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Tag: Brittany Ferries | Ferry Shipping News

Oct 25
2

Brittany Ferries Unveils Hybrid-Powered SAINT-MALO Ahead of 2025 Launch

By | 2024 Newsletter week 43 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries has taken delivery of its first hybrid-powered ferry, running on LNG and electricity. Chartered by Somabret, a consortium uniting the Brittany Region and its four departments, this vessel is set to enter service in February 2025 on the daily route between Saint-Malo and Portsmouth.

The ferry, built for owner Stena RoRo, now bears the Brittany Ferries logo and is awaiting final administrative steps before flying the French flag.

A significant green revolution is underway for Brittany’s ports. By using LNG instead of marine gas oil, the ferry will significantly cut local emissions. Additionally, CO2 emissions are expected to drop by 20-25%. The optimised hybrid system, coupled with the electrification of the ports, will further decrease overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, allowing the ferry to operate emission-free while entering and leaving Saint-Malo.

Looking ahead, Brittany Ferries has also trialled the use of bio-LNG on two ships in Santander, Spain. This renewable energy source, derived from organic waste, can reduce CO2 emissions by nearly 100% compared to conventional LNG. The switch to bio-LNG requires no modifications to the ships’ engines and does not compromise their performance, making it a promising solution for the future of green maritime transport.

Before the Saint-Malo ferry begins service on 12 February 2025, several tasks remain. These include port tests, the validation of LNG refuelling procedures, and the installation of IT and commercial systems. Crews will also undergo mandatory training. Additionally, as is tradition with Brittany Ferries, contemporary artists have been commissioned to create approximately 400 artworks that will be displayed throughout the ship.

Sep 15
2

Brittany Ferries: positive performance and positive outlook

By | 2024 Newsletter week 37 | No Comments

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 

Sep 15
2

New Economic and Financial Horizons for Brittany Ferries

By | 2024 Newsletter week 37 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries continues its recovery from the Brexit and Covid crises, with significant announcements marking the month. 

Repayment of loans granted by the Regions of Brittany and Normandy during the Covid Crisis and Status of the State-Guaranteed Loan (PGE) 

  • In October 2020, amidst the Covid pandemic, Brittany Ferries received repayable advances of €30 million from the Brittany region and €35 million from Normandy to support its operations. 
  • The company is set to fully repay Brittany on 23rd October and Normandy in early November 2024. 
  • Repayments for the State-Guaranteed Loan (PGE) began in December 2022, with over a quarter (€33.4 million) of the €117 million loan already repaid.  
  • Nearly €100 million will have been mobilised over two years to significantly reduce the company’s debt, reassuring partners of its swift recovery and future projects. 

Opening of Brittany Ferries’ capital to new Breton shareholders 

  • Post-Covid, the historic shareholders of Brittany Ferries decided to strengthen and open the company’s capital to new investors. 
  • In June 2023, CMA-CGM increased its capital share, reflecting the global shipping giant’s confidence in Brittany Ferries’ business model. 
  • In September 2024, eight new Breton companies joined as shareholders. 
  • These additions reinforce the company’s regional identity, with Breton cooperatives retaining a majority share of 75%. 

New Horizon for Condor Ferries with Brittany Ferries 

  • In 2019, Columbia Threadneedle Investment acquired a 72.28% stake in Condor Ferries, with Brittany Ferries supporting the acquisition. 
  • Condor Ferries, linking the UK and France to Jersey and Guernsey, suffered significant financial losses during the Covid crisis. 
  • Brittany Ferries has taken a 51% controlling interest in Condor Ferries, making it the majority shareholder. Approval from the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority for the increase in ownership to 51% was received on Thursday 12 September 2024. 
  • Brittany Ferries will implement its successful management practices and strong values at Condor Ferries, focusing on social responsibility for seafarers and a commitment to maritime decarbonisation. 
  • From September 2024, Condor Ferries will embark on a new chapter, strengthening the connection between France and the UK and supporting the development of Jersey and Guernsey. 
Aug 17
2

