Brittany Ferries: positive performance and positive outlook

By 15 September 20242024 Newsletter week 37
September 15, 2024

Almost at the end of the 2024 fiscal year (November 2023 – October 2024), Brittany Ferries reports a 6.5% increase in passenger numbers (1.93 million). This growth, recorded for the second consecutive year (+11.9% in 2023 compared to 2022), reinforces its return to growth and its confidence in the future. 

Introduction of New LNG/Electric Hybrid Ships 

  • 2025 will see the arrival of two new LNG/electric hybrid ships. 
  • The first, SAINT-MALO, will begin service in February 2025 on the Saint-Malo/Portsmouth route, replacing the BRETAGNE, which has been in service since 1989. 
  • The second ship, GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE, will join in April 2025 on the Caen-Ouistreham/Portsmouth route, replacing the NORMANDIE, which has been in service since 1992. 

Positive 2024 Season Results 

  • Christophe Mathieu, CEO, highlighted the positive results of 2024, including increased passenger satisfaction, positive freight transport figures, and progress in environmental initiatives with the new hybrid ships. 

Caen-Ouistreham Route 

  • The Caen-Ouistreham/Portsmouth route, Brittany Ferries’ busiest, saw a 9.3% increase in passenger bookings in 2024, reaching 700,000 passengers. 
  • This follows a 14.2% increase in 2023 compared to 2022. 

Cherbourg Route 

  • Cherbourg, connecting Normandy to Poole, Portsmouth, and Rosslare, experienced a 4% increase in passengers, slightly below average due to the absence of fast ferry services. 
  • The Cherbourg/Rosslare route to Ireland saw a significant 28% increase, with 35,000 passengers. 

Saint-Malo Route 

  • Although the winter closure affects yearly comparisons, the Saint-Malo route showed a 12% increase in passengers during the spring and summer months (March to October). 

Roscoff Route 

  • Roscoff routes experienced a 12% growth in 2024, with 360,000 passengers. 
  • The Roscoff/Plymouth route showed the strongest growth, with an 18% increase, transporting 246,000 passengers, 37,000 more than in 2023. 

Freight Transport 

  • Freight transport accounts for nearly a fifth of Brittany Ferries’ revenue, with overall volumes up 4.3% in 2024. 
  • Roscoff/Plymouth freight increased by 52%, and Roscoff/Cork saw a 94% rise. 
  • Cross-Channel freight from Normandy ports grew by 3.7%, reaching 86,014 units. 

Photo: Benjamin Deroche 

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