The new Armorique has completed berthing trials at Plymouth and is on its way to Breast for trials via Roscoff.
The Normandie and the Bretagne are both at Gdansk , Poland for refit , the Bretagne of course was the one time Cork - Roscoff ship.
The Armorique is due to enter service tomorow (Feb 10th) from Roscoff at 1500 , and from Plymouth at 2200.
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.
QuoteAn 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.
I don't think anything could come close to the graceful lines of the orgional Armourique. The new vessel has a very odd stern that I amn't so sure I like...
This design would'nt be my favorite either , however it bears nore than a passing resembelance to the Isle of Innismore.
By strange coincidence this was recently sold on E-Bay.
The Bretagne undergoing refit at Gdansk
Bring back the Zig-zag stripes!
I believe she's getting quite a going over during this refit , including a FULL internal refit , I think they call it a midlife extension upgrade or something similar.
Work is being done at Remontowa yards in Gdansk , Poland.
The Cork - Roscoff service will resume on 3rd april and run every saturday until 31st october 2009, the Pont Aven will do the honours again this year.
Below the Pont Aven arriving in Ringaskiddy for the very first time in 2004.
And manouvering into the berth for the first time.
And I had to throw this one in , the brand new Pont Aven passing the Val De Loire in Plymouth.
Brittany Ferries has expressed an interest in aquireing Seafrance , LD lines is also said to be interested although BF are said to be the prefered buyer , BF would also gain a substantial foothold on the Dover - Calias route .
Below the Seafrance Moliere aquired last year , formerly Superfast X
Brittany Ferries are now the sole interesetd party in the takeover bid for SeaFrance , the BF proposals include re-activating the recently decommissioned SeaFrance Cezanne and returning the Dover - Calis service to a four ship operation and a possibility of introduceing new tonnage to the route possibly as early as next year.
Brittany Ferries proposes to take a 75% stake in Seafrance while state owned SNCF would retain a 25% shareholding , however this is conditional on SNCF injecting a 10 million Euro investment in Seafrance.
The Pont Aven has had its operating schedule altered for the 2009 season and will now operate Cork - Roscoff - Porthsmouth - Santander , and Plymouth will no longer be served.
Brittany Ferries says the move will allow them to offer the fastest travel time between the UK and Spain.
Bolow the Pont Aven arrives in Porthsmouth from www.shipspotting.com
In a surprise move Brittany Ferries will take the Armorique out of service on november 7th for lay up after only 9 months in service , it will be replaced on the Plymouth - Roscoff service by the Bretagne which will also operate Plymouth - Santander once a week with the Cotentin operating the route twice a week.
The Pont Aven will replace the Bretagne on the Portsmouth - St Malo service.
I wonder which ship will be operating into Cork next year?
While not offically confirmed by Brittany Ferries it is believed that this season will be the last time the Pont Aven will operate into Cork.
It is expected that the Bretagne will operate the Cork - Roscoff service in 2010 , again this came from a VERY reliable source but has yet to be confirmed by Brittany Ferries.
Cork-Roscoff has BF's highest load factor per sailing, so unless the Bretagne makes more than one trip a week, I can't see it happening...
This used to be true , however figures for this year on the Cork - Roscoff show a decrease of approx 20% in traffic over last year , this is inspite of a 4% increase in Ireland - France traffic , the person I spoke to also mentioned that Irish Ferries Rosslare - France traffic was also down slightly and puts the increase down to competition from LD Lines and Celtic Ferries.
It seems that Brittany Ferries sees this trend continuing at least in the short term.
The fact that Brittany Ferries are increasing Freight capacity and decreasing passenger capacity on its UK - Spain service is also a reflection on current traffic levels on that route.
The Armorique being laid up so far is still a complete mystery.
An additional mid-week service would be a great addition and help reverse the trend of decreasing car /passanger traffic. For us this year for example 6 nights in France was too short and 13 days too long, we wanted 9 / 10 days. We chose Fly / Drive to get to La Rochelle.
There must be similar stories from visitors from mainland Europe.
Better packaging/networking of accomodation & ferry crossings would also assist in regaining ground lost to the airlines.
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.
With Irish Ferries, LD and Celtic ferries there is NO shortage of capacity to the East / Southeast of the country.
Quote
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.
I have heard it mentioned, but Fastnet Lines priority is Swansea Cork, any expansion is something like 5 years down the line according to the presentations that were run...
Eckero Line may very well be open to the sale
of M/S Norlandia!!! (strangley familiar)
There is significant over capacity on the Helsinki to Tallin run and overnight cabins are not required for the current schedule.
The Cork Roscoff route would benefit so much from the provision of an additional mid-week sailing.
The future of the Cork - Roscoff service lies very much with Brittany Ferries at the moment , so its a case of wait to see what they will do as they have said nothing yet.
While Fastnet Line may expand in the future (something I myself would like to see) for the moment getting the Cork - Swansea service bedded down is the top priority and all resources and efforts are being applied there , while potential future expansion may be as much as 5 years away , if the Cork - Swansea exceeds expectations (which it may well do) it may well come sooner , but I myself would'nt see it happening until 2012 at the earliest (but I would'nt mind being proven wrong on that).
Nothing in terms of expansion has been discussed at an offical level at Fastnet Line so far , but who knows what the future holds , Fastnet Line is commited to Cork and its future prosperity so as has been demonstrated so far , anything is possible.
I myself also feel that it is the 1 sailing per week timetable that is dragging down the passenger numbers on the Cork - Roscoff in that the timetable offers no flexability and unless you can structure your travel arrangements into one week modules based on Saturday sailings then the service is of no use to you.
The ideal timetable would have 3 sailings per week , an example would be depatrures from Cork on monday , wednesday and saturday in the peak and wednesday and saturday off peak using smaller well fitted out ships (Bretagne size) , this would offer enough flexability to encourage growth on the route.
As I have said the final decision on this lies with Brittany Ferries , and it must be kept in mind that Brittany Ferries has always been good to Cork so lets wait to see what they come up with , and while I am saddened to loose the Pont Aven from Cork at least the service is not being cancelled which they could just as easily have done.
The Pont L'Abbe has been chartered to Mediteranian operator Moby on a 3 year lease , Moby has the option to buy the Pont L'Abbe as part of the contract terms , it is expected to enter service in the Mediteranian in December.
It seems that the Cork - Roscoff service will be operated by Pont Aven in 2010 after all.
The former Superfast V is to be named Cap Finistere and is expected in service in march to release the Cotentin from the Santander service.
Cotentin will then move to the Poole - Cherbourg service as a replacement for the Barfleur which will be withdrawn pending disposal in Febuary , Armorique will operate the service until Cotentin arrives.
Brittany Ferries are also said to be in discussions with Aker shipyards about the building of a new ship for the Portsmouth - Cean service , the project is currently dubbed Mont St Michel 2
Below , Rendering of the Cap Finistere from www.passengerships.fr
From www.shipspotting.com , the Cap Finistere getting the Brittany Ferries treatment at Dunkerque.
Barfleur is officially for sale also (it was initially though she would be chartered)...
Cap Finistere has finished being Brittany Ferriesised and will enter service shortly.
Pic below is Cap Finistere entering Cherbourg from www.shipspotting.com
She looks very well....
Normandie Express is at Burgess Marine at Portsmouth to have a crankshaft replaced , it is expected back is service on May 9th.
Picture below from www.shipspotting.com
Further to above it turns out that Normandie Express in fact needed an entire engine replaced.
Cotentin has re-entered service following its refit at Breast , it carries a slightly revised livery.
Due to severe weather at Cherbourg , Cotentin switched route to Poole - Cean , she has also berthed for the first time at Ouistreham.
Below from www.shipspotting.com Cotentin
The Barfleur is expected to return to service with Brittany Ferries at the end of febuary when it takes up the Poole - Cherbourg service , it is thought this move is to allow Cotentin to focus on the UK - Spain routes.
Below from www.shipspotting.com , the Barfleur
As noted elsewhere Brittany Ferries has placed an order for a new generation Eco-Ferry.
Barfluer has again been offered for sale , however the ship remains in service at least in the short term.
The one from the golden memories..... "Armorique"
1976-1994
The Pont Aven is sailing from Brest tonight due to industrial action by BF staff in Roscoff.
Strike has forced Brittany Ferries have suspended all sailings until further notice - statement here (http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/routes/sailing-updates).
The berth at Roscoff is occupied by the Armorique, so Oscar Wilde diverted to Cherbourg too...
nasty isn't it. Wouldn't like to be on the oscar.
Quotenasty isn't it. Wouldn't like to be on the oscar.
Happens when you travel (!), but BF are usually slow to cancel the Irish sailing due to the lack of alternatives.
Sounds like Irish Ferries made the decision before Oscar left Rosslare (not en route). She was late docking last week as the Armorique was on the berth.
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/article/7630/press-release-24-09-2012
A number of meetings involving the management and French crew unions have taken place throughout the weekend in Roscoff where Brittany Ferries head office is located. These talks have been constructive, with proposals being put forward by both sides. As yet, no agreement has been reached which will enable the company to resume services which therefore remain suspended, except the Poole-Cherbourg passenger service, which is operated on Brittany Ferries' behalf by Condor Ferries.
Passengers are being asked not to attempt to contact the company by telephone but to visit the website www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/routes/sailing-updates for the latest information.
Because of this indefinite stoppage Brittany Ferries is recommending customers to travel to Dover where they currently have special arrangements in place with P&O Ferries and MyFerryLink to accept Brittany Ferries tickets. A full refund will, of course, be given for the unused Brittany Ferries crossings. Brittany Ferries staff are at Dover and Calais to assist passengers.
Brittany Ferries very much regrets the effect that the disruption is having on its
customers and would like to reassure everyone that the management is working hard to reach a swift end to the dispute.
Dispute resolved
QuoteBrittany 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.
From http://www.brittanyferries.ie/ferry-routes/sailing-updates
In a surprise move Cotentin has been advertised for sale , http://www.mondialbroker.com/Finland/Ro-ro%20passenger%20ship/346630?K=SRC
QuoteIn a surprise move Cotentin has been advertised for sale , http://www.mondialbroker.com/Finland/Ro-ro%20passenger%20ship/346630?K=SRC
That's a bit unexpected....though the Bretagne or Normandie would be gone first, her freight sailings were doing well from what I understand.
The Contentin was going into lay up in March 2013 anyway, I suppose if they are able to get a good price, better to have the money. Also possible to convert to full ropax like the Armorique (a near sister) so it is a vessel that should sell quickly.
it is not a new add it have being there since november and contenti have being circulated on many sites for sale
emship
Not previously mentioned is that Pont Aven recommenced the Cork - Roscoff service on March 23rd with advance bookings up 12% on 2012 and the possibility of a sell out season looking likely (might be time they looked again at adding another departure during the week).
Below from www.shipspotting.com a rare evening view of Pont Aven at Ringaskiddy in 2004.
An additional run with a Ro-Pax perhaps?
Well ideally Armorique could squeeze in a mid-week run from Roscoff to Cork , failing that a mid-week run to St Malo with Bretagne could be popular.
Brittany Ferries have ordered a new Pegasis class ferry and are going to convert the Pont Aven, Mont St Michele and Armorique to LNG !!!!
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/10571371/Brittany-Ferries-to-run-gas-powered-vessel.html
http://www.passengerships.fr/actualiteacutes.html
http://www.ouest-france.fr/saint-nazaire-la-brittany-ferries-confirme-stx-sa-commande-dun-ferry-nouvelle-generation-1850600
http://www.letelegramme.fr/ig/generales/regions/bretagne/brittany-ferries-un-nouveau-navire-et-l-ensemble-de-la-flotte-au-gaz-naturel-liquide-14-01-2014-2367878.php
A most impressive vessel , great to finally see it ordered , of course this means that Cork will be saying goodbye to the Pont Aven at the end of 2016 , but what a replacement we are getting instead , as things stand she will be the worlds biggest LNG powered car ferry.
This also explains the new double deck berth to be built at at Ringaskiddy.
It also seems the Bretagne will be leaving the Brittany Ferries fleet in 2017.
I think the Pont Aven is going to St Malo. This is great news for Brittany Ferries, but obviously this is response to the IMO Regulations.
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.
QuoteFurther 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.
While it may have the lowest operating costs of any vessel in Northern Europe it still has to pay back the £225 Million Sterling / €270 Million Euro / $368 Million Dollars depending on your currency that is a big sum of money in anyone's book regardless of grant funding, loan structuring etc, plus the cost of re engineering the other three ferries is not going to be cheap. I would not expect a price war that soon.
True she is expensive , but I imagine Brittany Ferries will depriciate her over 20 years like their other ships , the re-engineering of their other ships will be expensive , but again there will be fuel cost savings from it.
Where the new ship needs to be watched is her capacity , she has a lot of lanemeters for a ship her size , in terms of capacity she has 7 times more vehicle space than Viking Grace , and over twice that of Oscar Wilde.
I note from the latest images of the new Pegasis that there have been a number of changes made to the design particularly towards the stern compared with images first released 2 years ago.
Below recent image from Brittany Ferries
Big news from BF today as they have announced the charter of the Norman Voyager from Stena Ro Ro for a new BF Economy service. The Norman Voyagers current charter to LD/DFDS ends in March.
