P&O Ferries rolls out MOANA fast-track border system for Calais returns

The MOANA system, developed in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Department for Education (DfE) allows passenger information to be submitted in advance to French border authorities, helping to speed up checks, reduce processing times and improve the overall travel experience for school groups crossing the Channel.

Following strong take-up since its launch, the expansion of the scheme means eligible groups can now benefit from the streamlined process on both legs of their journey. This is expected to support more predictable and efficient crossings, particularly during busy travel periods.

“Smoother and more efficient travel for school groups”

Louisa Bell, passenger managing director at P&O Ferries, said: “School trips should be about the experience, not the stress of getting there. We’re pleased to be extending the MOANA system to Calais, reinforcing our commitment to making cross-Channel travel smoother and more efficient for school groups.

“Collaboration remains key, and we will continue working closely with our partners to ensure the scheme delivers for our customers.”

The company previously said that November and December saw a strong uptake in the streamlined process, with 100% of school group bookings using the fast-track process on nine separate dates.

On P&O’s busiest day during the Christmas period, 85.71% of school groups opted to use the service.

A spokesperson for the School Travel Forum previously said: “We greatly appreciate the support that P&O are providing to the educational visits sector.

“By collaborating with Government and operators to ensure the success of the MOANA process, they have significantly helped schools travel through Dover Port with minimal frustration and delay.”

The ferry operator offers routes to and from Calais and Rotterdam travelling via the ports of Dover and Hull respectively. A regular service also runs between Cairnryan in Scotland and Larne, Northern Ireland.