The ship is the Asterion, previously the Norman Asturias.
BRITTANY FERRIES CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LAUNCH OF NEW DIRECT IRELAND TO SPAIN ROUTE IN 2018
16 January 2018
• First ever direct ferry link between Ireland and Spain
• Two direct sailings weekly from Cork to Santander
• New route to go on sale end January
16 January 2018: Brittany Ferries has today announced a new route into northern Spain. Starting at the end of April, the service will link Cork and Santander, making two return-sailings a week. The move will be the first time there has ever been a ferry service linking Ireland and Spain.
Today's announcement comes as Brittany Ferries celebrates its 40th year in Ireland. The popular Cork to Roscoff route opened on St Patricks Day in 1978 and has been serving Irish holiday makers and haulage companies ever since. It has also brought millions of French passengers to Ireland, boosting the local and national economy.
A new ship will be chartered to serve the route to Spain, and to deliver an additional weekly return-sailing from Cork to Roscoff. To be called Connemara, she will follow the successful économie model that the company has established on services from the UK to France & Spain. As well as opening a new route Connemara will add much needed capacity to the company's existing line to France, creating more opportunities for short breaks.
"This is a significant move for Brittany Ferries, offering haulage companies a direct route to Spain and passengers a far greater range of holiday options from Cork," said Hugh Bruton, general manager Brittany Ferries Ireland. "As a destination so-called green Spain promises visitors a wealth of opportunities. It hosts sweeping sandy beaches, snow covered mountains just an hour from the port, fabulous food and offers visitors a welcome as warm as the Spanish will receive when they join us in Ireland."
The ship is currently operating on routes between Italy and Greece and will be chartered from Stena RoRo for an initial period of two years. She will carry around 500 passengers with space for 195 cars. She hosts 2,225 lane metres of garage space and Brittany Ferries expects a fifty-fifty split between passengers and freight carried.
The Port of Cork welcomed the announcement which will facilitate and enhance significant freight and tourist activity already established in Cork. Commercial Manager Captain Michael McCarthy said, "The Port of Cork wholeheartedly welcomes a service we have been trying as a port to establish for some time now. We are delighted that our long term customer, Brittany Ferries, has committed to this new service which will see an increase in tourism and freight. The option for freight carriers to bypass the UK land bridge will be seen as very attractive, as Brexit uncertainty continues. We have no doubt that both exporters and importers will make this a viable service.'
On board, passengers can expect a comfortable, no-frills service with a distinctly Spanish theme. Dining options will reflect the regions served, reinforcing the company's drive to reveal more about its destinations at every stage of the journey. There will also be a small shop and café-bar as well as passenger lounges.
Interior and exterior cabins are spacious, with beds for up to four passengers. Four-legged members of the family will also be accommodated thanks to a small allocation of pet-friendly cabins on the ship.
The new service from Brittany Ferries is expected to be on sale by the end of January.
Ends.
The ship is believed to be Stena Asterion (formerly the Norman Asturias). This is great news for Cork and Ireland and could prove to be a very lucrative route especially for freight.
Excellent news. Any indication yet of sailing days and times?
That's got to be at least a 24 hour sailing......
Have to be honest and say I would not relish spending 24 hours on a Visentini but I probaly will. Also have to wonder about the name and wonder if the owners have ever seen a map of Ireland and noticed where Conemara is.
Roro freight is an almost unknown quantity at Cork. Brittany Ferries' current route to Roscoff rarely carries over 5 freight units per sailing.
So it remains to be seen if hauliers use a port with a single, few times a week service with hubs and more options elsewhere.
Possibly it wil grow over time with work but I think it will at least take time.
The passenger capacity isn't massive but I am sure it will be easy to fill that space in summer even if ship isn't a cruise ferry.
Quote from: PaddyL on January 16, 2018, 09:33:19 AM
The ship is the Asterion, previously the Norman Asturias.
BRITTANY FERRIES CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY WITH LAUNCH OF NEW DIRECT IRELAND TO SPAIN ROUTE IN 2018
16 January 2018
• First ever direct ferry link between Ireland and Spain
• Two direct sailings weekly from Cork to Santander
• New route to go on sale end January
16 January 2018: Brittany Ferries has today announced a new route into northern Spain. Starting at the end of April, the service will link Cork and Santander, making two return-sailings a week. The move will be the first time there has ever been a ferry service linking Ireland and Spain.
Today's announcement comes as Brittany Ferries celebrates its 40th year in Ireland. The popular Cork to Roscoff route opened on St Patricks Day in 1978 and has been serving Irish holiday makers and haulage companies ever since. It has also brought millions of French passengers to Ireland, boosting the local and national economy.