Brittany Ferries to become majority shareholder of Condor Ferries

By | 2024 Newsletter week 33 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries is to become the majority owner of Condor Ferries following recent changes in the ownership structure. (see also Ferry Shipping News, week 32)  

Condor Ferries is the passenger and freight ferry operator between the UK (Poole, Portsmouth), the Channel Islands and St. Malo in France. Condor was originally acquired in November 2019 by a consortium comprising Brittany Ferries and the London-based Columbia Threadneedle European Sustainable Infrastructure Fund. 

Subject to approval by the regulatory authorities in Jersey and Guernsey, the French ferry operator will assume majority ownership and operational control of the Channel Islands-based company in the next few weeks. 

In January this year, the Government of Jersey and States of Guernsey confirmed a procurement process for a new long-term operating agreement. Brittany Ferries is actively leading this bid and believes it and Condor are the right operators, with the right vessels and experience, to serve the Islands for many years to come. 

Once approved, Brittany Ferries will own 51% of Condor Ferries, with Columbia Threadneedle retaining a minority shareholding. 

Aug 09
2

Brittany Ferries is looking to become the majority stakeholder of Condor Ferries

By | 2024 Newsletter week 32 | No Comments

The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) issued a notice of application for approval of a transaction regarding the sale of 22% of the shares in Condor to Brittany Ferries, with the option to buy 100% of the shares at a later date. 

Brittany Ferries (B.A.I. Bretagne Angleterre Irlande) already has a 29% stake in Condor. If the deal is approved, it will take it to 51%. 

Christophe Matthieu, Brittany Ferries’ CEO, is currently CEO ad interim at Condor Ferries. 

The deadline for comments is 20 August 2024. Details can be found here: JCRA (pdf)   

May 17
2

Brittany Ferries renews its partnership with the École Nationale Supérieure Maritime (ENSM)

By | 2024 Newsletter week 20 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries and ENSM are strengthening their long-standing collaboration to boost the maritime economy. By renewing their partnership, they aim to reinforce their relationship and create strong synergies aligned with their mutual values and ambitions.

Key initiatives include:

  • “School in ship” sessions, offering ENSM students real navigation experience aboard Brittany Ferries vessels. In 2023, 55 students participated.
  • Educational visits for ENSM teachers to enhance their skills through onboard exchanges.
  • Opportunities for Brittany Ferries officers to teach at ENSM.

The partnership renewal was signed on 13th May in Saint-Malo.

Jan 26
1

Brittany Ferries improves fuel efficiency of flagship

By | 2024 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

At her recent dry-dock at Remontowa, Gdańsk, the hull of Brittany Ferries’ PONT-AVEN was lengthened by three metres at the stern waterline.  This is often referred to as a duck-tail.

The purpose of the modification is to improve the hydrodynamic performance of the vessel.  This will reduce the drag on her hull, reducing fuel consumption by around 10% and therefore emissions.  The work follows analysis by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique design office where various ideas were looked at, followed by tests on the favoured concept using a 7-metre scale model of the PONT-AVEN

Additionally, Brittany Ferries is working with Wärtsilä to examine improving the propeller design of PONT-AVEN.  This could lead to a further reduction in fuel consumption of around 5%.

Meanwhile, Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore (BV Solutions M&O) has developed and delivered a ‘Fleet Energy and Emissions Forecast‘ tool to Brittany Ferries.  The tool enables the ferry company’s onboard teams to plan for optimised and efficient operations, thereby reducing fuel consumption, emissions, and costs.

Photo: Brittany Ferries

Nov 24
0

One Season on the Seas, One Season on the Mountains

By | 2023 Newsletter week 47 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries and Pôle Emploi Bretagne have launched an innovative initiative to secure seasonal employment called “One Season on the Seas, One Season on the Mountains.” The partnership was formalized through a signed agreement on November 21, 2023, with representatives Jean-Luc Vigouroux, Director of Human Resources at Brittany Ferries, and Frédéric Sévignon, Regional Director of Pôle Emploi Bretagne.

