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Tag: Brittany Ferries | Ferry Shipping News

Jan 10
2

Jersey: DFDS Guernsey: Brittany Ferries

By | 2025 Newsletter week 02 | No Comments

Now it is official: the two Channel Islands, Jersey and Guernsey, will each have a separate ferry company deserving each island.

Early December 2024, the Government of Guernsey has signed a contract with Brittany Ferries for 15 years. Brittany Ferries is the parent company of Condor Ferries.

End of December, the Government of Jersey has signed a contract with DFDS for 20 years.

A DFDS news release explains:

  • Under the contract, DFDS will provide passenger and freight services to the UK and France: routes from Jersey to Poole, Portsmouth and Saint Malo.
  • Two primary focus areas for the ferry operation: life-line freight and passenger services for Jersey residents and tourism.
  • The last three quarters of 2025, the total number of passengers on the routes are expected to amount to around 400k of which more than half are related to tourism. The majority of freight volumes (mainly unaccompanied trailers) are transported between Portsmouth and Jersey.
  • For the last three quarters of 2025, freight volumes are expected to amount to around 450k lane metres.
  • The four ferries to be deployed include two HSCs (high-speed craft), one RoPax ferry, and one RoRo ferry.
  • As part of the concession agreement, DFDS is planning to renew the deployed fleet through mainly introduction of new-buildings between 2030 and 2032.

Quid Saint-Malo?

 Brittany Ferries submitted its schedules for 2025 to the Port of Saint-Malo on 14 November, one day earlier than DFDS. As a result, Brittany – Condor Ferries is given scheduling priority for the Port of Saint-Malo in 2025.

It will be interesting to see how Saint-Malo copes with the berthing arrangements for the different competitors.

Remark:

As of December 2023, the estimated populations of the two main Channel Islands are:

  • Jersey: approximately 103,650 residents.
  • Guernsey: approximately 64,781 residents.
  • Bailiwick of Guernsey includes Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, and Herm.

Photo: Mike Louagie

Dec 02
2

Brittany Ferries Submits Jersey-Only Ferry Bid, Advocates for Joined-Up Approach

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries, majority shareholder in Condor Ferries, confirmed its bid for the Jersey-only ferry service, asserting its expertise and readiness to serve Jersey for the next 15 years.

CEO Christophe Mathieu welcomed the independent assessment process announced by Jersey Ministers and expressed trust in its integrity. “We recognise past challenges but now is the time to move forward,” he stated.

Brittany Ferries remains prepared for both Jersey-specific and unified service models. “Our ships, schedules, and systems are ready for a joined-up approach benefiting both islands,” Mathieu added, emphasising the efficiency of a single operator for mainland and intra-island services.

The company pledged adherence to service and pricing commitments, while carefully monitoring the process.

Source: Brittany Ferries Newsroom

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.