A new ship will be chartered to serve the route to Spain, and to deliver an additional weekly return-sailing from Cork to Roscoff. To be called Connemara, she will follow the successful économie model that the company has established on services from the UK to France & Spain. As well as opening a new route Connemara will add much needed capacity to the company's existing line to France, creating more opportunities for short breaks.
"This is a significant move for Brittany Ferries, offering haulage companies a direct route to Spain and passengers a far greater range of holiday options from Cork," said Hugh Bruton, general manager Brittany Ferries Ireland. "As a destination so-called green Spain promises visitors a wealth of opportunities. It hosts sweeping sandy beaches, snow covered mountains just an hour from the port, fabulous food and offers visitors a welcome as warm as the Spanish will receive when they join us in Ireland."
The ship is currently operating on routes between Italy and Greece and will be chartered from Stena RoRo for an initial period of two years. She will carry around 500 passengers with space for 195 cars. She hosts 2,225 lane metres of garage space and Brittany Ferries expects a fifty-fifty split between passengers and freight carried.
The Port of Cork welcomed the announcement which will facilitate and enhance significant freight and tourist activity already established in Cork. Commercial Manager Captain Michael McCarthy said, "The Port of Cork wholeheartedly welcomes a service we have been trying as a port to establish for some time now. We are delighted that our long term customer, Brittany Ferries, has committed to this new service which will see an increase in tourism and freight. The option for freight carriers to bypass the UK land bridge will be seen as very attractive, as Brexit uncertainty continues. We have no doubt that both exporters and importers will make this a viable service.'
On board, passengers can expect a comfortable, no-frills service with a distinctly Spanish theme. Dining options will reflect the regions served, reinforcing the company's drive to reveal more about its destinations at every stage of the journey. There will also be a small shop and café-bar as well as passenger lounges.
Interior and exterior cabins are spacious, with beds for up to four passengers. Four-legged members of the family will also be accommodated thanks to a small allocation of pet-friendly cabins on the ship.
The new service from Brittany Ferries is expected to be on sale by the end of January.
Ends.
Indeed it is great news for the Port of Cork who have had a long association with ferry operator, Brittany Ferries. I believe Brittany Ferries may have been the first ferry operator to launch passenger/freight ferry services out of the then new Ringaskiddy terminal back in 1978 at a time when other passenger ferry services such as the old B+I Line Cork to Swansea service was still departing via the Port of Cork's former Ferryport previously based out of Tivoli docks just outside of Cork City. Also great news to hear that the new charter service for Cork-Santander will result in an additional weekly return sailing from Cork to Roscoff too! All these options will hopefully lead to increased competition in terms of pricing across various services & carriers.
Source:
https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/first-ever-direct-ferry-route-announced-from-ireland-to-spain-36493404.html
Quote from: ccs on January 16, 2018, 10:51:30 AM
Excellent news. Any indication yet of sailing days and times?
Answering my own question to an extent ;D but apparently the departures from Santander on Thursdays (16.00 Hours) and Sundays (12.00 hours). Based on this I assume the extra weekly trip to Roscoff will depart Cork Monday evening with the return leg from Roscoff on Tuesday afternoon.
Another week into 2018 and more capacity added on services to and from Ireland, great news.
Will it possibly be the kiss of death for the Neptune lines Rosslare - Santander service which departs every Saturday.
Will be interesting to see if BF invest a few euro on the chartered vessel to improve the onboard experience, a 26hr+ time onboard will be very different from the Pont Aven experience.
Looking forward to getting some images of the Connemara when it arrives in Ringaskiddy, also given Stena's relationship with H&W Belfast, wonder will the Stena RoRo owned vessel refit in Belfast before starting the service.
Quote from: giftgrub on January 16, 2018, 08:48:28 PM
Another week into 2018 and more capacity added on services to and from Ireland, great news.
Will it possibly be the kiss of death for the Neptune lines Rosslare - Santander service which departs every Saturday.
Will be interesting to see if BF invest a few euro on the chartered vessel to improve the onboard experience, a 26hr+ time onboard will be very different from the Pont Aven experience.
Looking forward to getting some images of the Connemara when it arrives in Ringaskiddy, also given Stena's relationship with H&W Belfast, wonder will the Stena RoRo owned vessel refit in Belfast before starting the service.
I believe H&W is already fully booked with upcoming jobs including a heavy lift job plus Azamara Pursuit. Also worth remembering, it was Stena Line who used the Belfast yard and not Stena RoRo - they are two separate entities.
Stena also use Falmouth
According to today,s Examiner the sailing days and times ex Cork for Spain are Wednesdays 11am and Fridays at 1030pm. That late Friday departure will mean 2 nights on board and a very early arrival in Santander. That would see to suggest that the extra Cork Roscoff sailing will be on Monday evening with the return leg leaving Roscoff on Tuesday evening.