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/press-office/blog/41230/07-02-2014---Brittany-Ferries-starts-new-no-frills-service-Brittany-Ferries-economie-from-Portsmouth-to-Le-Havre-and-Santander?page=1
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/economie
We are pleased to announce a new no-frills service called Brittany Ferries économie which will operate from Portsmouth to both Santander and Le Havre. The service is ideal for those of you who wish to travel to France or Spain at a very reasonable fare without either the cruise-style experience we provide on our other ships or the speed afforded by Normandie Express.
Convenient sailing schedule
There will be a weekend service between Portsmouth and Santander and five return crossings between Portsmouth and Le Havre, one of which will be freight-only. The no-frills, great-value feature will appeal to those on a tight budget.
On board service and facilities
On board, our customers can expect good quality French catering in the small self-service restaurant, but with a limited choice. There is a small bar, movie lounge and lounge area. As with all our ships the service will be operated by Brittany Ferries' bilingual French crew and officers.
The cabins will all have en-suite facilities, but without carpets, and there will be a lounge where seats can be reserved on overnight crossings. Pet owners will welcome the 12 pet-friendly cabins to Spain. There will be two specially equipped cabins for disabled passengers.
Cycles and motorcycles are welcome on both routes but foot passengers will only be accepted on the route to and from Le Havre.
Launching soon
We plan to open for sale in the next few weeks. The first sailing will be on Tuesday 25th March from Portsmouth to Le Havre.
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!
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on February 08, 2014, 12:59:56 AM
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 am fairly sure the ship yard (and the likes of Stena, LD, and ICG) would disagree with you strongly there, it's a class of ship that has proven very versatile at a time the market is seriously short tonnage.
Economy service is a massive change of direction for Brittany Ferries, they always prided them selves on service, hopefully it's not the direction they plan to take with the fleet in the future.
Like the new look for the forum :). This is a very interesting development and I can't wait to hear more.
The rumours on the Dover Forum were that the Norman Voyager is to be renamed Etretat and the implications of this on DFDS will be interesting to see.
As for the type of vessel, well Viscentini have made a name for themselves with these Ro-Pax vessels, as they are best ships to serve the ferry industry at the moment, which is why they are so successful.
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on February 08, 2014, 12:59:56 AM
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 wouldn't doubt seeing more of them to be honest as they appear to be an operators dream. They have very low running costs, high freight capacity, adequate passenger accommodation (especially on the Stena Lagan/Mersey where they are almost like mini-Superfasts), high reliability, etc. I believe there is also scope for them to be expanded as well and they seem very flexible - for example Stena operate Flavia on the Travemunde-Ventspils (a 22 hour crossing) whereas IF can operate Cartour Epsilon between Dublin and Holyhead (I assume economically). If there ever is an Ireland to Spain service chances are it will be one of these (or similar type) operating it. The days of the cruise ferry are over - with escalating fuel costs, budget airlines and the abolition of duty free, onboard services simply don't pay their way like they used to (Just look at what happened to Scandinavian Seaways who as DFDS can't get enough of the ropax). The industry has changed unrecognisably since the first ro-ro's which only carried cars and mostly railway passengers, nowadays ro-ro services are freight services primarily (with a few exceptions) which carry passengers as a bonus.
A further evolution was planned of the NAOS/Visentini design but AFAIK this has been shelved due to the financial crisis. Personally I prefer the Stena Lagan/Mersey to the Stena Superfast which is very high praise indeed (though this is mostly due to the fact there are less people on board!). In the configuration as they left the Donada yard they are very utilitarian regarding passenger accommodation but with a bit of investment can be quite comfortable indeed.
RE: BF going downmarket, I see this as BF Truckline under another name tbh.
I agree with Steven that the new BF service is essentially Truckline in all but name; I nearly fell off my chair when I read the tweet about the new service. Good for them and they are clearly determined to ensure that the Western Channel is their domain!
With the advent of the new LNG ship and the conversion to LNG of Mont St Michelle, Pont Aven and Amorique, what will become of the Normandie? It seems that Bretagne will be phased out when the newbuild arrives.
Matt
Unless there is a change in market conditions Bretagne is probably headed for a beach somewhere TBH. Hard to see where she could go. Personally I hope DFDS stay and fight rather than doing a P&O and pulling out. DFDS must be taking business off BF for them to go to the lengths to charter another ship and start a no frills operation to match them (rather than lower their fares in the first place - the current BF lowest fare to Caen is twice that of DFDS's to Le Havre!)
Thanks for that Steven. Re the Caen route, how is business going there for Brittany Ferries there these days? I recall reading last year that loadings were down, when comparied to the Spanish routes. Caen really transformerd their fortunes back in the mid-80s and I have always found it ironic that the terminal at Ouistreham was first offered to Townsend Thoresen, who arrogantly turned it down because it took an hour longer to get from Portsmouth; those who took that decision must have rued the day given what has happened since.
Matt
The Norman Voyager is to be renamed Etretat when it joins the Brittany Ferries Economie fleet.
Image and details of the service now on the website.
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/economie
The following has been compiled from a number of sources (including discussion forums) and so shouldn't be taken as "gospel"
Regarding the Brittany Ferries PEGASIS order, it appears that the finance may not be in place for work to begin before 2015. More interestingly, there is also some talk that not only will the new ship not be owned by Brittany Ferries (surprise, surprise) but by Sica de St Pol de Leon one of the vegetable producing cooperatives which helped found Brittany Ferries, but it will also be partially funded by the French state (an initial figure of EUR 30M is floating about plus EU aid to STX to develop the technology for the vessel - neither of these amounts are capped it would seem) who will also be loaning cash (in the form of repayable advances) to build the ship. Additionally it would also appear that the investment in converting some of the rest of the BF fleet is not actually being paid for by BF, but at least partially by the EU who are also funding the research into providing refueling restructure at Roscoff and Santander. Most interestingly to me is that the technology to build the ship does not appear to currently exist and that many technical challenges still need to be overcome. What is clear though is that when the process is finished STX France (ironically a Korean company) will be a technological leader in LNG propulsion and will have gained that knowledge at least partially through EU subsidy and will it seems be free to charge others for the use of that technology.
Some sources
http://www.greenport.com/news101/marine-civils/lng/eu-grant-for-analysing-lng-potential
http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/gros-plan-sur-le-futur-navire-de-brittany-ferries
Ferries of Northern Europe Yahoo group
BFEnthusiasts Forum.
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.
Quote from: Collision-course on February 18, 2014, 01:43:47 AM
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.
Exactly what I was thinking - didn't see the EU searching for ways to fund our shipyards through new technology investment! Of course, not much of the above is official but there is a familiar "smell" to it all.
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.
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
Quote from: Collision-course on February 18, 2014, 02:52:48 AM
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.
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
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.
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!
Brittany Ferries always have high crew compliments on their vessels , its part of their 5 star service ethos , although this will most likely not carry over to their new economy service.
I believe a lot of the problems with LNG have been overcome , I read somewhere that Viking Grace's fuel has an additive in it that should the LNG come into contact with air it will turn into an inert gas , the main issue that is still to be refined is the high pressure storage tanks , while the fuel in the tanks will become harmless in the event the tank is breached , the explosive decompression from a tank breach is still to be overcome.
Quote from: Steven on February 18, 2014, 02:47:50 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on February 18, 2014, 02:52:48 AM
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.
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
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.
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.
Quote from: MAKman on February 18, 2014, 08:08:49 PM
Quote from: Steven on February 18, 2014, 02:47:50 PM
Quote from: Collision-course on February 18, 2014, 02:52:48 AM
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.
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
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.
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.
I was referring to ferries though. Are you aware of any other large diesel-electric ferries, I certainly cant think of any (but could be wrong, though I think there are some examples of smaller passenger ferries)? Part of me can see this becoming Brittany Ferries HSS.
The daily mirror published an article about economie last week. The way its worded you would think Brittany Ferries invented few frills ferry travel (rather than doing the opposite all these years"
QuoteBrittany Ferries is planning budget weekend crossings between Portsmouth and Santander in northern Spain and weekdays to Le Havre in Normandy from March 25
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
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/travel/brittany-ferries-launches-no-frills-economie-3145809?
No carpets in the cabins? Does that mean wooden floors then? ;) :D
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
Quote from: Collision-course on March 03, 2014, 01:45:53 AM
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
Must try and get on that final Bretagne sailing. A really great vessel.
BTW the sailings seem to have been pushed back a week according to http://www.brittanyferries.ie/ferry-routes/ireland-france-ferries/cork-roscoff/timetable (http://www.brittanyferries.ie/ferry-routes/ireland-france-ferries/cork-roscoff/timetable)The Cork- Roscoff season doesn;t start til March 21st departing Roscoff and 22nd March departing Cork
The timetable change is strange , I wonder is there a problem with Pont Aven , it has yet to return from overhaul and Armorique is still operating Pont Avens schedule , what a time for something like that happen though , Brittany Ferries will not only miss St Patricks Festival , but the cancelled sailings coincide with the closure of airports and an Aer Lingus strike , talk about bad timing.
Pont Aven has a damaged rudder and is in Dunkerque for repairs
Apparently damgaged the rudder by hitting a linkspan in port, D'OH!
Pont Aven has a rudder motor failure and nothing to do with hitting anything docking related.
Apparently this is an image of the rudder shaft being worked on
https://imageshack.com/i/0n4m3aj
Images of the Pont Aven Dunkerque here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/toussolidairesavecbrittanyferries/
Armorique is covering at the moment, interesting image of it with the front bottom windows plated over for the rougher crossings on the Bay of Biscay.
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=1987265
The Norman Voyager is supposed to be handed over to Brittany Ferries from tonight, one would expect it to proceed to drydock for a hull repaint and renaming as Etretat.
It is still on the DFDS booking engine though the Seven Sisters is in LeHarve to take up the sailings from the Voyager.
Sailings are due to commence on March 25th
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/economie
The former Norman Voyager is being repainted in LeHarve but not in drydock, here are some images of the new Etretat
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=275361799306305&set=pcb.275363099306175&type=1&permPage=1
Pont Aven is fixed and in Cherbourg getting ready to begin service again.
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?
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on March 14, 2014, 09:52:08 PM
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?
Have you considered stand-up. Brittany ferries dont have money to throw away, maybe they think their new ship will be in the fleet long-term, whereas Irish Ferries are, rumoured, to only have Epsilon short term.
Quote from: Oscar Wilde on March 14, 2014, 09:52:08 PM
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.com
Quote from: Collision-course on March 16, 2014, 02:29:03 PM
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.com
AFAIK 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.
QuoteThe 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.
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.
http://www.marinelog.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=6365:bv-to-class-brittany-ferries-gas-fueled-ropax-newbuild&Itemid=226
The Pont Aven made its return to Ringaskiddy yesterday, some information on the crossing here:
http://forums.bfenthusiasts.com/showthread.php?t=12517
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
Quote from: Steven on July 01, 2014, 01:11:09 AM
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
Some more on this. It would appear that the deadline has now passed. I understand that STX France have a very full schedule and the ship would have needed to have been confirmed by the end of June in order to be completed in time for the next build to commence - she was sandwiched in between two other orders. This Google translation isnt great but you can get the gist of whats being said.
Quoterittany 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.
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).
Quote from: TC on July 02, 2014, 11:46:23 PM
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.
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).
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.
I have read that BF are to ask STX for another few weeks but given its already a tight schedule and some of the technology has yet to be developed its far from certain wether that would be possible. Personally I think spending such a large sum on a single vessel with unproven technology is madness. The French government will probably be under pressure to step in but I'm not sure what they can do without giving illegal state aid. BF have been rather gung-ho in their approach to MARPOL IMO, though should be commended for taking decisive action rather than dithering.
By the time PEGASIS is built (if it is built) she could be outdated now the incentive is there for new technology to reduce emissions to be developed. The infrastructure isnt even in place (or secured) to support such a vessel either as of yet. For example there has been a lot of development in internal combustion engine technology over recent years. Who would have thought 20 years ago a family car could be powered by a 0.9l petrol engine? Or a double decker bus by a 5l diesel engine even 5 years ago (when 7l was considered too small by some). The incentive for manufacturers to develop such technology was due to emissions legislation and the need to reduce fuel consumption, - the same incentive the marine industry is now facing. There's also further opportunity to optimise hull forms and the like to reduce drag and hence fuel consumption and consequently emissions. There's also bound to be technology which can crossover form the aeronautical and space industries to further increase efficiencies.
QuoteBrittany 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
Any idea where the work will be carried out? I'm guessing Poland or France.
Remontowa in Gdansk would be my guess , but only a guess.
I think I read STX France where doing some of the work somewhere, though could be wrong. Remontowa would have been my guess as well though, especially given they have expertise in this field as well. Still can't help feeling that a lot of money is being potentially wasted on a largely unproven technology in this application.
Given the DFDS Baltic Fleet, I am dreading the Brittany Ferries future look!!! (shudders)
Quote from: mrwtho07 on September 04, 2014, 11:08:27 PM
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.
Looks like PEGASIS could be dead, with 2018 likely to be the delivery year IF finance is in place by the end of this year!
http://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/stx-france-le-projet-de-brittany-ferries-suspendu
Quote from: Collision-course on September 06, 2014, 09:55:38 PM
Quote from: mrwtho07 on September 04, 2014, 11:08:27 PM
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.
Well I sincerely hope you are right.
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.
