Brittany Ferries has unveiled significant alterations to its UK to France routes in anticipation of the autumn season, citing the financial impact of Covid and the ongoing repercussions of Brexit.
The ferry company will divest two of its vessels, including the one serving the current Poole to Cherbourg route, which will cease operations from November 1. Travelers will be redirected to Portsmouth, where a daily service to Cherbourg will be available as an alternative.
Moreover, due to what it describes as unfair competition on the Eastern Channel resulting from subsidies for the loss-making Dieppe-Newhaven route, the company is considering shutting down the Portsmouth to Le Havre route by October 2026.
Brittany Ferries has confirmed the closure date as October 1, stating that it has sustained operations on this route until legal matters are resolved in Brussels.
In a bid to enhance efficiency, the company will implement a revised schedule effective November 1 for its Guernsey, Poole, and Cherbourg services. Brittany Ferries Island will now operate a triangular route: Portsmouth to Guernsey, Guernsey to Cherbourg, and Cherbourg to Portsmouth. Meanwhile, the fast craft Brittany Ferries Voyager will continue its Poole to Guernsey service with the option to extend to St Malo.
The company assured that there will be no job losses in the UK, although a few positions in Le Havre are subject to an ongoing consultation process.
Since 1986, Brittany Ferries has been operating the Poole to Cherbourg route using the 1992 ferry Barfleur, which is now slated for sale. The Portsmouth to Le Havre route, established in 2014, conducted daytime sailings to Le Havre and overnight return trips to Portsmouth.
Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries, emphasized the company’s resilience in adapting to challenges, expressing the need for a sustainable future to benefit all stakeholders. The company remains committed to working with affected parties to shape its future plans.
Acknowledging the lingering impact of its Covid loan repayment, Brittany Ferries highlighted the burden of the EU’s Emission Trading System (ETS) taxes. Despite investing in an environmentally friendly fleet, the company faces a substantial €27 million bill in 2026, even before the UK introduces a similar scheme for British waters.
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