An impressive vessel , although the design is strangely fimilar , its not quite the Armorique as she was known in Cork :o
Here she is leaving the builders yards en route to the U.K.
Maybe in the future Fastnet Lines might expand with a suitable ship to provide additional sailings to France and additional night crossings to Swansea from Cork.
nasty isn't it. Wouldn't like to be on the oscar.
Brittany Ferries services resumed
Update - Monday 1st October
We are pleased to announce that industrial action is over and normal services between Ireland and France have resumed.
In a surprise move Cotentin has been advertised for sale , http://www.mondialbroker.com/Finland/Ro-ro%20passenger%20ship/346630?K=SRC
Further good news is that it seems despite its size this new ship will have the lowest operating costs of any ferry operating into Ireland , which I suspect will do wonders for Brittany Ferries pricing for passengers and freight.
I don't know about any of you on here but I am starting to get a bit fed up of these style ships. Who had them now? - Irish Ferries and Celtic l ferries and stena and LD and carnote tourist and dfds and norfolkline and other companies and now Brittany ferries! Who will get one of these style ships next? Probably p&o ferries or someone. Plus I see that Brittany ferries are calling this an ecenomy service. They must be copying Irish ferries idea!
I don't know about any of you on here but I am starting to get a bit fed up of these style ships. Who had them now? - Irish Ferries and Celtic l ferries and stena and LD and carnote tourist and dfds and norfolkline and other companies and now Brittany ferries! Who will get one of these style ships next? Probably p&o ferries or someone. Plus I see that Brittany ferries are calling this an ecenomy service. They must be copying Irish ferries idea!
Interesting , as usual the French are going to great lengths to get around EU state aid rules. Yet if an Irish or British company did similar there would be uproar in France with ports blockaded.
Well I have no objection to the EU supporting European shipbuilding through new technology support , so long as its available to ALL European yards and not just French ones.Stena seem to prefer going the methanol route anyway. I suppose when your network is so spread out the infrastructure investment is disproportionate compared to an operator such as BF with a network concentrated mostly in a single area (Western Channel). Its becoming pretty clear that STX are going to lead the way in LNG + dual fuel given Viking Grace was also an STX (Finland) build.
I am sure Stena Line (or P&O) would be thrilled to receive EU money to build an LNG powered prototype for its Northern Corridor services at H&W ;D
Well I have no objection to the EU supporting European shipbuilding through new technology support , so long as its available to ALL European yards and not just French ones.Stena seem to prefer going the methanol route anyway. I suppose when your network is so spread out the infrastructure investment is disproportionate compared to an operator such as BF with a network concentrated mostly in a single area (Western Channel). Its becoming pretty clear that STX are going to lead the way in LNG + dual fuel given Viking Grace was also an STX (Finland) build.
I am sure Stena Line (or P&O) would be thrilled to receive EU money to build an LNG powered prototype for its Northern Corridor services at H&W ;D
It appears Fjord line refuel daily whilst BF are going to do so weekly. Given that in order to travel the same distance you need twice the volume of LNG (from memory) as fuel oil it will be interesting to see how they accommodate such large tanks while allaying safety concerns (especially regarding potential collisions) given that a spark could turn the ship into a massive bomb! There is also going to be the facility for her to run on conventional fuel as a reserve but interestingly instead of directly driving the propellers from the engines they plan to use a diesel-electric arrangement (I assume similar to that used in trains) which is something I always wondered why nobody had tried before.
Did anybody notice the crew numbers? Mer et Maritime state she will have a crew of 189 accommodated in 200 berths. By comparison Stena Britannnica carries a crew of 85! BF's cost cutting program does't appear to be going too well!
Well I have no objection to the EU supporting European shipbuilding through new technology support , so long as its available to ALL European yards and not just French ones.Stena seem to prefer going the methanol route anyway. I suppose when your network is so spread out the infrastructure investment is disproportionate compared to an operator such as BF with a network concentrated mostly in a single area (Western Channel). Its becoming pretty clear that STX are going to lead the way in LNG + dual fuel given Viking Grace was also an STX (Finland) build.
I am sure Stena Line (or P&O) would be thrilled to receive EU money to build an LNG powered prototype for its Northern Corridor services at H&W ;D
It appears Fjord line refuel daily whilst BF are going to do so weekly. Given that in order to travel the same distance you need twice the volume of LNG (from memory) as fuel oil it will be interesting to see how they accommodate such large tanks while allaying safety concerns (especially regarding potential collisions) given that a spark could turn the ship into a massive bomb! There is also going to be the facility for her to run on conventional fuel as a reserve but interestingly instead of directly driving the propellers from the engines they plan to use a diesel-electric arrangement (I assume similar to that used in trains) which is something I always wondered why nobody had tried before.
Did anybody notice the crew numbers? Mer et Maritime state she will have a crew of 189 accommodated in 200 berths. By comparison Stena Britannnica carries a crew of 85! BF's cost cutting program does't appear to be going too well!
Eh? You mean like almost every modern cruise ship?
Cruise ships have been diesel electric for years now. With main propulsion supplied from big propulsion motors. Instead of say for example the ships have four main engines and four generator engines modern cruise ships will have a lot more generator engines and no main engines.
Brittany Ferries is planning budget weekend crossings between Portsmouth and Santander in northern Spain and weekdays to Le Havre in Normandy from March 25http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/brittany-ferries-launches-no-frills-economie-3145809?
No frills: Brittany Ferries' new 'economie' service
After no-frills flights comes... the no-frills ferry service.
Brittany Ferries is planning budget weekend crossings between Portsmouth and Santander in northern Spain and weekdays to Le Havre in Normandy from March 25.
The service is branded ‘economie’ and will offer low fares minus the usual cruise-style experience on a vessel chartered from Stena Line.
Passengers can still expect decent Gallic grub on board – though with a limited choice – and cabins will all be en-suite, but without carpets.
There will be a lounge where seats can be reserved for overnight crossings and pet-friendly and accessible cabins. Entertainment will be restricted to a film lounge.
One way fares for a car plus two passengers this spring will start at £79 to France and £169 to Spain, including reclining seats.