Excellent news, great work by the Port of Cork (and Brittany Ferries).
Quote from: giftgrub on January 16, 2018, 08:48:28 PM
Will it possibly be the kiss of death for the Neptune lines Rosslare - Santander service which departs every Saturday.
I was under the impression Neptune Lines only imported cars, and didn't carry trailers?
From BFE forum rumoured / educated guess at sailing times
Monday: 1300 arr CORK; 1830 dep CORK
Tuesday: 0930 arr ROSCOFF; 1800 dep ROSCOFF
Wednesday: 0700 arr CORK; 1100 dep CORK
Thursday: 1400 arr SANTANDER; 1700 dep SANTANDER
Friday: 1800 arr CORK; 2230 dep CORK
Saturday: At Sea
Sunday: 0800 arr SANTANDER; 1200 dep SANTANDER
http://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/11636-cork-to-santander-route-set-to-launch/?page=5
Would be some "day trip" to do the Friday night outbound and back to Cork lunchtime Monday.
Going to be interesting to see in operation
, LD Lines Rosslare Spain service was plagued by bad weather cancellations even with a day in Rosslare scheduled in for delays.
Quote from: Kieran on January 17, 2018, 09:51:46 PM
Excellent news, great work by the Port of Cork (and Brittany Ferries).
Quote from: giftgrub on January 16, 2018, 08:48:28 PM
Will it possibly be the kiss of death for the Neptune lines Rosslare - Santander service which departs every Saturday.
I was under the impression Neptune Lines only imported cars, and didn't carry trailers?
Hi Kieran, they do seem to carry a limited amount of trailers, have not seem them going actually going on, but have heard reports of trailers being loaded before departure.
Quote from: giftgrub on January 17, 2018, 09:58:21 PM
Going to be interesting to see in operation
, LD Lines Rosslare Spain service was plagued by bad weather cancellations even with a day in Rosslare scheduled in for delays.
The day in Rosslare wasn't so much for delays as it made for the most commercially appealing schedule.
Aside from the particularly awful weather in early 2014, the problem was more (a) sending a lightly loaded ship across Biscay in severe weather wasn't a good idea and as always freight was very light to begin and (b) if the ship got to Rosslare and got trapped by bad weather the ship would miss the busy Saturday night sailing from France to Spain and even busier Sunday afternoon Spain to France sailing so caution was exercised for overall commercial good of the operation.
Brittany Ferries have since indicated that it's new Cork to Santander, Spain service has now gone on sale via their reservations team based in Cork. Those interested may obtain further details by calling 021-427 7801. The sailing schedule times for it's Cork to Santander, Spain and Cork to Roscoff, France routes have also been outlined.
Further info via below web link:
http://www.brittanyferries.ie/ferry-routes/new-direct-ireland-spain-route
According to "Cucumber1" a registered user on Boards.ie online forum, Brittany Ferries apparently intends to open Online bookings as from 15th February for it's new Cork-Santander route which is due to commence sailings at the end of April this year. Until then, those interested can also call the reservations team at Brittany Ferries in Cork at Tel: 021-427 7801
http://www.brittanyferries.ie/ferry-routes/new-direct-ireland-spain-route
A revised version on the BF Economie livery for the Connemara on this link
http://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/11636-cork-to-santander-route-to-launch-in-2018/?page=12
Also interesting views on the new service on Boards
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057830820&page=8
Going to be interesting to see how they manage expectations of a Visentini 30 + hrs at sea for the Friday night crossing to Spain.
Normally avoid these conversations but have already had to explain to some muggles that if they find four hours on Isle of Inishmore boring, then 34 hours on the Connemara will be in a different league - buy a good book and read it was my advice !
(friday night sailing will be longer due to unsocial arrival time if they don't throttle back, would rather arrive at 8am Sunday than 1am and at least have some sleep)
Quote from: giftgrub on February 06, 2018, 11:01:15 PM
A revised version on the BF Economie livery for the Connemara on this link
http://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/11636-cork-to-santander-route-to-launch-in-2018/?page=12
Also interesting views on the new service on Boards
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057830820&page=8
Going to be interesting to see how they manage expectations of a Visentini 30 + hrs at sea for the Friday night crossing to Spain.
Normally avoid these conversations but have already had to explain to some muggles that if they find four hours on Isle of Inishmore boring, then 34 hours on the Connemara will be in a different league - buy a good book and read it was my advice !
(friday night sailing will be longer due to unsocial arrival time if they don't throttle back, would rather arrive at 8am Sunday than 1am and at least have some sleep)
I'm going on the Innishmore for the first time in June. Your advice is noted! As for 30 hours, having done the Pont Aven to Santander there was a bit more to do there, but a book was helpful then!
