By
Laura Hyde |
P&O Ferries and Expian have designed and deployed a new ticketing platform for P&O Ferries’ route from Hull, UK, to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, in just six months.
The ferry operator partnered with Expian to implement a rapid, market-ready booking solution, which they hoped would meet both business and customer needs. This implementation follows the successful deployment of the system on the ferries serving the Irish Sea route between Larne and Cairnryan, in 2024.
Expian worked closely with the key stakeholders and teams within P&O Ferries to develop a platform that would maximise revenue and optimise operations. It was able to rapidly set up a new platform that replaced legacy software while integrating seamlessly with P&O Ferries’ existing systems.
“A significant factor in the success of this project is that what Expian has delivered is aligned with our business needs,” said Kenneth Rasmussen, head of IT transformation at P&O Ferries. “Expian’s deep understanding of the ferry business has been good, achieving these positive outcomes.”
Expian worked closely with P&O Ferries to design and deploy the new ticketing platform in six months
Passengers can use the new platform to book standard, off-peak, return and flexible tickets for the operator’s services. The platform also offers upsell options, such as upgrades, food and beverage packages, transfers, overnight cabins and more, as well as personalised promotions and loyalty programmes. The platform’s integration with self-service ticketing machines at ferry terminals speeds up boarding for both passengers and vehicles.
The system also automatically enforces pet check-in rules and documentation requirements for the Hull–Rotterdam route, providing clear oversight for staff and stress-free travel for passengers.
“Today’s consumers expect seamless online booking, which offers personalised upgrades and the ability to quickly modify bookings as standard,” said Yiannis Maglaras, CEO of Expian. “Yet many ferry operators drag their heels over the digital transformation required to deliver great booking solutions and even greater profits. Expian’s ‘Ticketing without limits’ approach, aims to unlock revenue generation from upgrades, personalised experiences and extras while managing ticketing across timetables, vehicle and foot passenger crossings and multiple vessels.”