A Brittany Ferries spokesman said: “We feel that there is an opening for a no-frills, great-value service which will appeal to those who are on a tight budget and may not have even considered travelling by ferry before.
‘’While economie will not provide the same high level of service and facilities with which Brittany Ferries has become associated, it will offer something altogether simpler and with exceptional value.”
The move follows the introduction of a rival service by LD Lines, who launched crossings between Poole and Santander in November.
Bookings will open online at brittanyferries.com/economie in a few weeks, but registrations can now be made on 0871 244 1400
Brittany Ferries 2014 Cork - Roscoff season will commence on March 14th departing Roscoff and 15th March departing Cork , Pont Aven will operate all sailings bar one notable exception , Bretagne will close the season departing 31st October from Roscoff and 1st November from Cork on what will probarbly be Bretagne's final visit to Cork.
Below from www.shipspotting.com MV Bretagne
Why does Brittany Ferries paint their logo on the side of the new vessel and Irish Ferries didn't? Is this because Brittany Ferries have money to throw away?
Why does Brittany Ferries paint their logo on the side of the new vessel and Irish Ferries didn't? Is this because Brittany Ferries have money to throw away?The charter agreement for Epsilon may not allow for a full repaint or full renaming, whereas Stena RoRo have obviously allowed BF to go all out on a repaint and new name. Most people probably don't notice anyway!
Etretat (ex-Norman Voyager) did not get a full repaint , only a funnel repaint (which Epsilon got) and application of the company name on the hull , and the hull logo's are quite small , as can be seen in the picture below from www.shipspotting.comAFAIK it was done alongside at Le Havre as well. At the end of the day, the funnel is the bit people are most likely to see. The hull is usually largely hidden in port and the time it is visible in open sea from the shore will be limited as well. Doesn't sound like they have done much inside to her either.
The 2,474 passenger/800 car LNG fueled ferry ordered by Brittany Ferries from shipbuilder STX France SA will be classed by Bureau Veritas which will also oversee the conversion of three existing Brittany Ferries ROpax vessels to LNG.http://www.marinelog.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=6365:bv-to-class-brittany-ferries-gas-fueled-ropax-newbuild&Itemid=226
A major risk analysis carried out by Bureau Veritas and its Tecnitas subsidiary helped Brittany Ferries reach its decision to switch part of its fleet to gas fuel.
"We are proud to be deeply involved in this major project, not only by performing the required risk analysis for the ships but also together with Brittany Ferries working with the ports they serve on the logistics and bunkering," said Jean Jacques Juenet, passenger ship manager, Bureau Veritas. "With a clear picture of the economics and safety issues and certainty about the fuel supply Brittany Ferries was able to take the crucial decision to adapt to new emission rules by making a full switch to gas power."
The 24.5 knot ship newbuild be one of the largest LNG-powered ROpaxes yet. It will utilize GTT membrane tank technology for the gas containment tanks, allowing a larger capacity and extended period between bunkering operations.
The CEO of STX France has revealed that Brittany Ferries are struggling to raise the required finance for the PEGASIS project, with the deadline looming near. This comes as SNCM appear to no longer be able to proceed with their planned order for LNG ships following a failure to extend their letter of intent, also with STX France. It appears those of us who had doubts about the amounts of money involved and the scale of these projects may have been right to have these doubts.
http://www.saintnazaire-infos.fr/stx-l-etat-tombe-le-masque-la-sncm-ne-pourra-pas-commander-ses-quatre-navires-pour-renouveler-sa-flotte-25-52-2798.html
rittany Ferries: Ordering the new ship can it go down the drain?
06/27/2014
Folder (s): Brittany Ferries STX FRANCE (Chantiers de Saint-Nazaire)
The site of Saint-Nazaire, more concern about the project can not Pegasis cache. This is the largest ship with a propulsion LNG STX France must build for Brittany Ferries ( see our detailed article on the project ). The construction of the "I34", as it is called in the estuary of the Loire, was announced in January and has been a firm order, with delivery scheduled for late 2016. But it depends, as with any contract of this type, the closure of the financial package. However, the period during which the owner must finalize financing of the order expires in the next few days (the deadline is at the end of June). And Brittany Ferries has not raised the necessary funds to launch this investment of € 270 million. Ideally, one could imagine that the site leaves his client a few more months to complete the record. Except that Saint-Nazaire, now there is urgency, the workload of the site is being replenished in recent months, with the order by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd and MSC Cruises three giant liners (for RCCL B34, E34 and F34 for MSC), delivered in 2017, 2018 and 2019. Pegasis The hull must therefore necessarily pass before that of E34, or it will return to its construction later. "We can not wait because in our workload, we just behind (Pegasis) the two vessels to MSC. If Brittany Ferries can not get the funding in place quickly, there will be only two options: either stop the contract or the push of a year, "recognizes the direction of the site.
Funding boats arms Breton
It is the collective interest Agricultural Society of Saint-Pol-de-Leon, who is the project financially. Gathering the producers in northern Finistère, SICA's memory to the origin of the creation in 1972 of Bretagne Angleterre Irlande (BAI), which became the Brittany Ferries on. The Leonards farmers had then had a brilliant idea, driven by Alexis Gourvennec, based maritime armament originally intended to develop the export of their production of vegetables to the British Isles. Very quickly, the company has also developed the segment of passengers, becoming a key player for the transport in France for British holidaymakers. Important economic vector, both at the farm level and in general cargo and tourism, with every conceivable impact on the regions served, Brittany Ferries has long relied on local authorities to expand its fleet. Different companies of mixed economy were created with the regions, Brittany, Normandy and the Pays de la Loire time to buy new ships, properties of SEM and were then leased to the company. A formula that offers the particular advantage to reassure banks, regions representing alone make a guarantee for the repayment of loans when ordering boats.
The absence of the government guarantee and the spectrum of the sulfur directive?