Matt
According to a recent article published in the Evening Echo (Cork), there has been huge interest particularly from the haulage industry in the new Cork to Santander service from Brittany Ferries due to commence from this April.
Further details via the below web link:
http://www.eveningecho.ie/businessnews/New-Cork-to-Spain-ferry-link-will-be-a-game-changer-2dad75ef-53e4-4540-acef-68ad6d249a3b-ds
Port of Cork seem upbeat about the potential of this service. From yesterdays Evening Echo
QuoteNew Cork to Spain ferry link will be a 'game changer'
Gráinne McGuinness
THE newly-announced ferry route between Cork and Spain is attracting major interest from the tourism and haulage industry and is set to become a "game changer" for the fishing sector. Port of Cork Commercial Manager Michael McCarthy said they have been blown away by the reaction to the route.
"We have had huge feedback already from the haulage industry, both for hauliers heading south and hauliers coming back
"We've been in discussion with the whole fishing industry because they have the potential to be one of the base cargoes from Ireland into Spain." The planned route, from Cork to Santander in northern Spain, will begin in April, operated by Brittany Ferries.
Mr McCarthy said the route could offer a massive saving in both time and effort for trawlers whose catch was destined for the continent. "Spanish and French trawlers predominantly land across the west coast of Ireland and their route to market currently is through Rosslare, Fishguard and Holyhead," he said. "They travel to the southern UK ports and then either across the Channel and drive down through France or pick up a ferry from the south of the UK into Spain." These fishermen see the obvious benefit of being able to go from the south of Ireland directly to the Spanish coast.
"This will save them anywhere from 1000-1200 km per trip. When the haulage industry do their calculations they look at potentially €1 per km travel so you can see the type of savings." Diners and restaurants in France and Spain could also benefit from getting fresher produce.
"That is just travel costs, obviously there would be a major time saving too, it could easily take a day or two days off each trip, so the fish will be getting to market a lot fresher," Mr McCarthy said.
"Then couple it with our environmental obligations under the Paris Agreement and the recent announcements by Government on our emissions up to 2020 - this also has the potential to substantially reduce emissions." The route has also piqued the interest of the tourism industry in both countries, so much so that the Port of Cork has been contacted by the Spanish Embassy with a view to their ambassador promoting the route.
News of the new route received a warm welcome when it was announced in January. The service will operate twice-weekly from the end of April.
http://www.eveningecho.ie/businessnews/New-Cork-to-Spain-ferry-link-will-be-a-game-changer-2dad75ef-53e4-4540-acef-68ad6d249a3b-ds (http://www.eveningecho.ie/businessnews/New-Cork-to-Spain-ferry-link-will-be-a-game-changer-2dad75ef-53e4-4540-acef-68ad6d249a3b-ds)
30 hours on basically epsilon ha ha. People complain about less than 4 hours on it
Thats no joke , its basically Epsilon with French Cuisine.
Quite a few ads around Cork for the service now, all clearly state "No Frills". Going to be interesting to see how the service works and what the rivals will do.
Apparently quite a few trailers being carried on the Rosslare Spain service every weekend, so there is a bigger market than most originally thought, saw Neptune Aegli (I think) in Rosslare on Sunday morning but it was too cold to hang around and see what was being loaded.
Quote from: giftgrub on March 22, 2018, 10:32:09 PM
Quite a few ads around Cork for the service now, all clearly state "No Frills". Going to be interesting to see how the service works and what the rivals will do.
Apparently quite a few trailers being carried on the Rosslare Spain service every weekend, so there is a bigger market than most originally thought, saw Neptune Aegli (I think) in Rosslare on Sunday morning but it was too cold to hang around and see what was being loaded.
I know Perennial Freight have a contract with the Rosslare service. It might take a while for freight to trickle down in any case due to existing contracts and arrangements. They'll certainly hope they don't get the perfect storm of a harsh winter and technical problems LD Lines did as hauliers need reliability! At least BAI is an operator with the scale to sustain the route while traffic (hopefully) builds up.
The unions are still causing trouble over the crewing btw.
The future Connemara will finish service on April 8th with Anek and has three weeks to get from the Med to Santander, have a refit and repaint, given the tight schedule the scope for any major works are limited.
Here is a link to video of the future BF vessel in its current livery.
https://youtu.be/iE5-3hBsdUI
Quote from: giftgrub on March 22, 2018, 10:32:09 PM
Quite a few ads around Cork for the service now, all clearly state "No Frills". Going to be interesting to see how the service works and what the rivals will do.
Apparently quite a few trailers being carried on the Rosslare Spain service every weekend, so there is a bigger market than most originally thought, saw Neptune Aegli (I think) in Rosslare on Sunday morning but it was too cold to hang around and see what was being loaded.
Called into the BF office in Cork a few weeks back and was told that there has been a lot of interest in the new route. Staff in there have been emphasising that it is a no frills service and not the regular BF level service.