Quote from: Steven on October 13, 2014, 03:51:19 PM
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.
posted on
http://bfenthusiasts.com/forum/forum/brittany-ferries-forums/the-news-board/7625-the-cost-of-changing-fuel-from-2015-scrubbers-gnl-conversions/page15
From BF themselves, always thought the planned spend was ludicrous for retrofitting LNG to the fleet, would assume project Pegasis will not happen either for quite a long time, hopefully they will get the scrubbers a bit more integrated than DFDS have managed so far.....
Double penalty forces Brittany Ferries to suspend its LNG plans
Ferry operator Brittany Ferries has been forced to suspend its plans to upgrade much of its fleet to operate on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). At the beginning of 2014, the company committed itself to an ecological transition plan in response to new regulations relating to sulphur emissions which will come into effect on 1st January 2015.
The plan included the installation of scrubbers (gas filters) on three ships, and the conversion of three newer ships to allow them to operate on LNG. It also included the construction of an LNG cruise-ferry.
However, the preconditions enabling the plan to be financially viable have not been met.
Brittany Ferries has worked tirelessly over recent years to convince governments of the desperate need for a temporary exemption from the new rules, contained within the revised MARPOL Annex VI.
However, with the January deadline fast approaching, it appears unlikely that such an exemption will be granted. This is despite Brittany Ferries ambitious plan going above and beyond what is required by the new rules, thanks to its reliance on LNG, which exceeds requirements concerning emissions of sulphur, CO2, nitrous oxide and particulate emissions.
The company is simply unable to bear the costs of the double penalty that would be incurred by this programme.
Jean Marc Roué, Brittany Ferries chairman commented, It is impossible for us to commit to an ecological transition plan which requires such a high level of investment, when, due to the absence of a temporary exemption, we will also incur hefty additional annual costs amounting to tens of millions of euros, due to us being obliged to use diesel instead of heavy fuel oil until our ships have been converted.
We have worked tirelessly for a temporary exemption but these efforts have sadly been in vain. Without it, the economic viability of our LNG programme is in jeopardy. It is my duty to protect the company and its staff at a time when the European ferry industry is confronting numerous challenges.
All of our partners who have worked with us on this project have demonstrated the technical feasibility and the environmental benefits of this pioneering, futuristic technology. However I have taken the decision to suspend the LNG component of our ecological transition plan. Its a decision I take with much regret and disappointment.
Despite these difficulties, the company is still undertaking a wide-ranging, albeit less ambitious transition plan, which will meet or exceed what the requirements of the new rules. The scheme includes the installation of scrubbers on the three ships which it had planned to convert to operate on LNG, and represents an investment of 70-80 million euros.
Bretagne due in Cork at 11.30 Saturday for the last sailing this year on Cork Roscoff. Departing again at 14.30
Few pics from Bretagne arriving in Cork yesterday
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5604/15688909595_3126a46400_c.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15690517712_32d6acbdb0_c.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7523/15688906965_3a929fe4e0_c.jpg)
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15690514502_4d8c70e60f_c.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7509/15665189106_e8784ffbd9_c.jpg)
Few more here https://www.flickr.com/photos/yiddo2009/sets/72157648681376158/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yiddo2009/sets/72157648681376158/)
Great images, looks very impressive for one of the oldest in their fleet, very well looked after. Thanks for posting.
Nice work! First 2 look great!
Some images of the Normandie currently being refitted with the addition of Scrubbbers on the following link:
http://www.pinterest.com/brittanyferries/a-normandie-make-over/
hopefully the new funnel will not be too hideous !
Pont Aven arrived on time at 9.30am this morning in Ringaskiddy from Roscoff. Pics https://www.flickr.com/photos/yiddo2009/sets/72157651035482037/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yiddo2009/sets/72157651035482037/)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8732/16891230422_5596aace26_z.jpg)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8752/16704790118_3864be3cb5_c.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7585/16866503866_25c4fd70d7_c.jpg)
Not previously mentioned here , the vessel that inaugurated the Cork - Roscoff service MV Armorique (not to be confused with the current Armorique) while operating as Mustikha Kencana II was destroyed by fire and sank while operating the Surabaya - Makassar route in 2011 , shame as it was a beautiful classic car ferry , but I suppose would have hit the beech by now anyway had it not been lost at sea.
Pont Aven still out of service following propeller shaft problem.
http://www.brittanyferries.ie/ferry-routes/sailing-updates
Pont-Aven sailings to and from Cork/Roscoff this weekend cancelled.
Pont Aven back on the Roscoff/Cork run again. Few pics of her arriving in Cork harbour this morning. Still can't get used to the funnel :'(
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7799/27037694140_cf05a4567f_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7440/27215596162_c36892585b_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7289/27279584246_30ed0f63c8_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7331/27312775575_94c3a72668_c.jpg)
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
Quote from: Matt73 on May 31, 2016, 10:26:36 PM
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)
Quote from: Kieran on May 31, 2016, 10:53:51 PM
Quote from: Matt73 on May 31, 2016, 10:26:36 PM
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
Quote from: Matt73 on June 01, 2016, 06:03:47 PM
Quote from: Kieran on May 31, 2016, 10:53:51 PM
Quote from: Matt73 on May 31, 2016, 10:26:36 PM
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
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!
Brittnay Ferries new build to launch spring 2019 on Ouistreham to Portsmouth route?
http://www.letelegramme.fr/bretagne/mer/brittany-ferries-un-12e-navire-en-projet-24-10-2016-11267692.php?share_auth=4f72d3b1cfe19529d8d7fc6749e1faac#closePopUp (http://www.letelegramme.fr/bretagne/mer/brittany-ferries-un-12e-navire-en-projet-24-10-2016-11267692.php?share_auth=4f72d3b1cfe19529d8d7fc6749e1faac#closePopUp)
(http://www.letelegramme.fr/images/2016/10/24/brittany-ferries-un-12e-navire-en-projet_3144189_540x354p.JPG)
Few pics of Pont Aven departing on the first Cork-Roscoff sailing of the year this afternoon
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/788/41141680401_30cd561767_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/868/26269678847_4aecc0c3c4_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/784/40429698394_90fc203149_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/794/41097806292_df0b8cc5b6_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/875/41097742242_bd7e8b6961_c.jpg)
Some more here https://www.flickr.com/photos/yiddo2009/albums/72157651035482037 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/yiddo2009/albums/72157651035482037) on my Brittany Ferries Flckr page.
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
I agree both it and Monte Saint Micheal have been ruined due to size of scrubber intallation.
Quote from: Matt73 on April 03, 2018, 06:09:38 PM
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
I have to say I'm still as shocked at how bad they look now as I was the first time I saw them.
Brittany Ferries are to charter a second E-Flexer from Stena, so thats No.s 3 & 6 for Brittany Ferries.
Quote from: Collision-course on May 25, 2018, 12:13:04 AM
Brittany Ferries are to charter a second E-Flexer from Stena, so thats No.s 3 & 6 for Brittany Ferries.
The full press release as shared at https://www.niferry.co.uk/pr-brittany-ferries-new-ferries-spanish-routes/
Released on behalf of Brittany Ferries, 25th May 2018
Brittany Ferries has today confirmed the charter of two brand new cruise-ferries to serve its long-haul UK to Spain routes. Both ships will be built at the Avic International Weihai shipyard in China, with the first arriving in time for the 2021 holiday season.
The latest investment underlines the company's commitment to Portsmouth and to its Spanish routes. It comes after work began this spring on a brand new LNG (liquefied natural gas) cruise ferry called Honfleur to serve its most popular Portsmouth – Caen crossing. Like Honfleur, which arrives in 2019, both ships announced today will be registered under the French flag and will be crewed by French seafarers.
Together the three ships will spearhead a wide-ranging, five-year fleet-renewal and modernisation programme worth around £400m.
Portsmouth is Brittany Ferries' UK hub and will serve as the base for both ships. Upon arrival they will cater for an ever-increasing demand for long-haul ferry travel to Spain. In 2017 the company operated 844 sailings on routes from Portsmouth, Poole and Plymouth to Santander (Cantabria) and Bilbao (Basque Country), carrying 331,000 passengers and 150,000 cars. That was around 80 per cent more than ten years earlier.
"Spain is by far the most popular foreign destination for UK holidaymakers, and we have seen significant growth in demand," said Jean-Marc Roué, Brittany Ferries' president. "Post-Brexit, we expect this to continue and today's announcement is a clear statement of intent. As well as passenger traffic, we believe that an increase in freight capacity will open the door to more hauliers seeking direct access between Britain and the Iberian peninsula."
Last year, Brittany Ferries carried around 40,000 freight units from UK to Spain. Lorry drivers are able to relax as the sea takes the strain, reducing fuel costs, tolls and road pollution that comes from driving long-haul through France.
Measuring 42,400 tonnes and 215 metres long, the new vessels will be the longest in Brittany Ferries' fleet. If Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower were laid on its side, each would outstretch it by 45 metres. These impressive dimensions will allow them to carry almost two miles of freight vehicles apiece.
The new ships are being chartered from Swedish shipping company Stena RoRo, as part of its new generation of state-of-the-art 'E-Flexer' vessels. Both will be gas-ready and promise a combination of luxury and Spanish style. "These ships will be like twins," added Catherine Querné, Brittany Ferries strategy director. "Outwardly, they will have the same dimensions and shape, but they will be dressed very differently. And of course each will have its own unique personality."
There will be plenty for passengers on board. Three spacious passenger decks will host boutiques, a café, restaurant, bar and an exclusive club lounge. Around 300 en-suite cabins will cater for approximately 1,000 passengers and many will be adapted for customers with disabilities, as well as those travelling with their pet dog or cat (Brittany Ferries carries around 70,000 annually).
Elegant décor will ensure everyone feels in the holiday mood as soon as they step on board. Brittany Ferries will be working with Spanish interior designers to give the ships a stylish, modern feel and feel, evoking the golden coasts, verdant landscapes and vibrant towns of España Verde (Green Spain) on the northern coastline.
Today's announcement follows the launch of the first ever direct ferry service linking Ireland with Spain in April. Brittany Ferries' CONNEMARA (external link) made its first call into Santander from Cork on 9 May 2018. The year 2018 also marks 40 years of continuous services linking Britain with the Iberian Peninsula. Since 1978 more than 5.5 million passengers have enjoyed Spain without the 'plane thanks to Brittany Ferries.
Artists rendering of Brittany Ferries' HONFLEUR. © Brittany Ferries.
Technical specifications:
Length 214.5m
Breadth 27.8m
Draught 6.4m
Tonnage 42,400
Service Speed 22 knots
Decks 10
Passengers 1,000
Passenger cabins Around 300 plus 36 for freight drivers
About Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries is a passenger car and freight service operating from eleven ports, linking four countries: UK – France, UK – Spain, Ireland – France and Ireland – Spain. The company was set up by a collective of French farmers as a freight-only operator, running from Roscoff in Brittany to Plymouth with the first crossing taking place on 1 January 1973, the date the United Kingdom joined the EEC (forerunner to the EU).
The aim then was to bring French agricultural products to a wider British market. However, the service quickly developed into an operation carrying hundreds of thousands of British tourists, eager to experience the delights of Brittany and Normandy. Today Brittany Ferries is the market leader on the Western Channel for passengers and for freight. It is also a leading supplier of ferry-inclusive motoring holidays to France and Spain
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-invests-in-two-new-cruise-ferries-for-long-haul-spanish-routes/
Just in case anyone missed it on the timetable, MV Bretagne will operate the Cork Roscoff service on November 02 (Roscoff)and 03 (Cork) this year, given that the winter timetable is yet to be announced it may or may not be Bretagne's only appearance in Cork this year.
In an article in the French press it has been stated that BAI are looking at ordering a fourth new build - a replacement for BRETAGNE. No order before next year though.
Almost 50 pics of Connemara departing Ringaskiddy today bound for Santander added to https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8PJNE2 (https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8PJNE2)
Here's a few
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1828/28053563727_a91ddefd56_b.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1807/28053529687_0d35bc54b2_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1804/41112246560_1f4b5ff478_b.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/875/42021274585_6d04ab2c05_b.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/879/42873393702_39a83576a6_b.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1809/29049982538_f796634df7_b.jpg)
Please see the competition from P&O.
Out and about in Cork harbour on Friday evening and managed to get up close with the Connemara.
Picture attached with the Vemahonesty alongside bunkering.
Great pic.
Quote from: ccs on June 26, 2018, 11:06:05 PM
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.
Quote from: giftgrub on June 29, 2018, 11:45:05 PM
Quote from: ccs on June 26, 2018, 11:06:05 PM
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.
Nothing wrong with the size - it increases when clicked on ;)
Not a fleet movement as such but involves the new Ireland to Spain route
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/
Quote from: Steven on July 03, 2018, 07:42:56 AM
Not a fleet movement as such but involves the new Ireland to Spain route
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/
Funny 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.
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
Quote from: Steven on July 30, 2018, 12:55:54 AM
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.
Try
http://www.toutsweet.net/
Quote from: Matt73 on July 30, 2018, 07:39:20 PM
Quote from: Steven on July 30, 2018, 12:55:54 AM
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 :)
Quote from: Steven on July 30, 2018, 08:25:35 PM
Quote from: Matt73 on July 30, 2018, 07:39:20 PM
Quote from: Steven on July 30, 2018, 12:55:54 AM
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 :)
Thanks! Found it and it's absolutely disgusting. I would want a full refund. As you say, very damaging to the brand, not to mention the mattress!
