Phillip Hammond MP, secretary of state for Transport - was on hand to unveil the ferry.

Gunnar Blomdahl, Stena Line’s managing director, said, “We are delighted and honoured that Mrs Hammond has christened our new British-flagged Superferry.

“As well as being a multi-million pound outlay, the Stena Britannica represents a considerable investment of time, planning and long-term significance to UK travel and transport, so we feel particularly privileged to have such an appropriate and high-profile godmother for our new vessel.”

The ferry will serve the Harwich to Hook of Holland route.