Quote from: ccs on March 28, 2018, 10:25:04 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 22, 2018, 10:32:09 PM
Quite a few ads around Cork for the service now, all clearly state "No Frills". Going to be interesting to see how the service works and what the rivals will do.
Apparently quite a few trailers being carried on the Rosslare Spain service every weekend, so there is a bigger market than most originally thought, saw Neptune Aegli (I think) in Rosslare on Sunday morning but it was too cold to hang around and see what was being loaded.
Called into the BF office in Cork a few weeks back and was told that there has been a lot of interest in the new route. Staff in there have been emphasising that it is a no frills service and the regular BF level service.
Going to be interesting to see how route works and survives the winter, also there will surely be a few callers to a certain Cork local radio show, giving out about lack of facilities, restaurants, deck space, hence lots of No Frills branding.
Looking forward to seeing some life in Ringaskiddy again (aside from Summer Saturdays) during the week.
Quote from: giftgrub on March 28, 2018, 10:51:59 PM
Quote from: ccs on March 28, 2018, 10:25:04 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on March 22, 2018, 10:32:09 PM
Quite a few ads around Cork for the service now, all clearly state "No Frills". Going to be interesting to see how the service works and what the rivals will do.
Apparently quite a few trailers being carried on the Rosslare Spain service every weekend, so there is a bigger market than most originally thought, saw Neptune Aegli (I think) in Rosslare on Sunday morning but it was too cold to hang around and see what was being loaded.
Called into the BF office in Cork a few weeks back and was told that there has been a lot of interest in the new route. Staff in there have been emphasising that it is a no frills service and the regular BF level service.
Going to be interesting to see how route works and survives the winter, also there will surely be a few callers to a certain Cork local radio show, giving out about lack of facilities, restaurants, deck space, hence lots of No Frills branding.
Looking forward to seeing some life in Ringaskiddy again (aside from Summer Saturdays) during the week.
To be honest a Visentini doesn't have a bad amount of outside deck space, especially compared to some modern "with frills" vessels!
If passenger demand is high enough you might see Bretagne or Normanide added to the route next year as a nice retirement home once Honfluer comes onstream, also worth noting that Bretagne will be visiting Cork in late October covering the final Saturday sailing of the season.
Asterion still in Greece, arrived in Patra today.
Has a nice run to get to Santander.
Quote from: Collision-course on April 07, 2018, 09:51:10 PM
If passenger demand is high enough you might see Bretagne or Normanide added to the route next year as a nice retirement home once Honfluer comes onstream
Or not. Bretagne would struggle in terms of freight capacity if the route is successful with the code market it is aimed at with less than half that of Asterion/Connemara
The Connemara exists ( at least in Greece)
Final images of service for Anek here
http://www.ellinikiaktoploia.net/%CE%BE%CE%B5%CE%BA%CE%AF%CE%BD%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B5-%CF%84%CE%B1-%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%BF%CE%BC%CE%BF%CE%BB%CF%8C%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%B1-%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%85-%CF%84%CE%BF-%CE%B5%CE%BB%CF%85%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%83-%CF%83/
Connemara
http://www.shipfriends.gr/forum/gallery/category/1430-connemara/
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/11636-cork-to-santander-route-to-launch-in-2018/?page=15
Has left Greece, on the way to Santander via Gibraltar
Just off the coast of Tunisia at anchorage Bizerte.
First sailing out back to 3rd May ex Santander according to ]http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/cantabria/estreno-ruta-cork-20180418205419-nt.html] (http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/cantabria/estreno-ruta-cork-20180418205419-nt.html)
Google translate of first couple of paragraphs
Finally, it will not be on April 29, as it was initially said, but on May 3 when the first direct route between the cities of Santander and Cork (Ireland) will start operating, which will be the first and only direct ferry line between the two countries. Last minute delays in the arrival of the ship to the shipyards of Astander (Astillero), where the final touches and tests will be given, have caused those days of difference between the announced and the real premiere.
The details of the line have been known for weeks but this Wednesday, on the occasion of the events for the 40 years of Brittany Ferries in Santander and the opening of the exhibition on this maritime relationship, the local, national and port authorities have given quote to present a route that according to the Minister of Development, Íñigo de la Serna, opens "a new horizon of relations" with Ireland, at a time "especially complicated" in the relationship of the United Kingdom with the EU.
Connemara arrived in Gibraltar this evening.
On the move again heading to Santander.
Arrived in Santandaer earlier today. The work begins now!
Needs a bit more work inside and out I would think, looks like they will need to get out the rollers and put some fresh paint before entering service.