Matt
Few photos of Connemara departing Cork harbour for Santander today
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1798/30183925088_51a4689016_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1793/30183918418_751dc0d20f_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1797/43145650905_6e92780a4f_b.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1813/43145601925_53064825f4_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1819/44051558701_28f6d98514_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1816/43333013774_d63687b154_c.jpg)
Looks fairly empty :-[
Yes, seems to be plenty of space free on the deck space we can see, could still be jammed below decks.
A nice report on this thread on boards.ie
https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057830820&page=29
Bretagne made here first visit to Cork in 4 years covering the last trip from Roscoff for this year. Here's a few pics of her arriving earlier
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1912/44971405174_f3f9a62bc1_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4861/44781951375_857aeb1c85_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4874/45696339481_b4f472c76d_c.jpg)
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1937/43878246570_a9b2337028_c.jpg)
Great images, a rare visitor to these shores.
Thanks for posting.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46095038
Further discussion on Brexit impacts.
Interesting times ahead.
Quote from: Cladyman on November 05, 2018, 01:06:37 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46095038
Further discussion on Brexit impacts.
Interesting times ahead.
Indeed so. I'm booked to go on the Cap F from Portsmouth to Bilbao in May. Couldn't give a stuff about Brexit!
Matt
Quote from: Cladyman on November 05, 2018, 01:06:37 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46095038
Further discussion on Brexit impacts.
Interesting times ahead.
Important 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!
Quote from: Steven on November 05, 2018, 04:47:07 PM
Quote from: Cladyman on November 05, 2018, 01:06:37 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46095038
Further discussion on Brexit impacts.
Interesting times ahead.
Important 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!
Steven, If not Brexit what other factors do you reckon are responsible?
Quote from: Bikermate on November 08, 2018, 12:43:05 AM
Quote from: Steven on November 05, 2018, 04:47:07 PM
Quote from: Cladyman on November 05, 2018, 01:06:37 PM
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-46095038
Further discussion on Brexit impacts.
Interesting times ahead.
Important 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!
Steven, If not Brexit what other factors do you reckon are responsible?
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
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
[/quote]
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.
With Brexit there is also the possibility, as Stenaline have stated, of relocating ships to other more direct routes from Ireland to France and Spain.
Quote from: Bikermate on November 10, 2018, 09:27:02 AM
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
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.
With Brexit there is also the possibility, as Stenaline have stated, of relocating ships to other more direct routes from Ireland to France and Spain.
[/quote]
Important to note Stena have said it's a possibility but that it's not something they intend to do at present.
P&O are reporting they've had a really strong summer and a good 2018 so far with record breaking passenger numbers on the Calais route in August, while Brittany Ferries appear to be down. Of course that's this year not next, but it seems Brittany Ferries are losing business to the competition which could also help explain why forward bookings are down. Or people may genuinely be being more cautious - it's impossible to say but there's definitely more than just Brexit at play.
https://www.eveningecho.ie/corknews/New-winter-ferry-between-Cork-and-Spain-will-allow-hauliers-bypass-UK-over-Brexit-fears-46cfa450-95c9-45a0-96f2-5871beecde96-ds
Some info on updated winter timetable. Definitely after freight giving both sailings ex Ireland are now 2 nights on the boat!
Hopefully they are getting necessary traction.
This won't work in summer to get the roscoe sailing in there
New build Honfleur is due to be launched on Friday leaving space a bit tight on the quayside at FSG.
A look inside the Honfleur top deck midsection in this article.
https://www.portalmorski.pl/stocznie-statki/41242-nadbudowka-z-gdanskich-firm-trafi-na-nowy-prom-brittany-ferries
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.
Tomorrow's sailing of the Connemara has been cancelled,
Cork to Santander - Santander to Cork
Due to technical problems the Connemara sailing on Wednesday 2nd January at 11:00 has been cancelled.
For assistance with your travel arrangements please call 00 353 21 4277801 on Wednesday morning from 09:00. We apologise for the inconvenience this cancellation will cause.
Strangely the Connemara left Ringaskiddy for Santander this evening, not from the ferry birth but was on the container ship berth. So has sailed empty to Spain.
Connemara still in Santander with sailing cancelled for technical reasons.
(Not technical enough to prevent it sailing empty to Santander though)
Quote from: Cladyman on December 18, 2018, 07:56:18 PM
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.
Any slack is surely going to go towards fulfilling the UK government contract in the event of a no deal, which is the only scenario which an extra sailing would probably be worth there while anyway. Irish Ferries expect most of their business to follow them to Dublin after all.
Statement from Brittany Ferries regarding FSG says Honfleur will not be delivered on time and that all passengers bookings are being transferred to Normandie copy of statement here.
https://seanews.co.uk/news/brittany-ferries-statement-on-fsg-honfleur-en-fr/
BF are taking a third E-Flexer from Stena RoRo.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-confirms-fourth-new-cruise-ferry-post-brexit/?fbclid=IwAR2S10L1ICqEaidsyNkKC4sRdyaFCwF7i3eT7FDF_AJ9lzXpJhGGcS4SgXk
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/12246-bf-confirms-fourth-new-ferry-third-e-flexer/
Interesting debate as regards how this will impact Irish routes.
IF has opened a door they have ships and time to recover will be interesting to see if they do!
Not sure this new addition is for Ireland, LNG fueled so could mean first one which is gas ready could be used from Ireland.
More info posted here
https://www.niferry.co.uk/brittany-ferries-announce-order-for-an-additional-stena-e-flexer-ferry/?fbclid=IwAR30m3VGRA9o8cQMnH4BiO8vNsEqGRXRziVEPDh4RlLzEXHTCyrSfHLPqyM
Onboard report from Connemara Cork to Roscoff
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/12280-cork-to-roscoff-onboard-connemara/
Few pics of Connemara at Roscoff on Tuesday last 16th April
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46933850184_4210ee026d_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46933856914_21764e4a3c_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47605098142_28cc52df60_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47657855021_44b5b2fc0b_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32715311067_034c26b549_c.jpg)
Nice pictures, someone in BF needs to get a few cans of white paint !
Quote from: giftgrub on April 21, 2019, 01:06:40 PM
Nice pictures, someone in BF needs to get a few cans of white paint !
My beffer half would be of the same opinion as the Connemara came into view she said "That ships looks a bit scruffy" ;D
Quote from: giftgrub on April 21, 2019, 01:06:40 PM
Nice pictures, someone in BF needs to get a few cans of white paint !
The thing is,she is not owned by Brittany Ferries .
The Brand is important, even epsilon looks well on the outside
Quote from: Chef on April 22, 2019, 10:11:29 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on April 21, 2019, 01:06:40 PM
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,
The crew are not Brittany Ferries employees either , so probably the reason for the not so Brittany Ferries standard of hull maintenance .
True, crew provided by Northern Marine as far as I know. Pity they don't have time to care for the ships appearance.
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 .
Quote from: giftgrub on April 22, 2019, 11:02:08 AM
Quote from: Chef on April 22, 2019, 10:11:29 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on April 21, 2019, 01:06:40 PM
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,
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.
Quote from: Chef on April 23, 2019, 04:05:27 PM
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!
Article from ferry shipping news re FSG and Honfleur:
"All Hands On Deck For HONFLEUR
As part of the process to reorganise the Flensburg-based shipyard, FSG has been in negotiations with customers and suppliers since the beginning of the year. Several measures have been implemented in order to successfully achieve this target.
The ro-pax ferry for Brittany Ferries is in the process of intensive outfitting. For optimal progress of this vessel –HONFLEUR–, it was necessary to postpone the start of the production of newbuilding no. 781, the eighth ro-ro vessel for Siem.
This has led to a partial and temporary underemployment in one part of the production. For this reason, the Company's management and Works Council have agreed to apply to the Labour Employment Agency for short-time work in this area.
The application has already been submitted. The effects on the affected area are being kept to a minimum. The majority of the affected employees will be able to bridge this period either by reducing overtime hours previously worked or will be temporarily employed in other areas of production."
This could lead to knock on delays which could affect the start of construcion of hull 777 .
That could also mean build 777 beginning as soon as Honfleur nears completion and 781 following her in construction.
Pont Aven has left Brest ready to return to service, couple of changes to schedule, main one being Portsmouth sailings now depart from Plymouth to shorten the crossing distance as service speed is reduced due to operational reasons of only three engines available.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/pont-aven-will-resume-service-on-14-may/
Quote from: IFPete on May 04, 2019, 01:44:27 PM
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.
It looks like all the focus is on completing Honfleur as soon as they can to avoid penalties.
Pont Aven off the schedule again and heading back to Brest ( rudder problem ) Armorique for Cork again this weekend .
Pont Aven still off service
https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/1500-passengers-hit-as-ferry-sailings-cancelled-926422.html (https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/1500-passengers-hit-as-ferry-sailings-cancelled-926422.html)
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/Travel-chief-says-passengers-must-be-looked-after-following-ferry-cancellations-db327c9f-2938-4a68-bc9a-1bd361e765e7-ds (https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/Travel-chief-says-passengers-must-be-looked-after-following-ferry-cancellations-db327c9f-2938-4a68-bc9a-1bd361e765e7-ds)
No sailings scheduled for next weekend either on Cork Roscoff. Bit of pain for those scheduling to start holiday of with BH weekend.
Quote from: Cladyman on May 24, 2019, 10:13:45 PM
No sailings scheduled for next weekend either on Cork Roscoff. Bit of pain for those scheduling to start holiday of with BH weekend.
Is the Conamera doing an extra Roscoff run?
Connemara doing two runs this weekend (Cork-Roscoff). We were due on Pont Aven on Friday and offer first trip home (1800 Saturday arr. 0600 Sunday). Took a refund and travel Irish Ferries on the boat we vowed never to travel after IF's abandonment of Rosslare.
Looks like squeezing in 3 back to back returns to make up for the lost Pont Aven and it's own sailing to Santander (guessing they give customers this option)
Today's sailing due to land at 2am and if they are to hit the 10pm Monday night Ex Cork would need to leave by 6am
Pont Aven off service til 14th June
(https://www.independent.ie/life/travel/travel-news/6500-customers-disrupted-as-brittany-ferries-cancels-irish-sailings-38159820.html)
We were due on Cork-Roscoff on 8 June and were offered Connemara either 2230 on 7/6 or 0830 on 9/6. Neither suited and we were lucky to get on W B Yeats on 10/6. This is our second cancellation with Brittany in as many weeks.
I just posted on Discussion Board about this.
Affecting people In Ireland and France at the moment.
Pont Aven has left Brest this morning and heading for Roscoff.
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.
Quote from: ferryfan on June 21, 2019, 11:59:45 AM
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/
Honfleur appears to be suffering the same delays that WB Yeats suffered.
Quote from: IFPete on June 21, 2019, 09:06:31 PM
Honfleur appears to be suffering the same delays that WB Yeats suffered.
Do you mean the pieces don't match up .
especially the new fuel system.
Quote from: IFPete on June 21, 2019, 09:06:31 PM
Honfleur appears to be suffering the same delays that WB Yeats suffered.
Quote from: IFPete on June 22, 2019, 11:46:05 AM
especially the new fuel system.
Her fuel system is totally different!
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 .
Quote from: Chef on June 23, 2019, 12:19:53 PM
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)!
Quote from: Steven on June 21, 2019, 03:41:21 PM
Quote from: ferryfan on June 21, 2019, 11:59:45 AM
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/
AF MICHELA is of course the much troubled former HOA SEN which was discussed on this very forum a few years back after she was acquired by Stena
https://www.irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/forum/the-news-board/stena-line-fleet-movements/1322/
Thankfully the Stena RoRo refit (more of a rebuild) appears to have been thorough with no reoccurrence of the previous structural problems. Although she has a passenger certificate for 1000 from memory she only has about 400 berths.
Quote from: Chef on June 23, 2019, 12:19:53 PM
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 .
Quote from: Steven on June 23, 2019, 10:24:12 PM
Quote from: Chef on June 23, 2019, 12:19:53 PM
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)!
A delay none the less just like Yeats regardless of the reasons .
Quote from: Chef on June 24, 2019, 06:42:42 AM
Quote from: Chef on June 23, 2019, 12:19:53 PM
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 .
Quote from: Steven on June 23, 2019, 10:24:12 PM
Quote from: Chef on June 23, 2019, 12:19:53 PM
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)!
A delay none the less just like Yeats regardless of the reasons .
Whatever
Moving on, it appears AF MICHELA's current passenger certificate is only for 350 (according to RINA) despite the claim of 1000 on the Adria Ferries site.
https://www.adriaferries.com/en/navi-5/af-michela-en-en.html
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)!
FSG have never built a ship to meet the safety requirements of LNG before,
The ship looks unoccupied with work progressing on the two Siem ships.
I guess TT line are panicing , Irish Ferries are saying nothing.
Quote from: Steven on June 25, 2019, 02:19:27 AM
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)!
Sleep? ;D
Quote from: IFPete on June 26, 2019, 06:56:34 PM
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.
My guess they will wait for the ferries to come in 2022 or beyond.
Honfleur now delayed until spring 2020 and next three orders will not start without local goverment funding.
"Brittany Ferries has today confirmed names for its next ships. Kerry will be the name for the one-year charter vessel arriving in November 2019. As previously announced, this ship will cover the Cork to Santander route from November 2019 to November 2020".