However, in this case, public authorities, whose budgets are very tight today, are not engaged in financing Pegasis. SICA is alone liable to pay the new building, incidentally the most expensive in the history of the company. The lack of public participation and the guarantee that it is from banks, but also access via regional financial engineering very useful for the development of a banking turn table, they prevent Brittany Ferries raise € 270 million? While the company does everything to get Europe within two years to bring its fleet in accordance with the new regulations related to the reduction of sulfur emissions ( see our article on the subject ), applicable on 1 January 2015, it is also conceivable that financial institutions consider the strategy Brittany Ferries as hazardous. Although his arguments are more relevant, immediate transition to LNG propulsion is environmentally better, there is no assurance that the weapons get an exemption, and if this is not the case, it will be in a financial position very delicate. Finally, if the company was unable to raise the necessary funds to Pegasis, how she would be able to obtain the financing necessary to adapt its fleet? For the consolidation of Brittany, Pont Aven and Mont St Michel with LNG propulsion and systems integration wash smoke (scrubber) on Cape Finisterre, Normandy and Barfleur, will require a heavy investment. Certainly it is not as important as Pegasis, but still represents € 130 million to put on the table by spring 2017.
Brittany Ferries refuses to comment
These questions, we have asked Brittany Ferries, who did not wish to answer. Our colleagues are the Telegram, meanwhile, managed to join Jean-Marc Roue. The President of the armament was recognized, there is a ten days (when Brittany Ferries, supported by Shipowners France, has launched a new media offensive for its derogation from Directive sulfur) that the closure of the financial package was "complicated". He however noted that it was often the case, citing for example the acquisition of Cape Finisterre in 2010. But on June 18, the existence of a deadline so close was not known last night and face journalists now perfume, Jean-Marc Roue was not very talkative, "We have no comment to make. We are not here to comment on the remarks made by STX to the press. It is their responsibility, "he was merely responding to the Telegram. As at maturity revealed by the nearby Saint-Nazaire shipyard, are, he says, "information that does not have to be disclosed." Reaction a bit annoyed while STX France is nevertheless equally concerned with the realization of this project or not. Indeed, if Pegasis were to fall overboard or be postponed, it would be a blow to Brittany Ferries. But also to Saint-Nazaire since I34, whose construction should begin by year-end, representing 2.6 million hours of work for the site and its subcontractors. Abandonment or postponement would have a significant impact on the workload in 2015 and 2016. Besides this ferry is a major technological challenge for STX France. Indeed, it is with him that the French manufacturer is embarking on the growth market of LNG powered ship
www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/brittany-ferries-la-commande-du-nouveau-navire-peut-elle-tomber-leau
Its a pity they couldn't do a bit of the old joint effort. P&O wouldn't be a bad partner (much of the P&O fleet is 20+ hence in the next 10 years will need replacing). BF and P&O as ye know were in competition back in the 90s, but with P&O's withdrawal from Portsmouth, and recognition of BF's 'turf', and vice a versa BF recognising P&O's stomping ground, I doubt co-operation would be a negative.Stena have their own ideas to work with. I really like the methanol idea myself and hope it is a success. The Stena fleet may be ageing but its generally well looked after, and the modernisation of Spirit and Vision perhaps indicates they are willing to invest to extend the lives of their existing fleet until a time when the technology is more developed. Much has been made of operators increasing prices to cover additional fuel expense but the additional capital to purchase or upgrade vessels also has to come from somewhere - ticket prices.
All the same, co-operation with Stena for the additional finance / stake in the project, could help bridge the gap. It would be useful for both operators, especially Stena given the age of a lot of vessels (cough... Stena Europe... cough Stena Danica... cough Stena Saga... ect).
Brittany Ferries vessels face time out of service
The Poole-Cherbourg Barfleur ferry will be out of service from mid-March 2015 to mid-May 2015
Six ferries are to be taken out of service at various points over the next three years as part of a £320m improvement programme.
Brittany Ferries said its Normandie, Cap Finistere and Barfleur vessels were to be fitted with exhaust filters in order to reduce sulphur emissions.
Mont St Michel, Armorique and Pont-Aven will be converted to run on liquefied natural gas.
The ships link Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth with Spain and France.
The work to fit "scrubbers" to reduce sulphur emissions will cost between £7m and £10m per ship and is needed to comply with EU regulations.
Brittany Ferries said it had planned the work for quieter periods and advised customers to consider using alternative ports and destinations.
The ferries will be out of service from:
Normandie (Portsmouth-Caen): Mid-October 2014 to end December 2014*
Cap Finistere (Portsmouth-Bilbao/Santander): Mid-January 2015 to mid-March 2015
Barfleur (Poole-Cherbourg): Mid-March 2015 to mid-May 2015
Mont St Michel (Portsmouth-Caen): September 2015 to December 2015
Armorique (Plymouth-Roscoff): January 2016 to May 2016
Pont-Aven (Portsmouth-Santander/Plymouth-Santander/Plymouth-Roscoff/Cork-Roscoff) - November 2016 to March 2017
*The high-speed Normandie Express ferry will operate the Poole-Cherbourg route from 30 April-14
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28832825
Given the DFDS Baltic Fleet, I am dreading the Brittany Ferries future look!!! (shudders)Given Brittany Ferries attention to detail on their ships I would expect to result of their conversions to be easier on the eye than those of DFDS.
Given the DFDS Baltic Fleet, I am dreading the Brittany Ferries future look!!! (shudders)Given Brittany Ferries attention to detail on their ships I would expect to result of their conversions to be easier on the eye than those of DFDS.
According to shippax, BF have now suspended all of their LNG plans. The 3 ships which where to be converted to LNG will now have scrubbers fitted instead.
Thank you. The funnel is absolutely hideous and horrendous; they have ruined a lovely looking ship. Surely there could have been a more aesthetically pleasing way to fit the scrubbers?
Matt
Thank you. The funnel is absolutely hideous and horrendous; they have ruined a lovely looking ship. Surely there could have been a more aesthetically pleasing way to fit the scrubbers?
Matt
It depends on the ship, in comparison, you'd hardly notice the Normandie had work done for example...