The initiative aims to facilitate and secure seasonal employment in Brittany and Haute-Savoie (ski resorts). This unique program in France offers a tailored path for seasonal workers, allowing them to work a season with Brittany Ferries followed by a winter season in the mountains before returning the following year. This approach addresses the challenges of capturing and retaining seasonal resources in the hospitality sector.

Oct 27
0

Brittany Ferries: summer passenger and freight figures (June – September)

By | 2023 Newsletter week 43 | No Comments

Passenger numbers (all markets): a return to growth.

2019= 1,259,587 pax (pre-Covid comparison year)

2022= 1,046,761 pax

2023= 1,090,254 pax

Freight numbers (all markets): a systemic downward trend.

2019= 59,057 freight units (pre-Covid comparison year)

2022= 50,868 freight units

2023= 48,114 freight units

Comments by Christophe Mathieu CEO Brittany Ferries

“These are encouraging passenger figures, reflecting our first post-Covid year operating all ships, from all ports. This year will deliver a positive economic result and our new ships lead the sector on comfort, accessibility, and lower emissions.”

 “While the majority of freight is carried outside the summer months, the summer trend for freight reflects an overall decline in volumes. This is particularly worrying on eastern Channel routes, where we have been hit by over-capacity on short sea routes such as Dover/Calais. The ensuing price war has led to a year-on-year decline of around 6%. That’s for services operating from our eastern ports of Le Havre, Caen, and Cherbourg. Compared with 2019, the figures are even more challenging, down by around 30%.”

Christophe Mathieu CEO Brittany Ferries

Positive Growth:

  • Roscoff-Cork Voyages: Twice-weekly return voyages between Roscoff and Cork have boosted passenger numbers during the summer.
  • France-Ireland Services: Overall, volumes on France-Ireland services have risen by 60% compared to 2019. Year-on-year (2023 vs. 2022) increase is 11%.
  • Rosslare-Bilbao Service: The service has reported significant growth, with 20,000 more travelers year-on-year. This represents a 155% increase, and it is attributed to a new cruise-ferry powered by cleaner LNG.

Success in Regional Development:

  • Bilbao-Rosslare Route: The gamble on this route has paid off, achieving its objectives. It contributes to regional development and environmental benefits, reducing the number of lorries on the roads and increasing car passengers on ferries.

Mixed Performance:

  • UK Routes to Brittany and Normandy: Year-on-year growth (2023 vs. 2022) reported, but numbers are still below pre-Covid 2019 figures. Brittany performed better with a 15% decline compared to a 25% decline for Normandy.
  • UK/Spain Routes: After growth last year, these routes returned to 2019 levels, showing a small increase. This achievement was accompanied by greater operational efficiency and reduced emissions, despite one less return sailing per week.

Overall, the data reflects a mix of positive growth and challenges in various routes and regions served by Brittany Ferries.

Brittany Ferries’ mantra: the competitive distortion, particularly on freight services offered on eastern ports of Cherbourg, Caen and Le Havre.

Source and full details: Brittany Ferries Newsroom
Sep 29
0

Brittany Ferries announces the use of the inflatable wing sail prototype Wisamo on Ro-Ro PELICAN

By | 2023 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

The crew of the PELICAN is set to use the inflatable wing sail prototype Wisamo (Wing Sails Mobility) by the Michelin Group, starting this week. The wing is expected to be utilized for 6 to 8 hours during a 30-hour crossing. The Wisamo inflatable sail is a 100 m² wing that was installed on the vessel in November 2022.

In April 2023, after a series of tests and adjustments, the Norwegian classification company DNV approved Michelin Group’s Wisamo sail system.

PELICAN, chartered by Brittany Ferries from Compagnie Maritime Nantaise, operates between Poole and Bilbao.