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-names-new-ships-and-promises-significant-co2-savings-from-fleet-renewal-plans/ (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-names-new-ships-and-promises-significant-co2-savings-from-fleet-renewal-plans/)
Quote from: IFPete on June 26, 2019, 06:56:34 PM
FSG have never built a ship to meet the safety requirements of LNG before,
The ship looks unoccupied with work progressing on the two Siem ships.
I guess TT line are panicing , Irish Ferries are saying nothing.
This isn't the first ship they've built fuelled by LNG!
TT Line Pty are already known to be speaking to other yards. I doubt Irish Ferries would have much chance of getting a vessel to that specification at that price elsewhere. Timeline for delivery has already slipped to "late 2020"
Quote from: IFPete on June 29, 2019, 11:00:12 AM
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.
Work on HONFLEUR has been progressing according to a friend who was at the yard a few days ago. Just because you can't see anyone doesn't mean something isn't being done!
Few pics of Connemara arriving in Cork harbour earlier this evening
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48553788162_b0e8d38604_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48553776857_010f897bda_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48553756107_ae70a6456a_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48553587786_673bab1a7b_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48553723042_70cd3b2188_b.jpg)
Nice images, looking good although does not look to be too busy.
Quote from: giftgrub on August 16, 2019, 09:59:48 PM
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.
Connemara sailings cancelled this weekend and currently up at Marino Point, with Tug Gerry O'Sullivan in attendance. Would have been stunning images passing Passage West with a ferry of that size, would not fancy being the pilot in the river without full power available !
Few from earlier this evening of Connemara alongside at Marino Point
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48738849001_8940138dea_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48739018032_1ea8cafacb_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48738843566_74ce4d0aae_c.jpg)
Thanks for getting the images, just looks so strange to see the Connemara so far upriver, ( I know that's a deep water berth) but strange setting to see a modern ferry berthed at.
Quote from: Steven on August 26, 2019, 01:58:02 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on August 16, 2019, 09:59:48 PM
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.
Cork to Santander sailings til April 2020 now bookable by phone. Online bookings for full 2020 schedule by late October.
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)
just booked return from .. cork to santander ..car +2+cabin...sailing on the kerry...for april easter week ... 2020.. €653 return ...
Quote from: 12345teacher on October 02, 2019, 04:26:16 PM
just booked return from cork to santander sailing on the kerry...for april 2020 €653 return ...
Good news, AF Michela (former Stena Egeria) is currently being refitted to become Kerry in Rijeka, berthed alongside (is the former Dublin -Holyhead ferry Stena Forwarder) the AF Claudia.
Images of the Kerry in its previous lives
http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/search.php?search_imo=9243447
Quote from: ccs on October 02, 2019, 03:18:49 PM
Cork to Santander sailings til April 2020 now bookable by phone. Online bookings for full 2020 schedule by late October.
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)
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!
Is the Michela (Kerry) a bit of a backyard step for the route, she is an older smaller ship with less capacity in lane metres and less cabins.
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 ...
Quote from: 12345teacher on October 04, 2019, 06:06:34 PM
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 ...
It's odd but that sailing was previously on the online booking engine but was pulled off. They are taking bookings for it over the phone though. Perhaps when the U.K. summer timetable is launched in the middle of this month they will add Cork past the end of October back to the online booking engine.
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?
Quote from: Cladyman on October 06, 2019, 01:31:27 PM
Why does Brittany ferries serve both Bilbao and Santander
They are only 1hr drive apart, given 24+hr sailings doesnt make sense to me. And given frequency not that high in surely cant be capacity?
Brittany Ferries really only took on Bilbao because of P&O's decision to return the Pride of Bilbao to Irish Ferries, whom they had chartered her from since the very early 1990s. P&O put their decision down to running costs associated with their Bilbao - Portsmouth service. I imagine that translated as (i) fuel costs / efficiency, & (ii) low freight capacity of the vessel.
The P&O service did prove highly popular, so Brittany Ferries simply moved in with the Cap Finistere.
Brittany Ferries Kerry is on the way to Gibraltar (ais search for AF Michela still) currently off the Italian coast near Bari.
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
Quote from: giftgrub on October 09, 2019, 10:32:06 AM
Brittany Ferries Kerry is on the way to Gibraltar (ais search for AF Michela still) currently off the Italian coast near Bari.
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
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!
Connemara late in for Spain to cork last night...and it's 22.30 sailing to Spain was cancelled ...
Image of the Kerry in Gibraltar this morning at end of page on link below.
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/12445-bf-charters-a-new-ship/page/2/
New logo and branding have been applied.
Quote from: giftgrub on October 13, 2019, 01:47:26 PM
Image of the Kerry in Gibraltar this morning at end of page on link below.
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/12445-bf-charters-a-new-ship/page/2/
New logo and branding have been applied.
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.
Quote from: Steven on October 15, 2019, 08:26:06 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on October 13, 2019, 01:47:26 PM
Image of the Kerry in Gibraltar this morning at end of page on link below.
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/12445-bf-charters-a-new-ship/page/2/
New logo and branding have been applied.
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.
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.
Quote from: giftgrub on October 15, 2019, 08:39:53 AM
Quote from: Steven on October 15, 2019, 08:26:06 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on October 13, 2019, 01:47:26 PM
Image of the Kerry in Gibraltar this morning at end of page on link below.
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/12445-bf-charters-a-new-ship/page/2/
New logo and branding have been applied.
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.
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.
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.
Whey would there be Stena crew on board . This is Brittany Ferries operation .
Quote from: Chef on October 16, 2019, 10:58:14 AM
Whey 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.
Quote from: RorieLen on October 16, 2019, 02:01:51 PM
Quote from: Chef on October 16, 2019, 10:58:14 AM
Whey 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.
Thank you
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...
Quote from: 12345teacher on October 21, 2019, 04:05:50 PM
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...
Hope it sails for you. I see still not selling tickets online.
You will be able to give the verdict on comparing the Connemara and 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...
Quote from: 12345teacher on October 21, 2019, 07:32:18 PM
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 :(
Quote from: ccs on October 21, 2019, 09:42:16 PM
Quote from: 12345teacher on October 21, 2019, 07:32:18 PM
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.
Quote from: Steven on October 23, 2019, 02:39:49 PM
Quote from: ccs on October 21, 2019, 09:42:16 PM
Quote from: 12345teacher on October 21, 2019, 07:32:18 PM
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.
You mean that people were making a few bookings and were were prepared to lie the loss on those they eventually decided not to use?
Update on 22:30 sailing :
Due to adverse weather conditions at sea your sailing to Santander tonight at 2230 has been delayed.Check in time remains the same as normal.Check in desks open at 2000. Latest check in is 2200 when gates close. Once embarcation completed the ship door will close and will move off the berth and be used as a floating hotel until the ship departs early on Saturday morning for Santander. There is No check in on Saturday. ETA in Santander is Sunday 27/10 at 1730. If you need further information contact 00 353 21 4277801 or 00 44 1752 645726. Apologies for any inconvenience.
Delayed departure off Connemara on 25/10/2019, lot of units travelling
Connemara 25/10/2019
Connemara 25/10/19
Did she spend the night on the deep water berth in Ringa?
Just getting into Santander be glad to be getting off !
Quote from: Cladyman on October 27, 2019, 03:47:23 PM
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?
Kerry due to arrive at Ringaskiddy at 8.30pm this evening after her first trip from Santandar.
Kerry cancelled on Sunday 3/11/19.... we being re routed via Portsmouth/Holyhead...not a good start for Kerry ..
Can't blame ship this time as I see uk Spain sailing cancelled due to weather too.
Like others on here was interested to hear how you got on, will have to wait.
Kerry berthed at Marino Point. Expected to resume service with the Monday night sailing to Santandar.
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.
Few pics from earlier of Kerry at Marino Point
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49008686242_8e321efd64_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49008390831_fa67b6af08_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49007867678_d2518438c9_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49007863108_2427b8991f_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49007844413_134d222ebf_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49007825753_4f8f60aaac_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49008554857_927b4af81b_c.jpg)
Very nice , makes the view across the river better as well .
Great photos of Kerry ...just got txt saying pont aven is delayed on way to Santander...so that's a 27 hour delay for us as we were due out on Kerry yesterday 3/11/19..
Quote from: DaveW1946 on November 03, 2019, 06:12:47 AM
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?
Quote from: A83 on November 04, 2019, 03:58:15 PM
Different approaches to tackling the oncoming storm. What factors drive these decisions and who makes them? The Master of the ship or the company?
It's the Captain that would make the decision, that was made clear by the investigation into Epsilon's bumpy crossing in 2016.
Full report for that is here (https://www.mcib.ie/_fileupload/Documents/Reports/mcib-258-mv-epsilon/2018-11-29-02-56-Epsilon%207-18_Redacted%20%20for%20the%20website%2028%20Nov.pdf).
A few pics of Kerry arriving in Cork harbour earlier today
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49159617151_ca47d9d183_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49159117398_3a680b2966_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49159583151_c5bb205887_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49159591711_8c38493e9b_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49159792697_c979dea4c5_c.jpg)
Few pics of Kerry arriving in Cork yesterday afternoon after her final sailing from Santandar.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584685816_49e4ffb17d_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584914792_5f53c3727c_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584912462_57b0017bd4_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584176908_8537bde06e_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49584172903_379e6852d6_b.jpg)
Looks like Mondays arrival pictured above was the final on in Cork from Santandar. According to Marine Traffic ""Kerry"is on her way to Rosslare from Santandar.
(https://i.imgur.com/NTrsxqp.png)
Pont Aven has left Gdansk this morning. Showing destination as Skagen
Pont Aven has just left Skagen destination Cherbourg. ETA: 2020-03-12 08:00 LT (UTC +1)
Roscoff-Cork not reopening til 10th April at the earliest. Rosslare-Bilbao to operate in freight only mode.
https://www.niferry.co.uk/pr-brittany-ferries-confirms-immediate-changes-to-ferry-schedules/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/pr-brittany-ferries-confirms-immediate-changes-to-ferry-schedules/)
https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/planning/sailing-updates (https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/planning/sailing-updates)
Brittany Ferries confirm immediate changes to ferry schedules from Cork until April 10th
This comes following the increase in Coronavirus cases
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
Quote from: awaityourreply on March 15, 2020, 12:03:04 AM
Brittany Ferries confirm immediate changes to ferry schedules from Cork until April 10th
This comes following the increase in Coronavirus cases
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
The bit in bold is a misprint. Rosslare- Bilbao is continuing in freight mode only and Rosslare-Roscoff is cancelled.
Just took another look a moment ago at Brittany Ferries latest advice regarding it's schedules in light of the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and below is what is currently stated on Brittany Ferries website in respect of it's Ireland - France & Spain services.
If the information you have is correct, then it should have been more clearly outlined on the Brittany Ferries website under it's "Sailing updates" window.
Below is what it is currently indicating on Brittany Ferries website:
Ireland - France & Spain
CORK TO ROSCOFF / ROSCOFF TO CORK
All services are cancelled until 10/04/20.
ROSSLARE TO ROSCOFF / ROSCOFF TO ROSSLARE
All services are operating to schedule.
ROSSLARE TO BILBAO / BILBAO TO ROSSLARE
All services are cancelled until 09/04/20.
Thanks for this clarification during this time of such constantly changing events, it must be an absolute nightmare for all concerned.
As I wrote its obviously a typo on the BF website. Why would Rosslare-Roscoff go ahead and not Cork-Roscoff? Doesnt make sense! BF newsroom site has the correct information
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-confirms-immediate-changes-to-ferry-schedules/ (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-confirms-immediate-changes-to-ferry-schedules/)
Quote3. 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
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/further-suspension-of-brittany-ferries-passenger-services/ (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/further-suspension-of-brittany-ferries-passenger-services/)
Changes France-Ireland routes:
Brittany Ferries will cease its weekly rotation connecting Roscoff in France with Rosslare in Ireland. Kerry will however continue two rotations per week, carrying freight between Rosslare and Bilbao in Spain.
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!
Quote from: awaityourreply on March 16, 2020, 04:16:24 PM
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!
Completely agree!
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.
That said, the current scenario must be a very anxious time for all businesses not knowing exactly how long many aspects of their business model will have to remain out of action. This must be the worst possible time for operators as ships are probably coming out of dry dock/annual maintenance and passenger bookings for the high season may not recover sufficiently for 2020 if this runs well beyond the provisional holding dates. So tough on staff & their families so let's hope the negative impact can be minimised.
Incidentally, this latest European Commission 30-day travel ban now being proposed will likely alter all of the dates to continental Europe and will cause further delays to a resumption of services to countries like France & Spain I would imagine but "everyone is in the same boat" (or ship) no pun intended!
Its certainly going to be a tough time for travel companies in general and I gather that Stena are also retrenching. However Irish Sea and UK ferries mostly have two different business sectors namely RO/RO freight and passengers. The latter will be greatly reduced in number if not completely eliminated over the next while [I have just cancelled a booking to France on the WBY for 28th March]. However freight must continue in order for the business of the country to keep going so hopefully a basic service from Ireland to the UK and to France will keep sailing.
Quote from: awaityourreply on March 16, 2020, 06:35:39 PM
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.
To be fair, the website probably isn't that dynamic, so content has to be manually updated.
I'm going to add a page to the main site listing timetable changes incase passangers end up here. If anyone notices anything i miss, please drop me a message.
email from Brittany Ferries CEO
Dear Customer,
The Coronavirus pandemic has affected people, businesses and communities all around the world. This, of course, includes Brittany Ferries and our customers.