(http://www.shipspotting.com/photos/middle/1/6/7/2164761.jpg)
Depends very much on the ship in question, existing emission levels, and the chosen system, etc. Some engine types may need more "correction" than others, and some funnel casings will have more space in them (or the ship will have more space available close by in a less visually offensive location). At least she doesn't look as bad as some of DFDS' efforts though!Thank you. The funnel is absolutely hideous and horrendous; they have ruined a lovely looking ship. Surely there could have been a more aesthetically pleasing way to fit the scrubbers?
Matt
It depends on the ship, in comparison, you'd hardly notice the Normandie had work done for example...
(http://www.shipspotting.com/photos/middle/1/6/7/2164761.jpg)
That's true, Kieran, which begs the question: why couldn't the Pont Aven's work be as, relatively, unobstrusive as the Normandie's?
Nice pic of the Normandie.
Matt
Thanks for these. Great pictures. I have said it before and will do so again, the scrubbers have totally ruined the ship's profile. Such a pity, especially in the light of Steven's comments on another thread.
Matt
Brittany Ferries are to charter a second E-Flexer from Stena, so thats No.s 3 & 6 for Brittany Ferries.
Great pic.
Nothing wrong with the size - it increases when clicked on ;)Great pic.
Thanks, no idea how to post a bigger image, but we got as close as possible to Connemara as we thought safe, ferry looks in good shape from the water anyway.
SPAIN SAILING Gardai and Spanish cops launch crackdown on new ferry route into Ireland being targeted by people traffickers
Extra gardai are being assigned to check vehicles and passports of those arriving in Cork on the Brittany Ferries from Santander
EXCLUSIVE
By Owen Conlon and Ann Mooney
1st July 2018, 8:15 am
GARDAI and Spanish cops have launched a crackdown after learning a new ferry route into Ireland is being targeted by people traffickers.
Extra gardai are being assigned to check vehicles and passports of those arriving in Cork on the Brittany Ferries from Santander.
Meanwhile, officers from the Policia Nacional’s Illegal Immigration Response Brigade (BRIC) are performing similar inspections before departures from the northern Spanish port.
It comes after intelligence indicated the ferry was being viewed as a potential weak link by smugglers of Albanian migrants seeking a back door into the UK through Ireland.
BRIC said it believed an upsurge in trafficker activity at Santander had arrived following the opening of the ferry link to Ireland in early May.
Two Romanian nationals were arrested at the port driving a camper van with nine Albanians wedged into the luggage compartment in recent weeks.
Three other Albanians were also intercepted on a bus trying to pass controls, while two more were found attempting to stow away in the trailer of a Cork-bound lorry.
A senior source in Cork confirmed that gardai and BRIC are in regular contact, adding: “We are currently working with the Spanish authorities and our colleagues in Spain in relation to the illegal immigration issue.
“We have put on additional resources at the port where we are now dealing with four ferry arrivals a week, two from Spain and two from France, a big increase on the previous once a week sailings.”
Last February, gardai arrested six Albanian men who sneaked aboard an Ireland-bound ship in Bilbao when the vessel docked in Fenit, Co Kerry.
https://www.thesun.ie/news/2786646/crackdown-people-traffickers-ferry-ireland/
Not a fleet movement as such but involves the new Ireland to Spain routeFunny enough I noticed an increased presence of various state agencies, and the deployment of canine units and mobile scanners for about 10 days in the run up to that story being printed, I suppose these elements will always try it on with a new route to test its limits.QuoteSPAIN SAILING Gardai and Spanish cops launch crackdown on new ferry route into Ireland being targeted by people traffickers
Extra gardai are being assigned to check vehicles and passports of those arriving in Cork on the Brittany Ferries from Santander
EXCLUSIVE
By Owen Conlon and Ann Mooney
1st July 2018, 8:15 am
GARDAI and Spanish cops have launched a crackdown after learning a new ferry route into Ireland is being targeted by people traffickers.
Extra gardai are being assigned to check vehicles and passports of those arriving in Cork on the Brittany Ferries from Santander.
Meanwhile, officers from the Policia Nacional’s Illegal Immigration Response Brigade (BRIC) are performing similar inspections before departures from the northern Spanish port.
It comes after intelligence indicated the ferry was being viewed as a potential weak link by smugglers of Albanian migrants seeking a back door into the UK through Ireland.
BRIC said it believed an upsurge in trafficker activity at Santander had arrived following the opening of the ferry link to Ireland in early May.
Two Romanian nationals were arrested at the port driving a camper van with nine Albanians wedged into the luggage compartment in recent weeks.
Three other Albanians were also intercepted on a bus trying to pass controls, while two more were found attempting to stow away in the trailer of a Cork-bound lorry.
A senior source in Cork confirmed that gardai and BRIC are in regular contact, adding: “We are currently working with the Spanish authorities and our colleagues in Spain in relation to the illegal immigration issue.
“We have put on additional resources at the port where we are now dealing with four ferry arrivals a week, two from Spain and two from France, a big increase on the previous once a week sailings.”
Last February, gardai arrested six Albanian men who sneaked aboard an Ireland-bound ship in Bilbao when the vessel docked in Fenit, Co Kerry.
https://www.thesun.ie/news/2786646/crackdown-people-traffickers-ferry-ireland/
A passenger was quite shocked when they checked their matress and less than impressed with the crew response. Surely things like this damage the core BF brand?
http://www.toutsweet.net/2018/07/not-the-latest-tracey-emin-but.php
Must have changed the permalink. As GG says, just go to the home page. It’s should still be there :)A passenger was quite shocked when they checked their matress and less than impressed with the crew response. Surely things like this damage the core BF brand?
http://www.toutsweet.net/2018/07/not-the-latest-tracey-emin-but.php
The link doesn't seem to work.
Must have changed the permalink. As GG says, just go to the home page. It’s should still be there :)A passenger was quite shocked when they checked their matress and less than impressed with the crew response. Surely things like this damage the core BF brand?
http://www.toutsweet.net/2018/07/not-the-latest-tracey-emin-but.php
The link doesn't seem to work.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46095038
Further discussion on Brexit impacts.