New images on link below
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/11636-cork-to-santander-route-to-launch-in-2018/?page=17
Connemara needs a bit more work than expected, it seems it returned from its charter to Anek in poor condition, it is now in for an unexpected drydock, from what I hear it may not leave drydock until May 5th.
Being taken to drydock
https://youtu.be/uG8yUWMlNLU
Quote from: Steven on April 11, 2018, 06:19:16 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on April 07, 2018, 09:51:10 PM
If passenger demand is high enough you might see Bretagne or Normanide added to the route next year as a nice retirement home once Honfluer comes onstream
Or not. Bretagne would struggle in terms of freight capacity if the route is successful with the code market it is aimed at with less than half that of Asterion/Connemara
Indeed Bretagne would not be a suitable replacement for Connemara, but would be suitable to augment the service to boost passenger capacity which it seems by level of interest is far higher than Brittany Ferries anticipated, as an additional vessel it could operate twice weekly to Santander and once weekly to Roscoff, or depending on demand, three times weekly to Roscoff and once weekly to Santander, a lot will depend on level of demand which at the moment looks to be strong.
Delayed start the first sailing is now estimated to be on the 6th May from Santander to Cork.
Port of Cork website now showing Connemara as due to arrive at Ringaskiddy next Monday 7th May at 15 00
Quote from: ccs on May 02, 2018, 10:41:59 AM
Port of Cork website now showing Connemara as due to arrive at Ringaskiddy next Monday 7th May at 15 00
Interestingly now shows expected at 0700 , http://www.portofcork.ie/index.cfm/page/shippingtimes
BF web site now shows:
Santander - Cork 06/05/18 12:00 - We're sorry to inform you that, due to operational changes, this sailing has been CANCELLED
So first advertised sailing is now Monday 7th ex Cork
On the way has left Santander, next stop Cork.
Some images
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2849825
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2849826
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=2849827
Freshly painted and branded
Connemara currently north west of Brest, France enroute to Cork, she may well arrive before 7am.
Three ferries of the same class all heading to Irish ports at the same time , Connemara , Horizion and Epsilon .
Quote from: Chef on May 06, 2018, 10:50:10 PM
Three ferries of the same class all heading to Irish ports at the same time , Connemara , Horizion and Epsilon .
Just looking at that on Marine Traffic 8)
Arrived in Ringaskiddy, should be on berth by 8.20
Images of arrival in Cork here
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/11636-cork-to-santander-route-to-launch-in-2018/?page=18
(Norwegian Jade in background on first mage)
Quote from: Chef on May 06, 2018, 10:50:10 PM
Three ferries of the same class all heading to Irish ports at the same time , Connemara , Horizion and Epsilon .
Have we reached peak Vissentini?
Quote from: A83 on May 07, 2018, 12:44:55 PM
Quote from: Chef on May 06, 2018, 10:50:10 PM
Three ferries of the same class all heading to Irish ports at the same time , Connemara , Horizion and Epsilon .
Have we reached peak Vissentini?
I traveled on two of them last week , out to Cherbourg on Horizon and back to Dublin on Epsilon .I have always gone on the Pont Aven and i have to say the Vissentini are pretty good, nice and steady and hardly any vibration due to the engine room and accomadation be seperated . Epsilon even arrived an hour early in Dublin due to favorable conditions .
Up early this morning (early for me anyway 8) to catch the Connemara's first arrival. 30+ pics added my Brittany Ferries album here https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8PJNE2 (https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8PJNE2)
Here's a few
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/958/27082105117_f15f836246_b.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/910/27082100947_c6ebd2a6e1_b.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/909/27082006017_86fe2898b5_b.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/975/41232695894_5d7cf4b22e_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/870/41232683664_c728748071_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/960/40143818490_4ffc1c7309_b.jpg)
In between taking a few pics I got a short video of Connemara passing Whitegate and Spit Bank this morning
https://flic.kr/p/26VaQeM (https://flic.kr/p/26VaQeM)
Connemara heading to Brest instead of Roscoff today. Sailing from Brest to Cork tonight
We're sorry to advise that, due to operational changes, the 19:00 sailing from Roscoff to Cork on 08/05/2018 will now depart from the port of Brest. Latest check-in is now 18:15. On arrival at Brest follow signs for BREST PORT and take the Kiel Avenue route to port. Please call + 353 (0) 21 425 3112 for advice & assistance. We apologise for the inconvenience.
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/routes/sailing-updates (http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/routes/sailing-updates)
Quote from: ccs on May 08, 2018, 01:57:41 PM
Connemara heading to Brest instead of Roscoff today. Sailing from Brest to Cork tonight
We're sorry to advise that, due to operational changes, the 19:00 sailing from Roscoff to Cork on 08/05/2018 will now depart from the port of Brest. Latest check-in is now 18:15. On arrival at Brest follow signs for BREST PORT and take the Kiel Avenue route to port. Please call + 353 (0) 21 425 3112 for advice & assistance. We apologise for the inconvenience.
