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“Condor Ferries is promising passengers and companies a better deal as it announces ‘a new era’ in its 60th anniversary year serving the islands,” writes Guernsey Press.

Brittany Ferries has pledged to become more actively involved in Condor’s day-to-day operations. Christophe Mathieu, interim CEO of Condor and CEO of Brittany Ferries, emphasized this shift in approach, stating that they are committed to strengthening the long-term sea links between the island and the UK and France. Mathieu expressed openness to increasing Brittany Ferries’ shareholding in Condor if the majority owner, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, decides to sell. This signals a new era of partnership aimed at lasting indefinitely.

Barfleur (photo) did some berthing trials in Jersey on 26^th of March.

Plans to build the Isles of Scilly’s two new ferries in Asia have been described as “an absolute scandal”.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group awarded the £42m contract to Piriou, a French shipbuilder, which said it would build the ferries in Vietnam.

The workers’ trade union, GMB Union, said that shipbuilders in the UK have been “hugely let down” by the ISSG’s decision.

Harland and Wolff, which owns Appledore shipyard in Devon, was shortlisted but not chosen.

Source: BBC

On March 23, 2024, in Brest, Brittany Ferries marked a significant event with the blessing and christening of the RoPax ferry Santoña. The ceremony was conducted by Christian Bernard, the Episcopal Vicar for the Diocese of Quimper et Léon. Following the blessing, the age-old tradition of christening was observed, with the ferry’s godmother, Mrs. Marie-Hélène Roué, breaking a bottle of Champagne over the vessel’s bow.

Photo: Jess Breheret

Baleària will invest 3.2 million euros in the RoPax Passió per Formentera in order to guarantee greater comfort, reliability and sustainability in the connections made by the company on the public interest line between Ceuta and Algeciras. These works, both propulsion and interior fittings, will be carried out during the ship’s docking at the Guadalquivir shipyard in Seville starting this coming Sunday, March 31, and until the end of April.

Bahama Mama ship will cover the route during her absence.

Source: Baleària (in Spanish)

Marine Atlantic’s Atlantic Vision is preparing to return to Europe after she left the fleet. Owned by a company related to Tallink Grupp, she has been reflagged to Cyprus. A crew from one of the Stena companies is onboard, but, so far, we don’t know her future.

Photo: Marine Atlantic

Since March 24, 2024, Superfast Ferries’ RoPax Ariadne is on short-term charter to Algerie Ferries for service on the long Alger-Marseille line. The Japanese-built vessel will temporarily assist El Djazair II until the return of the larger BADJI MOKHTAR III, which is currently undergoing refitting at Elefsis Shipyards (Greece) until the end of April.

Photo: Attica Group