Interesting times ahead.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46095038Important to put this in context I feel. Christophe Mathieu in particular is publicly very anti-brexit and never misses an opportunity to rant about it on twitter for example. The article notably doesn’t mention that BF have had a problem with people making double bookings and cancelling at the last moment, which they have addressed by requiring a 20% deposit (rather than a flat fee) at the time of booking. That in itself could conceivably put future bookings down on previous years as people are less likely to book two crossings in advance to cancel one at a later date! It’s hard to tell how much of this decline is Brexit related and how much is due to other factors - I suspect BF themselves don’t even really know!
Further discussion on Brexit impacts.
Interesting times ahead.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46095038Important to put this in context I feel. Christophe Mathieu in particular is publicly very anti-brexit and never misses an opportunity to rant about it on twitter for example. The article notably doesn’t mention that BF have had a problem with people making double bookings and cancelling at the last moment, which they have addressed by requiring a 20% deposit (rather than a flat fee) at the time of booking. That in itself could conceivably put future bookings down on previous years as people are less likely to book two crossings in advance to cancel one at a later date! It’s hard to tell how much of this decline is Brexit related and how much is due to other factors - I suspect BF themselves don’t even really know!
Further discussion on Brexit impacts.
Interesting times ahead.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46095038Important to put this in context I feel. Christophe Mathieu in particular is publicly very anti-brexit and never misses an opportunity to rant about it on twitter for example. The article notably doesn’t mention that BF have had a problem with people making double bookings and cancelling at the last moment, which they have addressed by requiring a 20% deposit (rather than a flat fee) at the time of booking. That in itself could conceivably put future bookings down on previous years as people are less likely to book two crossings in advance to cancel one at a later date! It’s hard to tell how much of this decline is Brexit related and how much is due to other factors - I suspect BF themselves don’t even really know!
Further discussion on Brexit impacts.
Interesting times ahead.
Steven, If not Brexit what other factors do you reckon are responsible?
With the introduction of the deposit etc maybe the drop in passengers is only reflecting the true bookings and not an inflated figure due to speculative bookings previously experienced. Judgement is probably best left until this time next year.
The aforementioned increase in deposit and resulting reduction in speculative double bookings is bound to have made an impact for a start - 4% isn’t a big enough number that it couldn’t conceivably not be a result of such a policy. There’s also the fact that BF’s numbers are already in decline on some routes with the Caen route down by 7.4% in 2017 vs 2016 for example (by BF’s own admission). Portsmouth to Cherbourg was down 9% over summer 2018 according to BF’s latest published figures yet other routes were slightly up. I don’t see DFDS or P&O complaining to the press about how brexit is killing their business, nor Eurotunnel for that matter!!! While there may be a bit of a brexit effect I personally feel it’s more likely people are using different travel options (airlines, Dover Strait, Holiday elsewhere than France) and not double booking anymore due to the financial penalty
Is there any slack in Brittany ferries fleet for another Irish rotation given that Irish ferries pulling out of Rosslare.
Would probably be best to keep it simple and put one more rod off Cork than launch a service into Cherbourg or definitely rosslare (given costs of a new port).
With Brexit impact in UK and good numbers supposedly for Santander they may see a great window of opportunity.
Definitely help fill the Monday/Tuesday Connemara which had availability this year given the late release of dates.
Nice pictures, someone in BF needs to get a few cans of white paint !
Nice pictures, someone in BF needs to get a few cans of white paint !The thing is,she is not owned by Brittany Ferries .
Nice pictures, someone in BF needs to get a few cans of white paint !The thing is,she is not owned by Brittany Ferries .
Depends on what the charter agreement says. In any case Brittany Ferries might not be too keen on the idea of spending money they don’t have to on a vessel they don’t own and may decide to dispose of in a year or two.Nice pictures, someone in BF needs to get a few cans of white paint !The thing is,she is not owned by Brittany Ferries .
Don’t think Stena RoRo would object to someone painting and maintaining their vessel,
I am sure it has not escaped someone's eye considering that Brittany Ferries HQ is in Roscoff . The Connemara represents their brand weather or not they own it .In the grand scheme of things I doubt may potential customers even notice!
That could also mean build 777 beginning as soon as Honfleur nears completion and 781 following her in construction.I wouldn't hold your breath on that. Reports from Germany indicate work on the second IF newbuild is behind schedule.
No sailings scheduled for next weekend either on Cork Roscoff. Bit of pain for those scheduling to start holiday of with BH weekend.
Brittany Ferries announced a one charter of a vissenti ship from Stena ro/ro the vessel is believed to be the AF Michela the former Stena Egeria. The charter is from November 2019 to November 2020 and is to provide cover for Pont Aven which will be out of service for 10 weeks due to an engine replacement and "in case FSG do not deliver the Honfleur on time.FSG won't be delivering Honfleur on time as that time has come and gone already! So far as I am aware they have not yet announced a revised delivery date as of yet. The Brittany Ferries press release doesn't exactly inspire confidence mind. All of this means Cork - Spain has got at least 6 months extension from the initial 2-year trial.
Honfleur appears to be suffering the same delays that WB Yeats suffered.Do you mean the pieces don't match up .
Honfleur appears to be suffering the same delays that WB Yeats suffered.
especially the new fuel system.
Whereas the ship is new, the fuel system itself is not and has been around for some time . What IFPete maybe referring to is that it is the first time that FSG have installed such a system .
Brittany Ferries announced a one charter of a vissenti ship from Stena ro/ro the vessel is believed to be the AF Michela the former Stena Egeria. The charter is from November 2019 to November 2020 and is to provide cover for Pont Aven which will be out of service for 10 weeks due to an engine replacement and "in case FSG do not deliver the Honfleur on time.FSG won't be delivering Honfleur on time as that time has come and gone already! So far as I am aware they have not yet announced a revised delivery date as of yet. The Brittany Ferries press release doesn't exactly inspire confidence mind. All of this means Cork - Spain has got at least 6 months extension from the initial 2-year trial.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/new-ship-charter-will-secure-2020-season-schedules-says-brittany-ferries/
Connemara will be replaced by AF Michela and move to the French flag to provide additional redundancy on the core UK to France and Spain routes.
https://www.niferry.co.uk/brittany-ferries-to-replace-cork-to-spain-ferry/
Whereas the ship is new, the fuel system itself is not and has been around for some time . What IFPete maybe referring to is that it is the first time that FSG have installed such a system .