Following advice given by governments in all countries to which we sail, we have been forced to temporarily suspend passenger services connecting the UK, Ireland, France and Spain. We apologise sincerely to all those affected.
All passenger sailings between the UK and France, Ireland and France and Ireland-Spain have ceased operating for the time-being. The final passenger repatriation service leaving Spain for the UK this weekend is full.
A small number of ships in our fleet will continue to operate with limited crew as a lifeline freight-only service. During this period of uncertainty we must do all we can to ensure that essential goods continue to flow freely.
We've acted in the best interests of passengers and our colleagues. Our priority, of course, is the safety and well-being of passengers, crew, shore-side staff, suppliers, as well as the communities we serve across four countries.
Our teams have been working hard to answer calls, but due to the exceptionally high level of affected bookings we now have to close our phone lines and divert all resource to contacting passengers proactively over the coming days. If you have a booking with us over the coming days and haven't heard from us, please bear with us. For urgent enquiries, you can still contact us via a web form on our website.
For amendments to sailings from mid-April onwards, please use the online 'manage my booking' facility. We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and we hope to return to normal service as soon as we can.
We know that everyone is doing the best they can during this ever-changing and unprecedented situation. And that's what we are trying to do too.
Take care and stay safe,
Christophe MATHIEU
CEO Brittany Ferries
Update from Brittany Ferries CEO 22 April 17:30 CET
https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message (https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message)
A new message from our CEO
I hope you and those closest to you continue to stay safe and well.
In my last message I mentioned that some restrictions were showing signs of lifting. The messages from the four countries we serve differ slightly but, for the time being, all four remain in lockdown. I'm still hopeful we'll be at a point to offer some passenger services in the near future and my teams are working hard to prepare accordingly. There will need to be changes to the on board experience but we're making good progress with our plans and will ensure we communicate those changes clearly and transparently.
At present our passenger sailings remain cancelled until May 15th. We're hearing from many of you with sailings and holidays booked after that date and are doing what we can to answer your questions. I'll feature more of those questions in the next updates to these pages.
I'm increasingly confident we'll be resuming passenger services, adapted for life post COVID-19, in due course. As with so much of our changed lives at present, our plans and preparations are subject to governmental guidance and permissions but, as with the skies in Brittany today, things seem to be looking brighter.
Thank you again for your patience and support.
Christophe Mathieu
CEO Brittany Ferries
Further update this afternoon from BF CEO
https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message (https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message)
A message from our CEO
I hope you and those closest to you continue to stay safe and well.
In recent days we've continued working hard with national bodies to understand how the new normal will play out for us and paying particular attention to how the on board experience will change in the immediate term. Of course we all continue to navigate uncharted waters, but this is what I can tell you today.
At present our passenger sailings remain cancelled until May 15th. When passenger services do return, and they will, we have to make changes on board to protect everyone, whilst remaining compatible with WHO (World Health Organisation) guidelines.
We hope to be able to offer self-service dining facilities (with social-distancing measures), boutique experiences and the usual memorable on board welcome and commitment to service. We hope other much-loved parts of the experience will return in due course but at this stage it's difficult to know for sure.
But please be aware that when we re-start passenger services, onboard colleagues will probably be obliged to wear masks on your journey. The warm welcome will still be there of course, but the welcoming smile will be seen through their eyes rather than mouths; indeed this may well be a non-verbal communication we all learn to master in the coming weeks! We may well ask customers to wear masks too, ensuring everyone on board is protected, be they passengers, lorries drivers or members of our crew.
I am sure you will appreciate the need for enforcing strict social distancing measures. This may mean fewer people have access to specific areas of the ship at certain times (the bars for example) and it could also mean we have to revise normal passenger limits for vessels. Our ships are large and there is plenty of space to move around, however it may simply not be an option to host the usual numbers of passengers, particularly during peak crossings.
We are planning carefully in these uncertain times. There may be some tough decisions ahead of course, but we're a flexible organisation, and we will look for solutions that provide maximum protection and reassurance, while offering as many services as possible to as many passengers as the rules allow.
I will keep you informed with our progress here.
Again, thank you for your understanding and patience.
Christophe Mathieu
CEO Brittany Ferries
Updated: 24 April 2020
Latest From BF CEO
https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message (https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message)
Time to Move Forward, a message from our CEO
I hope you and those closest to you are safe and well and, like me, feeling increasingly optimistic about the coming months. Summer is on its way, evenings are lengthening and we are working on plans to make our way out of a uniquely challenging period in our 47 year history.
My teams have been working non-stop since March to plot a way through these most testing of times. Our services will need to change and those changes must be viable, sustainable and a reinforcement of our ability to serve our communities and destinations long into the future.
We've asked a lot from our customers to get to this point and I'm increasingly confident we'll be able to thank those that have supported us through the heavy seas of COVID-19 in the coming months. To the many thousands who have already made new arrangements with their credit notes, thank you! We can't wait to welcome you back on board.
At the moment I'm hearing from customers who are unsure whether they can, or want, to travel on their holidays or sailings after May 15th (all passenger sailings have had to be cancelled up to that date). Confident in the changes we've made, I'm pleased to advise those passengers can now amend sailings free of charge to later in the year, or cancel sailings and holidays and receive a Refund Credit Note for any lost deposit or balance. The credit note is valid for two years and can be used against any sailing or Brittany Ferries Holiday in the future.
You will understand I am sure that financial prudence is key at this difficult and economically turbulent time, so this enhanced flexibility can only be offered to direct customers and only for as long as it is viable to do so. Please read our FAQs or Contact us to learn more. It won't be possible for us to backdate the offer of enhanced flexibility but I do hope it will help those of you anxious about travel in the coming months, bringing a little more peace of mind in the coming weeks.
We're in the process of arranging schedules for 2021 but these won't be ready until mid-July. Again, I'm confident our flexible fleet and unique organisation will be well placed to offer outstanding services to fabulous destinations for many years to come.
If you're among the many waiting to hear back from our customer services teams, I can confirm that in line with our recovery plan, we are now able to divert more resource to their efforts and I expect to see response times and customer satisfaction rates improve considerably over the coming fortnight. Again, these efforts are only possible as a result of the difficult decisions and remodelling we've had to do to cement our long-term future which, now confirmed, will enable us to return to our usual standards of customer excellence very soon.
Things are looking up.
Christophe Mathieu
CEO Brittany Ferries
Last updated: 30 April 2020
Just noticed that Brittany appear to have removed their dedicated Honfleur site @ destinationhonfleur [dot] com
Quote from: marsav68 on May 18, 2020, 07:16:59 PM
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
Quote from: Jamie1608 on May 19, 2020, 12:01:26 PM
Quote from: marsav68 on May 18, 2020, 07:16:59 PM
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
Thanks, I missed that and couldn't find anything online
Quote from: Jamie1608 on May 19, 2020, 12:01:26 PM
Quote from: marsav68 on May 18, 2020, 07:16:59 PM
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
FSG filed for insolvency last month, so it's not a temporary closure anymore. It'll only reopen when they've gone through the German insolvency process
https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message (https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message)
An update from our CEO
At the end of a busy week, I'm mindful that we are heading into what would normally be one of the most important weeks of our year. It's half-term in many places, and our ships should be gearing-up for packed sailings with happy holiday makers.
I do find myself wishing there were more we could do to resume passenger services. But of course we are in the hands of the authorities. I hope, at least, that these pages are going some way to connect with you directly, keeping you informed on how we're planning for brighter times ahead.
There's no doubt that holiday plans are rising up the agenda. There are more reports in the press about companies preparing for a resumption of services. And lockdowns are continuing to ease - partially at least - across Europe.
Our own plans for a return to service are now well-established. And we are all raring to go.
One thing we should all be prepared for is masks: customers will be asked to wear masks in all public areas in the ports, garages and passenger decks, but this will be subject to review as the global pandemic evolves through the summer. We will also be asking you to arrive in ports 90 minutes before departure (as opposed to 45) so that we can stagger boarding and prevent queues on car decks, on stairs and in other areas on the ship.
Likewise, disembarkation will be staggered. This will ensure we can safely get everyone back to their cars at the end of a journey with as little risk of queues and unnecessary contact with other.
This week we've been speaking directly with some customers about these on changes, to gauge reaction and opinion. All were very understanding. There certainly seems to be a sense that we are all in this together: everyone on board, passengers and crew, sees the importance of common sense and consideration for others.
While strange to begin with, the measures will still allow us to take in sea air while on board. And I should be clear here that sea air is supplied in all individual cabins and public areas on the ship. There is no air recirculation on board Brittany Ferries.
This last week, many of you have expressed more displeasure about the length of time it's taking to receive responses to Enhanced Flexibility requests and refund applications. Please accept my apologies once more. In my last message I indicated that response times were improving and we are seeing those times come down further. A gradual return to a fuller telephone service is also expected in due course but only when we are able to do it well.
Some customers are sending multiple contact forms (and emailing multiple addresses) for the same request and I must ask please that you do not do this. It slows down all service levels. I know it can be frustrating, but please keep faith with the contact forms to ensure we can resume regular service at the earliest opportunity.
I realise it isn't the first time I've said this, but it really is key to ensuring the highest number of people get the quickest (and best) possible service from our teams. Help us to help you please.
To close, I wish you all a most enjoyable bank holiday weekend. If you were supposed to be travelling at this time and are feeling a little blue about missing your holiday or sea air, please rest assured we'll be back. Our destinations are going nowhere - and I would like you perhaps to think of them like relatives you have missed during this dreadful lockdown. They too will be delighted to see you again and will embrace you with open arms when the time comes.
Stay safe and well
Christophe Mathieu
CEO Brittany Ferries
Last updated: 22 May 2020
https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message (https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message)
I'm afraid more bad news comes as we are forced to cancel sailings until June 28th. There is still a blanket ban on all but essential travel and the imposition of the UK's quarantine, lasting for three weeks starting from Monday this week, means we have no choice but to extend the cancellation period until then.
I really hope that this will be the last round of cancellations. While there are differences in approaches across Europe, I believe governments are converging on a late June resumption of travel and tourism. And we are ready - and eager - to play our part if that is the case. Summer is not cancelled yet. We can all still salvage something from this horrible year.
29th June is being earmarked m however it could be mid July.
Brittany ferries stops honfleur with fsg maybe for IF?
I don't understand what you're saying
t may be interesting for if
it may be interesting for if to replace epsilon
Quote from: Niall on June 18, 2020, 04:40:59 PM
I don't understand what you're saying
Looks like BF have cancelled their order for Honfleur. Maybe IF will step in and take over the incomplete vessel?
https://www.niferry.co.uk/brittany-ferries-honfleur-cancelled/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/brittany-ferries-honfleur-cancelled/)
Looks like BF have cancelled their order for Honfleur. Maybe IF will step in and take over the incomplete vessel?
Most unlikely, Honfleur was to be a pretty bespoke design for one route only and LNG fueled from special tanks that could be swapped out for refuelling from a depot in France , just an expensive white elephant now .
[/quote]
It's a complete hull and superstructure, I'm sure whoever eventually ends up owning the remnants of the shipyard will eventually complete it or sell it on to be finished in some form, probably with diesel power units instead of Brittany's LNG order. It has to be far more valuable as 75% of a complete ship than as a pile of scrap steel.
IF ordered a high freight capacity ferry, Honfleur was to have several decks less freight and several more passenger capacity. It would be the wrong spec for IF's Dublin-France and completely useless on Holyhead. While it is probably possible to alter it to have more lanemetres there is no way it could be made to match the purpose built capacity IF had ordered.
I can't help but think that the cancellation is as much down to the prospect of covid and brexit causing a long term downturn in business and BF no longer wanting to sink capital they may not have into a ship they won't need for years. Even if they have to write off a portion of the purchase it may be the better choice for their business
I would say that IF may also be very happy that they are getting their cash back rather than a costly ship they don't really need in the current market.
Confirmation she has been cancelled in a press release:
Quote
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.
What now becomes of Honfleur? Will she be towed to a yard that will finish her fitting out?
My guess is that she will eventually be auctioned off by the administrators in a "as is" state. May be a bargain for whoever purchases her.
Anybody know how complete she is? given the time she's spent there surely there can't be much more to do?
Could BF buy her off the Administrators and get another yard to complete her?
BF resume passenger sailings from Ireland to France starting with Kerry on Rosslare to Roscoff at 23.30 next Monday 29th June. Pont Aven on recommencing Cork to Roscoff Saturday 4th July at 4pm
https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message (https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message)
Further details on resumption of Cork - Roscoff sailings as reported in The Echo, Cork
(https://www.echolive.ie/portalsuite/image//e05bf83a-14f4-4321-9876-dad957f68e24/mainMediaSize=537x291_type=image_publish=true_x0=0_y0=0_x1=100_y1=100.74_format=1.7777777777777777__image.jpg)
Brittany Ferries announces return of Cork to Roscoff service
by Breda Graham
"Brittany Ferries has confirmed the limited return to scheduled passenger services including its Cork to Roscoff service.
The first Cork to Roscoff sailing of the summer will depart Cork on July 4.
Brittany Ferries has said that the safety of passengers, freight drivers and crew has been "the top priority" throughout the Covid-19 crisis and passenger capacity will be limited on all vessels.
Capacity limits will be ship dependent, and will be reviewed as the summer progresses..."