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/routes/sailing-updates (http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/routes/sailing-updates)
Thats very strange, I wonder whats going on there.
Certification issue has caused delay, this was published on the Facebook Ferries site by Steve Tarbox
http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/cantabria/brittany-ferries-confia-20180507185116-nt.html
They hope to be up and running soon.
Left Brest and heading to Cork. Due tomorrow at 8am.
Quote from: giftgrub on May 08, 2018, 09:08:23 PM
Certification issue has caused delay, this was published on the Facebook Ferries site by Steve Tarbox
http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/cantabria/brittany-ferries-confia-20180507185116-nt.html
They hope to be up and running soon.
As far as I know it left Ringaskiddy last night with 200 passengers and 80 vehicles, that would imply it got its cert, the last minute change of port is very strange though, I wonder if there is a problem with unions at Roscoff?.
Quote from: Collision-course on May 08, 2018, 10:19:36 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on May 08, 2018, 09:08:23 PM
Certification issue has caused delay, this was published on the Facebook Ferries site by Steve Tarbox
http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/cantabria/brittany-ferries-confia-20180507185116-nt.html
They hope to be up and running soon.
As far as I know it left Ringaskiddy last night with 200 passengers and 80 vehicles, that would imply it got its cert, the last minute change of port is very strange though, I wonder if there is a problem with unions at Roscoff?.
No idea, will be good to see the service finally underway, going to attempt a visit to Ringaskiddy on Friday after work to see the Connemara before departure for Santander.
Quote from: Collision-course on May 08, 2018, 10:19:36 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on May 08, 2018, 09:08:23 PM
Certification issue has caused delay, this was published on the Facebook Ferries site by Steve Tarbox
http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/cantabria/brittany-ferries-confia-20180507185116-nt.html
They hope to be up and running soon.
As far as I know it left Ringaskiddy last night with 200 passengers and 80 vehicles, that would imply it got its cert, the last minute change of port is very strange though, I wonder if there is a problem with unions at Roscoff?.
It appears that there was union action at Roscoff
http://www.letelegramme.fr/economie/brittany-ferries-premiers-remous-a-l-arrivee-du-connemara-08-05-2018-11952689.php
A good report of the first sailing to Spain:
https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/supercars-and-rugby-fans-ferried-over-to-spain-470467.html
Quote from: Paul Arbuckle on May 10, 2018, 08:58:16 AM
A good report of the first sailing to Spain:
https://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/supercars-and-rugby-fans-ferried-over-to-spain-470467.html
Great find, also very helpful as I saw the McLaren, Bentley and a Lamborghini on Carrs Hill just before 8 in the morning and several people in work thought I had gone nuts when mentioned, so this article is proof they were in Cork. Thank you for the link.
Assuming Connemara has made it to Spain, it has not reappeared on my ais Marine Traffic yet, I will try to see it in Ringaskiddy tomorrow night.
Arrival in Spain
http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/cantabria/primer-desembarco-irlandes-20180510193806-nt.html
From the Echo
http://www.eveningecho.ie/corknews/New-Cork-to-Spain-ferry-completes-its-first-sailing-f2236239-c06a-485b-989a-da1cf2d053a8-ds
She looks very smart. The livery is a big improvement - the LD Lines derived colours on Etretat and Baie de Seine certainly were a departure from the traditional BF standard.
I think the pricing is fairly appalling, especially considering this is a very basic freighter. Connemara is certainly not up to the standard of Stena Mersey / Lagan, yet the pricing is far greater. Likewise BF are charging vastly more than Irish Ferries (Dublin to Cherbourg) on Epsilon or W.B. Yeats (A brand new, state of the art cruise ferry!).
€169 for an inside basic 2 berth economy cabin is more than twice the price of P&O / Irish Ferries.
(€194 + €194 + €169 + €155 = €712 - Without meals, drinks etc....)
Report from Spain say the first sailing had 198 passengers, 94 cars, 17 motorcycles, and 7 freight units onboard (this included a convoy of 20 performance cars taking place in a charity run). However, Port of Cork previously said in an article by the county echo that the sailing was fully booked - intrigued I checked if I could make a booking on Monday, as well as Tuesday, and not only was there space, but a choice of cabins as well (though the outside cabinsand reserved seats had been fully booked).
BF repeat the fully booked claim here: http://www.eveningecho.ie/corknews/New-Cork-to-Spain-ferry-completes-its-first-sailing-f2236239-c06a-485b-989a-da1cf2d053a8-ds
My definition of fully booked would be no space left for any more passenger bookings, I'm not sure what there's is! They will need a big uplift in traffic to meet their expectations in any case as BF have told the Spanish press they are aiming for 20,000 freight units in the first year (and 40,000 passengers). Based on 2 round trips over 52 weeks that's just under 100 freight units per sailing in each direction. As for passengers, I imagine the vast majority will need to be carried over summer as the tourist traffic will fall away after. They certainly can't be accused of being unambitious anyway!