A delay none the less just like Yeats regardless of the reasons .Whereas the ship is new, the fuel system itself is not and has been around for some time . What IFPete maybe referring to is that it is the first time that FSG have installed such a system .
How does that make it the same problem as W.B. YEATS which has a totally different fuel system though?
The main issue with HONFLEUR appears to be down to the fact that suppliers weren't getting paid and that workers have left. TT Tasmania now expect late delivery and are talking to other yards according to reports from Australia. Brittany Ferries are so confident about the delivery of HONFLEUR they have chartered in another vessel (see below)!
WhateverWhereas the ship is new, the fuel system itself is not and has been around for some time . What IFPete maybe referring to is that it is the first time that FSG have installed such a system .A delay none the less just like Yeats regardless of the reasons .Whereas the ship is new, the fuel system itself is not and has been around for some time . What IFPete maybe referring to is that it is the first time that FSG have installed such a system .
How does that make it the same problem as W.B. YEATS which has a totally different fuel system though?
The main issue with HONFLEUR appears to be down to the fact that suppliers weren't getting paid and that workers have left. TT Tasmania now expect late delivery and are talking to other yards according to reports from Australia. Brittany Ferries are so confident about the delivery of HONFLEUR they have chartered in another vessel (see below)!
With her 70 x 4 berth cabins and 'dormitories' she doesn't sound too luxurious! Who knows what BF and RoRo have planned mind but with facilities that total a restaurant, a couple of bars, and a shop there doesn't seem much to do on a 28 hour voyage (except eat and drink)!
I guess TT line are panicing , Irish Ferries are saying nothing.I doubt anyone is panicking. Spirit of Tasmania can keep their existing pretty modern ships running as long as they need to.
FSG have never built a ship to meet the safety requirements of LNG before,This isn't the first ship they've built fuelled by LNG!
The ship looks unoccupied with work progressing on the two Siem ships.
I guess TT line are panicing , Irish Ferries are saying nothing.
Honfleur now delayed until spring 2020 and next three orders will not start without local goverment funding.Problem is, the local government say they can't justify putting more money into the yard having already put in some €400m in recent years with the yard now making more losses than ever (€111m last year alone!). I guess they also have to justify where they are spending peoples taxes (there's also state aid rules as well to stay on the right side of), especially when a lot of the work isn't even taking place in Germany. At least some of the more recent builds have been financed by loans from Siem rather than from the local government. Siem seem to be basically righting off their investment in the yard now though. According to Siem's annual report and accounts the investment by the vehicle led by Lars Windhorst was €33m for 76% of the company (slightly less money for 1% more of the company than reported elsewhere). The next few months look like they will be crucial for the yard.
Nice images, looking good although does not look to be too busy.Alas it appears she hasn’t been. She’s effectively being replaced with a smaller ship in terms of freight as well. Still, the Spain service is young and at least BF have committed to a (brief) extension to the trial.
On this, as posted elsewhere, Brittany Ferries have nothing on sale for Cork after November 4th! Less than 2 months away.Nice images, looking good although does not look to be too busy.Alas it appears she hasn’t been. She’s effectively being replaced with a smaller ship in terms of freight as well. Still, the Spain service is young and at least BF have committed to a (brief) extension to the trial.
just booked return from cork to santander sailing on the kerry...for april 2020 €653 return ...
Cork to Santander sailings til April 2020 now bookable by phone. Online bookings for full 2020 schedule by late October.Interestingly the few sailings past October that were bookable online now aren't! Strange to withhold online booking so close to the actual date but good news they are at least taking telephone bookings now!
https://www.brittanyferries.ie/ferry-routes/2020-sailings-on-sale-now?utm_campaign=506OIRL-4119&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_content=&utm_medium=email (https://www.brittanyferries.ie/ferry-routes/2020-sailings-on-sale-now?utm_campaign=506OIRL-4119&utm_source=emailCampaign&utm_content=&utm_medium=email)
I have a booking going out on Friday 25 th October to Santander and returning on Sunday the 3rd November Santander to cork this return date is no longer advertised on Brittany ferries web site...i rang Brittany ferries and queried this and was told sailing was still going....but looking at last few weeks there track record cork /Santander is not good ...but i hope I’m wrong ...
Why does Brittany ferries serve both Bilbao and Santander
They are only 1hr drive apart, given 24+hr sailings doesn’t make sense to me. And given frequency not that high in surely can’t be capacity?
Brittany Ferries Kerry is on the way to Gibraltar (ais search for AF Michela still) currently off the Italian coast near Bari.I believe the yard at Rijeka was only used for the handover back to Stena RoRo and Northern Marine. In terms of livery I expect it will be basic given she is on a one year charter. There have been suggestions that she isn’t in great condition internally after her stint with Adria, so perhaps some refurbishment might be undertaken. Plenty of time to do so in any case!
Due 13th October presumably for bunkers.
Will be interesting to see what livery has been applied
Previous images of Hoa Sen/ Stena Egeria/ AF Michela
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/search.php?search_imo=9243447
Image of the Kerry in Gibraltar this morning at end of page on link below.Also a couple of images here https://www.niferry.co.uk/latest-brittany-ferries-ship-on-way-santander/ . Clearly they’ve just removed the branding from the hull and funnel and added the Brittany Ferries logo - about all we can expect for a one year charter.
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/12445-bf-charters-a-new-ship/page/2/
New logo and branding have been applied.
Image of the Kerry in Gibraltar this morning at end of page on link below.Also a couple of images here https://www.niferry.co.uk/latest-brittany-ferries-ship-on-way-santander/ . Clearly they’ve just removed the branding from the hull and funnel and added the Brittany Ferries logo - about all we can expect for a one year charter.
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/12445-bf-charters-a-new-ship/page/2/
New logo and branding have been applied.