Full article published in EchoLive.ie
Source:
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/Brittany-Ferries-announces-return-of-Cork-to-Roscoff-service-3dcf806a-7c33-4f57-a23f-aefae85d1585-ds
Brittany Ferries are to reintroduce the midweek Cork -Roscoff sailings with the Armourique next year.
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.
Quote from: Kieran on July 16, 2020, 04:18:39 PM
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.
Great news for the Port of Cork.
Don?t think this starts until 2021
On BF freight site first sailing 24th March 2021 with Amorique
https://www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk/ferry-routes/timetables/cork-roscoff
Quote from: giftgrub on July 16, 2020, 11:12:07 PM
Don?t think this starts until 2021
Sorry, corrected my post to make that clear.
Any further developments regarding the cancelled half completed Honfleur?
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 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.
Quote from: IFPete on July 17, 2020, 12:06:38 AM
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 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.
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 .
On the other hand, what would it cost to install a LNG refueling facility in Dublin - or could she be refulled directly from a LNG tanker?
Really seems a bit silly to convert her - wherever she ends up.
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 .
I was given the impression that she'll be auctioned off along with the yard
Quote from: Kieran on July 16, 2020, 11:39:26 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on July 16, 2020, 11:12:07 PM
Don?t think this starts until 2021
Sorry, corrected my post to make that clear.
Kieran, no bother at all, was just looking to find the info and spotted 2021, either way good news for Cork, and very early for BF to have the timetable out.
Few pics of Pont Aven arriving in Cork earlier today
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50125513387_9c31369603_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50124717358_a75846488e_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50125510512_58661b878e_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50125509652_5639148490_c.jpg)
Lots more Brittany Ferries here https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8PJNE2 (https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8PJNE2)
Quote from: Chef on July 17, 2020, 04:59:58 PM
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 .
Honfleur was designed for dual use and will have to be sold as part of FSG exit from administration.
Its unlikely anyone would take her in her current configuration without requiring modifications.
Quote from: ccs on July 18, 2020, 01:32:53 PM
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.
Quote from: Kieran on July 18, 2020, 04:46:43 PM
Somehow forgot how awful that funnel looked on her.
Without a doubt the ugliest funnel on any current ferry if not the ugliest of all time ;D
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.
Quote from: ccs on July 22, 2020, 11:47:35 AM
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
Quote from: wildmind on July 23, 2020, 03:06:29 PM
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
It really looks like it, with all the uncertainty (between Covid and Brexit), it's great to see BF willing to commit so much resources to the Irish routes (and adapt to hauliers requests).
Yeah, I reckon Brittany Ferries are here for the long haul and not just in it's new Rosslare Europort base given that it's long established Cork to Roscoff service has now been given a major boost with two impressive vessels the MV Pont-Aven on Saturdays and now the Armorique on Wednesdays in 2021. BF has effectively replaced Irish Ferries by introducing a new Rosslare to Cherbourg link in addition to it's newly launched Rosslare to Bilbao link.
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.
Quote from: awaityourreply on July 23, 2020, 06:34:15 PM
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:
Quote from: ccs on July 22, 2020, 11:47:35 AM
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.
Quote from: Kieran on July 23, 2020, 07:06:04 PM
Quote from: awaityourreply on July 23, 2020, 06:34:15 PM
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:
Quote from: ccs on July 22, 2020, 11:47:35 AM
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.
It's confusing as a piece I've read in The Irish Times seemed to suggest that "a third" Cork to Roscoff service is to be added but I think this is incorrect. Cork had already lost it's Mid-Week sailings to Roscoff during the 2020 Summer season (prior to the Coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic) when the Cork Santander link was axed and replaced by a new Rosslare Bilbao route since the end of February. The vessel MV KERRY doing Rosslare Bilbao had also been doing Rosslare Roscoff mid-week. Therefore, I think as far as Cork and Roscoff is concerned, it signals a re-instatement of a 2nd Cork to Roscoff service during the mid-week period next season albeit; on another cruise ferry the Armorique rather than using one of Brittany Ferries economie vessels: MV Kerry, Connemara or Etretat.
In a piece yesterday in the Irish Examiner, there was also reference to use of the vessel, "Connemara" from Rosslare although; there is no mention of it being used in the restructuring of it's Irish route network operations for 2021 on Brittany Ferries Ireland site unless the website is still being updated on some aspects. I gather hauliers in both Ireland and on the continent much prefer using the French port of Cherbourg over Roscoff which has led to switch from the short-lived Rosslare-Roscoff to a new Rosslare Cherbourg route from 2021 season.
https://www.independent.ie/business/brittany-ferries-to-boost-its-ireland-france-links-39393347.html
I think what is now happening is that as part of the restructuring of it's Irish routes, Cork will acquire the Mid-Week sailings to Roscoff once again (on Wednesdays) using the cruise vessel: "Armorique" next year whilst the Pont-Aven will continue serving Cork to Roscoff on Saturdays. There are no booking dates on the Brittany Ferries website for Rosslare Roscoff after October 2020 even though booking for 2021 is already open online for their other routes.
Below is what I think will happen in 2021.
Cork to Roscoff, France: (twice-a-week departures)
Departs Saturday afternoons (using flagship cruise ferry, Pont-Aven)
Departs Wednesday afternoons* (using cruise ferry, Armorique from March 2021)
Rosslare to Cherbourg, France: (once-a-week departure)
Departing Monday evenings from 22 March 2021 (using economie ship, Etretat)
Rosslare to Bilbao, Spain: (twice-a-week departures)
Departs Wednesday morning (using economie ship, Kerry which will change to economie ship, Etretat from November onwards)
Departs Fridays - 2 night crossing (using economie ship, Kerry which will change to economie ship, Etretat from November onwards)
Brittany Ferries vessel, Connemara which operates as a no frills economie service, will serve two weekly rotations from Rosslare to Bilbao, as well as a single Rosslare-Cherbourg rotation as of March next year.
No reference on Brittany Ferries Irish website portal although; it is referenced in it's press release dated 23/07/2020.
Source:
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-to-launch-new-rosslare-cherbourg-route-in-2021-while-also-increasing-capacity-on-cork-roscoff-route/
Kerry's charter ends at the end of October and Connemara's charter ends in November
Quote from: Niall on July 24, 2020, 06:56:28 PM
Kerry's charter ends at the end of October and Connemara's charter ends in November
According to Brittany Ferries press release statement issued 23/07/2020, it was Irish and French hauliers who had asked Brittany Ferries to move the weekly French rotation from Roscoff to the transport hub of Cherbourg. Brittany Ferries has agreed to their request and has now confirmed that the vessel, Connemara will serve two weekly rotations from Rosslare to Bilbao, as well as a single Rosslare-Cherbourg rotation as of March next year. I presume the current charter will be renewed beyond November if they intend using Connemara from March next year?
Source:
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-to-launch-new-rosslare-cherbourg-route-in-2021-while-also-increasing-capacity-on-cork-roscoff-route/
The Galicia started sea trials today
Quote from: Niall on July 24, 2020, 06:56:28 PM
Kerry's charter ends at the end of October and Connemara's charter ends in November
AFAIK Connemara charter is til May 2021.
On another note it I noticed on Brittany Ferries 2021 timetable that Pont Avens Friday night sailing from Roscoff to Cork now departs at 22.00/22.15 rather than the long established 20.30. Will give those traveling from the south of France a bit more time.
A 13 hour inboard crossing from Roscoff instead of the usual 14 , plus the first sailing of 2021 from Roscoff is at 23:59hrs .
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?
Quote from: Davy Jones on July 29, 2020, 05:13:21 PM
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?
The Galicia is already on the rostas for next year. Portsmouth-Santander-Portsmouth with a roundtrip from Portsmouth-Cherbourg mid-week. I'm booked on her next April to Santander, COVID-permitting.
There are details of the interior (CGI) on the BF webiste, including 360 degree tours. Looks good.
Matt
It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own her
Quote from: Niall on July 29, 2020, 10:04:29 PM
It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own her
Any details on that , links or is it speculation .
Quote from: Chef on July 30, 2020, 10:26:46 AM
Quote from: Niall on July 29, 2020, 10:04:29 PM
It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own her
Any details on that , links or is it speculation .
A friend who works in the ferry industry told me that the other day.
Quote from: Niall on July 30, 2020, 12:10:24 PM
Quote from: Chef on July 30, 2020, 10:26:46 AM
Quote from: Niall on July 29, 2020, 10:04:29 PM
It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own her
Any details on that , links or is it speculation .
A friend who works in the ferry industry told me that the other day.
What becomes of the ship then if and when it's completed .
My guess it will be auctioned off. Perhaps they will offer it to Brittany Ferries first at the original full contract price. Assuming they decline they then may get it for a bargain at the auction. However, if its a Dutch Auction, (where the price starts ridiculously high, then decreases until a bid is made), it could go for more than the contract price. Heavily depends on the interest in her and who has the dosh.
Quote from: Chef on July 30, 2020, 10:26:46 AM
Quote from: Niall on July 29, 2020, 10:04:29 PM
It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own her
Any 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/)
Quote from: marsav68 on July 30, 2020, 05:01:27 PM
Quote from: Chef on July 30, 2020, 10:26:46 AM
Quote from: Niall on July 29, 2020, 10:04:29 PM
It seems there is a chance that Honfleur construction will be finished by Siem who currently own her
Any details on that , links or is it speculation .
Thanks for the info , that gives a clearer picture of the situation .
Came across this:
https://www.niferry.co.uk/fsg-sells-cancelled-ferry-honfleur/ (https://www.niferry.co.uk/fsg-sells-cancelled-ferry-honfleur/)
Irish routes unaffected but BF are cutting back on some other routes from next month
QuoteBrittany Ferries confirms post-August schedule changes, as demand slumps
19 August 2020
Following the imposition of quarantine on travellers returning from France and the effect this has had on existing reservations as well as forward demand, Brittany Ferries today confirms changes to scheduled services. The news follows a weekend in which 35,000 passengers either cancelled or delayed their travel plans with the company. Forward demand for autumn sailings is also extremely weak. As a consequence, the company has been forced to change its schedules, with the first changes applying from the end of August. The following ships and route amendments have now been confirmed:
Brittany Ferries Armorique will be laid up from 31 August. She currently serves the Plymouth to Roscoff route.
Brittany Ferries Pont-Aven will replace Armorique on the Plymouth to Roscoff route from 10 September with three return trips per week. Pont-Aven will also continue to operate one return sailing from Plymouth to Santander and from Roscoff to Cork during the week.
Brittany Ferries Bretagne will be laid up from 7 September. She currently serves the Portsmouth to St Malo route.
Brittany Ferries Etretat will not resume crossings, as planned: Connemara will continue to operate the Cherbourg and Le Havre rotations from Portsmouth, but will no longer serve Spain.
?We warned over the weekend that schedule changes were likely, as quarantine measures have led to a significant drop in demand for our services,? said Christophe Mathieu, director general Brittany Ferries. ?This is not something we want to do. However, in the context of a terrible summer season we have no choice but to consolidate sailings that, by virtue of lack of passenger numbers, are uneconomic to run. These extraordinary decisions are regrettable and we apologise in advance to all those whose travel plans will be disrupted.?
Around 50,000 passengers with existing bookings will be affected by the schedule changes. Brittany Ferries apologises in advance for the inconvenience and will do all it can to accommodate displaced customers on other services. The call centre is expected to be very busy in the days ahead. Passengers are therefore asked to wait for notification of any change to their booking and ? where possible ? to make alternative arrangements via the My Booking facility on the website:
Very very worrying year for the entire tourist industry at home & abroad and reading between the lines, the disruption which had led to such a massive dent on passenger leisure travel since mid-March (and still ongoing) is just an absolute nightmare scenario for promoting business and generating sales for 2021 season as advanced/forward booking is unlikely to be strong against the backdrop of economies entering major recession, no vaccine for COVID-19 and so on.
Ferry operators, cruise companies, airlines, airports, hotels, bars, restaurants, festivals, live entertainment, b&bs/guesthouses, tourist/backpacker hostels, airbnb, holiday letting agencies, campsites etc;
Brittany Ferries and it's competitors cannot continue to operate at such a loss and will reluctantly have to adjust it's range of services accordingly. Let's hope all operators can find a way to survive for the common good into the future. Any plans previously announced for 2021 may be revised if things remain so uncertain in January/February.
Video of BFs new ship Galicia that will come into service in December this year. It,ll sail twice a week from Portsmouth to Santander and once a week from Portsmouth to Cherbourg.
https://youtu.be/LSpcbhQ66qw (https://youtu.be/LSpcbhQ66qw)
I've not seen her listed on AIS yet.
Does anybody know when Galicia and Stena Embla are due to make their delivery journeys?
Quote from: Davy Jones on August 26, 2020, 06:17:53 PM
I've not seen her listed on AIS yet.
Still using yard number 267: https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:6206594/mmsi:232027624/imo:9856189/vessel:ZHAO_SHANG_267 (https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:6206594/mmsi:232027624/imo:9856189/vessel:ZHAO_SHANG_267)
The Rosslare to Roscoff route is finishing earlier than planned. It was due to run to end of October but the last sailing ex Rosslare will be on Monday 31st August. The new route to Cherbourg is due to commence on 21st March 2021.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/further-schedule-changes-are-regrettable-but-necessary-says-brittany-ferries/ (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/further-schedule-changes-are-regrettable-but-necessary-says-brittany-ferries/)
In the face of a terrible summer season and weak forward demand for services this autumn, Brittany Ferries has been forced to take further decisive action. It has confirmed further schedule changes to be implemented within the next week. The aim is to reduce costs as part of the company?s five-year recovery plan.