Quote from: TC on May 11, 2018, 10:13:15 PM
She looks very smart. The livery is a big improvement - the LD Lines derived colours on Etretat and Baie de Seine certainly were a departure from the traditional BF standard.
I think the pricing is fairly appalling, especially considering this is a very basic freighter. Connemara is certainly not up to the standard of Stena Mersey / Lagan, yet the pricing is far greater. Likewise BF are charging vastly more than Irish Ferries (Dublin to Cherbourg) on Epsilon or W.B. Yeats (A brand new, state of the art cruise ferry!).
€169 for an inside basic 2 berth economy cabin is more than twice the price of P&O / Irish Ferries.
(€194 + €194 + €169 + €155 = €712 - Without meals, drinks etc....)
If those are fares for Spain then you aren't comparing like for like. The pricing does seem a little on the high end though, but I suppose it's a niche market they are tapping into and it is a 27-29 hour long journey. Even so it's a new service and perhaps enticing people on with low fares could get the ball rolling.
They are probably more worried about year-round freight I imagine, something that will be a real challenge to build up (especially if reliability due to weather or tech problems becomes an issue).
While unsurprising, the union action at Roscoff will be concerning too. What if she gets stuck or delayed there in the future? It will throw out the entire timetable and will probably require a Spain round trip to be cancelled to rectify, something that will p off customers no end!
It's a case of wait and see with this route I suppose. After all, it hasn't even got through its first full week yet.
Quote from: TC on May 11, 2018, 10:13:15 PM
She looks very smart. The livery is a big improvement - the LD Lines derived colours on Etretat and Baie de Seine certainly were a departure from the traditional BF standard.
I think the pricing is fairly appalling, especially considering this is a very basic freighter. Connemara is certainly not up to the standard of Stena Mersey / Lagan, yet the pricing is far greater. Likewise BF are charging vastly more than Irish Ferries (Dublin to Cherbourg) on Epsilon or W.B. Yeats (A brand new, state of the art cruise ferry!).
€169 for an inside basic 2 berth economy cabin is more than twice the price of P&O / Irish Ferries.
(€194 + €194 + €169 + €155 = €712 - Without meals, drinks etc....)
That works out at 1.31 Euro per Nautical mile to Santander . Dublin to Cherbourg with Epsilon would work out at 1.53 Euro plus you would also have to pay for fuel and tolls from Cherbourg to Santander , now factor that in and it looks a lot better .
Quote from: Chef on May 13, 2018, 08:46:13 AM
Quote from: TC on May 11, 2018, 10:13:15 PM
She looks very smart. The livery is a big improvement - the LD Lines derived colours on Etretat and Baie de Seine certainly were a departure from the traditional BF standard.
I think the pricing is fairly appalling, especially considering this is a very basic freighter. Connemara is certainly not up to the standard of Stena Mersey / Lagan, yet the pricing is far greater. Likewise BF are charging vastly more than Irish Ferries (Dublin to Cherbourg) on Epsilon or W.B. Yeats (A brand new, state of the art cruise ferry!).
€169 for an inside basic 2 berth economy cabin is more than twice the price of P&O / Irish Ferries.
(€194 + €194 + €169 + €155 = €712 - Without meals, drinks etc....)
That works out at 1.31 Euro per Nautical mile to Santander . Dublin to Cherbourg with Epsilon would work out at 1.53 Euro plus you would also have to pay for fuel and tolls from Cherbourg to Santander , now factor that in and it looks a lot better .
Good point. However, from a tourist point of view they are always going to be competing with the low-cost airlines to an extent as well (over a day on a ferry versus a few hours on a cheap flight and a hire car). From a freight perspective the potential to pick up and drop off additional loads en-route is lost as well, but then that entails paying a driver of course instead of perhaps sending the trailer unaccompanied. I hope this isn't "discounted" introductory pricing in any case!
Nice review of service to Santander here
https://pamelacahill.com/2018/09/17/brittany-ferries-cork-santander/
Good read.
Quote from: giftgrub on October 03, 2018, 10:55:14 PM
Nice review of service to Santander here
https://pamelacahill.com/2018/09/17/brittany-ferries-cork-santander/
Car deck doesn't look very full for a July sailing anyhow! Hopefully things pick up in tourism terms for the second year. It will be interesting to see how reliability is over winter now, which could make or break the service in terms of freight. Haulage contacts suggest loads have been low in terms of freight for both Connemara's runs, but of course that trade will always take time to build.