There are Stena crew already onboard KERRY so probably won't be all of them transferring from CONNEMARA. If KERRY comes into service at the start of November there's still a full 2 weeks from today. Contrary to what I posted earlier there was some additional technical work done at Rijeka. I believe KERRY will run with scrubbers btw, with some work still needed to be done at Santander (though I don't think this will require a dry dock). CONNEMARA is expected to dry dock from the 31st Oct until November 13th (at Santander) according to the guys over at BF Enthusiasts. She had previously been on the schedule until Nov 4th of course.Image of the Kerry in Gibraltar this morning at end of page on link below.Also a couple of images here https://www.niferry.co.uk/latest-brittany-ferries-ship-on-way-santander/ . Clearly they’ve just removed the branding from the hull and funnel and added the Brittany Ferries logo - about all we can expect for a one year charter.
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/12445-bf-charters-a-new-ship/page/2/
New logo and branding have been applied.
Sure looks like that, would imagine it will need to arrive early in Cork as authorities probably want to carry out an inspection before it enters service, Connemara was delayed a few days by this, though assuming crew from Connemara are probably transferring over, might be easier to manage.
Whey would there be Stena crew on board . This is Brittany Ferries operation .
Thank youWhey would there be Stena crew on board . This is Brittany Ferries operation .
I think Steven probably means Northern Marine Management crew. The ship is Stena RoRo owned and crewed by NMM which is a Stena group company.
just got email from Brittany ferries about my return from santander to cork...on 3 rd november connemara will now be replaced by the kerry...
Yes i hope so as well....sailings last few weeks were hit and miss....i believe the online bookings for summer 2020 are open on Wednesday 23/10/19.... I’ll take photos of both ships and upload when home...
Seems they are still having big problems with speculative bookings. People booking multiple trips only to cancel this they don't want at a later date. Its been a big issue for them historically I believe.Yes i hope so as well....sailings last few weeks were hit and miss....i believe the online bookings for summer 2020 are open on Wednesday 23/10/19.... I’ll take photos of both ships and upload when home...
Speaking of 2020 bookings I've booked Cork Roscoff last week out Monday 30th June on Kerry and back Friday 10th July on Pont Aven. There's been a big increase in the deposit. Had to pay 50% non refundable deposit :(
Seems they are still having big problems with speculative bookings. People booking multiple trips only to cancel this they don't want at a later date. Its been a big issue for them historically I believe.Yes i hope so as well....sailings last few weeks were hit and miss....i believe the online bookings for summer 2020 are open on Wednesday 23/10/19.... I’ll take photos of both ships and upload when home...
Speaking of 2020 bookings I've booked Cork Roscoff last week out Monday 30th June on Kerry and back Friday 10th July on Pont Aven. There's been a big increase in the deposit. Had to pay 50% non refundable deposit :(
Just getting into Santander be glad to be getting off !Are you glad to be getting off because of a bad crossing or just the time spent onboard?
Had text & emails fro BF Thursday afternoon to say Pont Aven sailing 1500 Friday (not 2030). Did some quick last minute shopping, and checked out of holiday accommodation early Friday. En route more info from BF to say now sailing even earlier and we did at 1400 French time. Not too bad a crossing as we ran ahead of the storm. A bit bumpy up until midnight, but docked in Ringaskiddy at 0230. We got a good night's sleep as embarkation didn't start until 0800. Home early. Didn't notice until later that those on IF Epsilon not so lucky. She sailed at 1630 Friday but anchored of Sidmouth until 0800 Saturday and not expected Dublin until 0800 on Sunday.
Different approaches to tackling the oncoming storm. What factors drive these decisions and who makes them? The Master of the ship or the company?
This comes following the increase in Coronavirus casesBrittany Ferries confirm immediate changes to ferry schedules from Cork until April 10th
By Gavin O'Callaghan
15:10, 14 MAR 2020
Brittany Ferries has made a number of significant changes to its schedules due to the on-going Coronavirus crisis.
They have announced that all services from Cork to Roscoff and also Roscoff to Cork are cancelled until the 10th of April.
The French government recently confirmed measures steps to protect its citizens. As a company employing all-French crew, Brittany Ferries have prepared for the possibility that many of their crew may not be available to work, either through self-isolation or because they are caring for family members at home.
These changes will be reviewed as the situation alters in the coming days but the company has insisted that all passengers with existing reservations will be offered a full refund. Alternative arrangements will also be made on other Brittany Ferries services where possible and dependant on the traveller in question.
So following her dry-dock in Poland, Pont-Aven will not return to service on Tuesday the 17th of March until at least the 10th of April. Pont-Aven was scheduled to serve Portsmouth, Santander, Plymouth, Roscoff and Cork.
“On behalf of everyone in the company, I would like to apologise for the significant disruption this will cause to many customers,” said Christophe Mathieu, CEO Brittany Ferries.
“However, under the extraordinary circumstances of the current crisis, we have no option but to take decisive action now to respond to the challenges we face. We thank everyone for their understanding at this difficult time.”
Rosslare to Roscoff are still operating to schedule while all services from Rosslare to Bilbao are cancelled until the 9th of April. Brittany Ferries have also informed passengers that their customer services department is set to be under severe pressure so there is likely to be delays in their response to certain queries.
Courtesy: CorkBeo.ie
3. Brittany Ferries’ Kerry service operating between Rosslare and Bilbao will take only freight. The last passenger service will leave Bilbao at 12:00 Sunday 15 March bound for Rosslare. This change applies until at least 9 April 2020.
Monday
Arrive Rosslare 1600
Depart Rosslare 2330
Tuesday
Arrive Roscoff 1530
Depart Roscoff 1900
Wednesday
Arrive Rosslare 0800
Depart Rosslare 1100
Thursday
Arrive Bilbao 1600
Depart Bilbao 1845
Friday
Arrive Rosslare 2130
Depart Rosslare 2330
Saturday
At Sea
Sunday
Arrive Bilbao 0800
Depart Bilbao 1200
While the Brittany Ferries newsroom link you referenced contains the correct schedule changes information, it also contains a link referring customers to view the Sailing Updates which are still incorrect on the website - any typos should have been corrected at this stage. Not all customers of BF might get to view sites like this one and may see the Sailing Updates link on the BF website first rather than the Brittany Ferries Newsroom link! If they want people to refer to their website rather than calling, they should ensure their website is not contradicting itself due to typo errors. The Sailing Updates page was changed - it's just not reflecting the new realities!
I've also noticed in the past when new changes were officially announced such as new routes, you could have a longer time lag between what information is entered in certain panels on the Brittany Ferries websites Vs other areas of their website which must sometimes cause such confusion for those holidaymakers trying to plan an itinerary.
Just noticed that Brittany appear to have removed their dedicated Honfleur site @ destinationhonfleur [dot] com
Just noticed that Brittany appear to have removed their dedicated Honfleur site @ destinationhonfleur [dot] com
Brittany ferries said a couple of weeks ago that they were temporary shutting the site because the ship is not going to be delivered this year due to the shipyard being temporarily closed due to covid-19
Just noticed that Brittany appear to have removed their dedicated Honfleur site @ destinationhonfleur [dot] com
Brittany ferries said a couple of weeks ago that they were temporary shutting the site because the ship is not going to be delivered this year due to the shipyard being temporarily closed due to covid-19
I don't understand what you're saying
Somanor and Brittany Ferries confirm termination of Honfleur shipbuilding contract
Somanor and Brittany Ferries confirm the termination, on 17th June 2020, of the shipbuilding contract for Honfleur, a ferry powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
Somanor SAS (a semi-public company bringing together the Normandy Region, and the Calvados and Manche Departments), and Brittany Ferries have confirmed the termination of the construction contract for Honfleur with the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft (FSG) shipyard.
The vessel has been under construction in Flensburg, Germany, since 2017. Honfleur was originally scheduled to enter service in June 2019, but delivery of the vessel has been postponed several times due to persistent financial problems encountered by the yard's management.
The change of main shareholder in September 2019, with the arrival of Lars Windhorst and the Tennor group, did not allow the yard to return to growth and competitiveness.
With the surprise announcement that the yard was placed under the protection of the Commercial Court in May 2020, and unsuccessful discussions with the current management of FSG and its main creditors, Somanor and Brittany Ferries, the backers of Honfleur, acknowledged that they had lost confidence in the yard's ability to complete the vessel within a reasonable period of time.
Brittany Ferries are to reintroduce the midweek Cork -Roscoff sailings with the Armourique.
Timetable has her departing Roscoff Tuesday afternoon, early arrival in Cork Wednesday, the leaving Cork Wednesday for a Thursday arrival in Cork.
Great to see after the loss of the Spanish route.
Don?t think this starts until 2021
Honfluer would make a great replacement for the epsilon. She has enough lane metres for Dublin - Holyhead in Summer and Dublin - Cherbourg in winter. If you remove the LNG Tanks you could have a deck for trailers or cars.She is not for sale and if she was it would be cost prohibitive to convert her from LNG. As discussed on another forum she does not have sufficient fuel tanks installed to supply the main engines , the main engines would require a conversion as well as you can't just flip a switch and hey presto now running on heavy fuel oil .
She is more compatible with Pembroke Dock than WB in terms of size.
She could be converted to heavy fuel oil with Scrubbers. This is the time to buy at a knock down price.
Don?t think this starts until 2021
Sorry, corrected my post to make that clear.
Honfluer was designed as a pure gas run ferry with electric motors for propulsion , her fueling system was also designed to enable her to be refueled by bringing the LNG onboard in special tanks which are hoisted into position with her own gantry crane and swapping out the empty tanks for full ones . She does not have to berth next to a LNG terminal, just be within a reasonable driving distance from one for the tanks to be replenished , although being next to an LNG terminal would be handy as she can refuel directly from that as well . So if their is a ferry port in Ireland with an LNG tank terminal close by she could be considered, if and when she is completed .
Few pics of Pont Aven arriving in Cork earlier today
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50125513387_9c31369603_c.jpg)
Somehow forgot how awful that funnel looked on her.
Brittany Ferries are opening a new route from Rosslare to Cherbourg beginning on March 22nd using Etretat. Looks like its replacing the Rosslare-Roscoff service.Plus Etretat will be operating the Rosslare to Bilbao service as well .
Based on the Irish Times report today 23 July, it would seem that Brittany Ferries are anticipating a strong switch from landbridge to direct Ireland-continent services post -Brexit.
This would make sense as it is quite likely that Dover and kent are going to be a physical and bureaucratic chaos zone for trucks come January 2021.
There is no other explanation for Brittany embarking on one of the most significant - and welcome - expansion in their services in their history in Ireland
Not sure if the mid-week Rosslare to Roscoff service announced earlier this year has been axed with Cork to Roscoff midweek sailings recommencing next season.
Brittany Ferries are opening a new route from Rosslare to Cherbourg beginning on March 22nd using Etretat. Looks like its replacing the Rosslare-Roscoff service.
Not sure if the mid-week Rosslare to Roscoff service announced earlier this year has been axed with Cork to Roscoff midweek sailings recommencing next season.
Roscoff is being moved to Rosslare at the request for freight hauliers:Brittany Ferries are opening a new route from Rosslare to Cherbourg beginning on March 22nd using Etretat. Looks like its replacing the Rosslare-Roscoff service.
Kerry's charter ends at the end of October and Connemara's charter ends in November
Kerry's charter ends at the end of October and Connemara's charter ends in November
Any idea when the chartered E-flexer from Stena is due and how she will slot in and affect the rosters? Given that Honfleur will not be arriving has this altered the original plan for deployments?
It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own herAny details on that , links or is it speculation .
It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own herAny details on that , links or is it speculation .
What becomes of the ship then if and when it's completed .It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own herAny details on that , links or is it speculation .
A friend who works in the ferry industry told me that the other day.
It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own herAny details on that , links or is it speculation .
Thanks for the info , that gives a clearer picture of the situation .It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own herAny details on that , links or is it speculation .
Came across this:
https://www.niferry.co.uk/fsg-sells-cancelled-ferry-honfleur/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/fsg-sells-cancelled-ferry-honfleur/)