It follows decisions by the UK government to impose quarantine restrictions on those arriving from Spain, and more recently France. This led to an immediate run on cancellations. Around 65,000 passengers have cancelled reservations since quarantine measures were announced. Furthermore, the company reports significantly weakened demand for services this autumn.
?We carried virtually no passenger traffic between the months of April and June, as the Covid-19 crisis hit,? said Brittany Ferries director general Christophe Mathieu. ?When we resumed, we had hoped to salvage 350,000 passengers from a summer season that would usually achieve more than double that number.
?The reality however is that we are unlikely to reach 200,000. Passenger traffic accounts for around 75 percent of our income, so our bottom line has been hit hard. It?s is why we must continue to take decisive action to reduce our costs to get us through the worst of this unprecedented crisis.?
The company has re-affirmed that its foundations are strong even in the fact of the worst crisis in its history. A robust five-year recovery plan is in place and the good news is that reservations for the 2021 season are strong. Around 100,000 more passengers have reserved a holiday next year, compared with those booking during the same period in 2019.
However, in the short term more passengers will be affected by schedule changes. The company apologises to all affected customers, and says it will do all it can to accommodate them onto alternative sailings:
The most significant change for September involves Brittany Ferries ?Connemara?. Currently serving Cherbourg-Portsmouth and Le Havre-Portsmouth, she will be taken out of service entirely from 7 September. Regrettably this means the closure of the Cherbourg-Portsmouth and Le Havre-Portsmouth routes.
It follows previously advised closure of the St-Malo Portsmouth route, with services terminating from 7 September. Cherbourg-Poole will also remain closed for the remainder of the year, having ceased operations at the end of March and not having resumed in June.
The company?s busiest route Caen-Portsmouth remains unaffected for the next two months. Normandie and Mont St Michel will continue three daily departures as normal, with Armorique covering each ship?s technical stop in November and December respectively, running in freight-only mode.
The full fleet plan for ships and routes follows:
Ship Route Change
Connemara Cherbourg ? Portsmouth Le Havre ? Portsmouth Laid up from 7 September, no further service on either route until further notice
Bretagne St Malo ? Portsmouth Laid up from 7 September, no further service until 22nd March
Armorique Roscoff ? Plymouth Laid up from 31 August
From November, Armorique re-enters service on Caen-Portsmouth in freight-only mode, covering technical lay-overs of Normandie and Mont St Michel She will then be laid up between Jan 2021 and end of March 2021
Cap Finist?re Bilbao ? Portsmouth Santander ? Portsmouth Service continues until a 3-month technical lay-over, beginning December.
Pont-Aven Portsmouth ? Santander Plymouth ? Roscoff Plymouth ? Santander Roscoff ? Cork
From 10 September until end of October, three return trips per week on Roscoff to Plymouth
Plus, one weekly Plymouth to Santander sailing per week And one weekly Roscoff to Cork sailing
Barfleur Poole-Cherbourg No resumption of service in 2020
?tretat Laid up until further notice
Normandie Caen ? Portsmouth Normal service (with technical lay-over in November) continues
Mont St Michel Caen ? Portsmouth Normal service (with technical lay-over in December) continues
Kerry Roscoff ? Rosslare No Roscoff ? Rosslare service from 7 September
Rosslare ? Bilbao continues as normal
Normandie Express Cherbourg ? Portsmouth (fast craft seasonal summer service)
Pelican Bilbao ? Poole (freight only) Normal freight-only service continues
Galicia UK-Spain Enters service in December 2020
Quote from: Davy Jones on August 26, 2020, 06:17:53 PM
I've not seen her listed on AIS yet.
Does anybody know when Galicia and Stena Embla are due to make their delivery journeys?
Now on AIS this morning as Galicia https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:6206594/mmsi:232027624/imo:9856189/vessel:GALICIA (https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:6206594/mmsi:232027624/imo:9856189/vessel:GALICIA)
etretat has been replaced by connemara for july 2021...on rosslare /bilbao....i have a booking credit from this year and my ticket has just been updated to connemara..
Quote from: 12345teacher on September 04, 2020, 12:38:29 PM
etretat has been replaced by connemara for july 2021...on rosslare /bilbao....i have a booking credit from this year and my ticket has just been updated to connemara..
Connemara replacing Kerry on the Rosslare/Bilbao from Wednesday 11th November.
Galicia is out and about, heading for Qingdao, about 200 miles down the coast from Weihei. Presumably its on sea trials, or possibly to bunker for her delivery voyage?
Well she was handed over to her owners which means sea trials are complete .
She is starting her journey to Europe
Galicia has left Qingdao and is headed for Singapore.
Galicia making good progress, She's through Suez and in the Med, just south of Greece. Destination Cherbourg 12th October.
Galicia has arrived into Cherbourg this morning
Found a webcam https://www.viewsurf.com/univers/ville/vue/13216-france-basse-normandie-cherbourg-octeville-le-port (https://www.viewsurf.com/univers/ville/vue/13216-france-basse-normandie-cherbourg-octeville-le-port)
CAP Finistere will be replacing Connemara in Rosslare for a few weeks while Pelican goes off service
Posted on
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/13446-bf-refit-season-2020-21/
https://www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk/media/pdf/e/q/Timetable_Spain___Ireland_January_20211.pdf
Quote from: giftgrub on November 30, 2020, 07:04:07 PM
CAP Finistere will be replacing Connemara in Rosslare for a few weeks while Pelican goes off service
Posted on
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/13446-bf-refit-season-2020-21/
https://www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk/media/pdf/e/q/Timetable_Spain___Ireland_January_20211.pdf
Looking forward to getting down to Rosslare to get a few pics of Cap Finistere. I wonder will she become a regular visitor?
Quote from: ccs on November 30, 2020, 07:28:41 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on November 30, 2020, 07:04:07 PM
CAP Finistere will be replacing Connemara in Rosslare for a few weeks while Pelican goes off service
Posted on
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/13446-bf-refit-season-2020-21/
https://www.brittanyferriesfreight.co.uk/media/pdf/e/q/Timetable_Spain___Ireland_January_20211.pdf
Looking forward to getting down to Rosslare to get a few pics of Cap Finistere. I wonder will she become a regular visitor?
Plenty of rumours that it is the intended replacement for the Connemara on a permanent basis after the new E-Flexers arrive and the existing fleet is redeployed.
I see Santander in the schedule now , is that just for the freight only schedule .
Quote from: giftgrub on November 30, 2020, 10:31:55 PM
Plenty of rumours that it is the intended replacement for the Connemara on a permanent basis after the new E-Flexers arrive and the existing fleet is redeployed.
Would be delighted if that happened. I've been thinking about a trip down to Spain but tbh I;m not sure my better half would approve of travelling 30 hours on one of the visentinis ;D The Cap would be a much easier sell!
Looks like Etretat has returned to service for BF, currently on the way to Portsmouth from Le Harve, first sailing since March !
Article here from a French newspaper that BF are considering opening a Ireland to Le Harve route!
https://actu.fr/normandie/le-havre_76351/la-brittany-ferries-envisage-de-rouvrir-une-ligne-entre-le-havre-et-l-irlande_38678745.html (https://actu.fr/normandie/le-havre_76351/la-brittany-ferries-envisage-de-rouvrir-une-ligne-entre-le-havre-et-l-irlande_38678745.html)
"We are in discussions with the commercial services of the Grand Maritime Port of Le Havre", confirmed Jean-Marc Rou?. Asked about the possibilities of development towards Ireland during his recent passage through the ocean city, the president of Brittany Ferries explained that the company planed on the hypothesis of the creation of a second line from Le Havre, already connected to Portsmouth, England. This time around it would be to turn "presumably to Rosslare" during 2021. All with "one ship affected, so probably more than one rotation" per week.
The Rosslare to Cherbourg route brought forward 2 months and will start on Monday 18th with Cap Finistere sailing from Rosslare at 8pm.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40208441.html
Cap Finistere alongside at Rosslare this afternoon. Pics from Rosslare Europort twitter
(https://i.imgur.com/K8XXnBL.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/GNTJHWY.jpg)
Thanks for posting, the Cap Finestre looks very impressive (pity about the funnel no longer having its Superfast wings), could stay around for awhile if BF can take some of the freight traffic when Connemara returns.
Interesting video of a journey to Spain on the brand new Galicia. Take 10 minutes sit back and relax.
https://youtu.be/atIaiAM6EP4
At the way things are going, might be the closest we get to being on a ferry this year !!, found it very interesting and well presented, however the full English breakfast in Stena + on the Stena Europe would blow this breakfast experience out of the water.
Originally posted on BF forum by the video poster - Behind the Sax
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/13687-2-galicia-passenger-videos-first-on-yt/
Looks like another BF service starting soon from St Malo to Ireland. Amorique being mentioned on various forums as the vessel.
https://twitter.com/jmrouebferries/status/1353794736319066112
Quote from: ccs on January 25, 2021, 09:54:59 PM
Looks like another BF service starting soon from St Malo to Ireland. Amorique being mentioned on various forums as the vessel.
https://twitter.com/jmrouebferries/status/1353794736319066112
Will this be the first ever service between Ireland and St Malo?
Quote from: ferryfan on January 26, 2021, 01:46:39 PM
Will this be the first ever service between Ireland and St Malo?
No it wont be BF ran a Cork St Malo service in mid 90s using the Duchess Anne (once B&I Connacht). Couple of pics from 1994
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4666/39994530682_eaf3866f4e_c.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4759/40026128201_11eefccb74_c.jpg)
There was also a short lived service run by Swansea Cork Ferries in 1999 using the MV Venus (ex Dana Hafnia) pictured here at Ringaskiddy
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50432688193_064fba0fc1_b.jpg)
Thanks for the info CCS. I had no knowledge of that service but I do remember travelling on the Connacht from Dublin to Liverpool in about 85 or 86.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/go-west-to-take-unaccompanied-freight-by-sea-says-brittany-ferries/ (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/go-west-to-take-unaccompanied-freight-by-sea-says-brittany-ferries/)
Plans are in progress to open further freight routes, connecting Roscoff and St Malo in Brittany, with Ireland. The aim is to finalise schedules as soon as possible and to commence operations in early February using Ro-Pax vessel Armorique.
Quote from: ccs on January 28, 2021, 11:58:41 AM
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/go-west-to-take-unaccompanied-freight-by-sea-says-brittany-ferries/ (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/go-west-to-take-unaccompanied-freight-by-sea-says-brittany-ferries/)
Plans are in progress to open further freight routes, connecting Roscoff and St Malo in Brittany, with Ireland. The aim is to finalise schedules as soon as possible and to commence operations in early February using Ro-Pax vessel Armorique.
Sounds like they are talking to both Cork and Rosslare.
Amoriques Cork-Roscoff sailings are now on the February freight timetable. Starting February 6th ex Cork on Saturdays at 18.00 and Tuesdays at 20.00
Nothing yet on St Malo though as theyre only showing 1 sailing ex Roscoff on Mondays at 20.00 I assume the St Malo sailing will be ex there on Friday night to tie in with the Saturday sailing ex Cork.
BF have just made the announcement, interesting routing!
QuoteBrittany Ferrries introduces three new freight-only services from Ireland to France
2nd February 2021
Company responds to demand for more direct Ireland France freight links
- Two new sailings Cork ? Roscoff
- New sailing Rosslare - St Malo
- First freight only services for Ireland from Brittany Ferries
- New services to begin this week with Rosslare ? St Malo sailing on Thursday
- New Cork - Roscoff service begins on Saturday
Brittany Ferries has announced that it is introducing three new weekly freight only sailings between Ireland and France. The sailings will begin this Thursday (4th February) with a sailing between Rosslare and St Malo.
The first of two new sailings out of Cork to Roscoff will begin this Saturday. These sailings are in addition to the current Brittany Ferries sailings out of Cork and Rosslare to both France and Spain. The new sailings are in response to demands from both Irish and French hauliers seeking a more direct route.
Normally most lorries travelling between Ireland and France transit via the UK, using ferry services across the Irish Sea and English Channel. However, since new post-Brexit trade rules were introduced on January 1st increasing numbers of Irish and continental hauliers have been deterred from using this ?landbridge? due to increased customs checks and paperwork.
Hugh Bruton, General Manager, Brittany Ferries Ireland, commented: ?It?s clear that Brexit has distorted flows of trade between France and Ireland, there?s now clear and compelling demand both in Brittany and beyond to boost freight capacity direct from the region to Ireland. And Irish traders too are seeking direct links to Western France. We?re always listening to our haulier customers in order to best meet their needs and we look forward to restarting Brittany-Ireland services two months earlier than planned.?
The new Brittany-to-Ireland sailings come in addition to an extra weekly Rosslare to Cherbourg round trip which was introduced in mid-January. This means that from February Brittany Ferries will offer hauliers a choice of eight sailings a week in each direction between Ireland and France.
The company also offers two weekly roundtrips between Rosslare and Bilbao, northern Spain. Altogether the company will be offering 12 sailings a week linking Ireland with France and Spain.
Conor Mowlds, Chief Commercial Officer, Port of Cork said: ?The decision by Brittany Ferries to operate two freight only services from Cork to St Malo and Roscoff is hugely positive for Cork. Importers and exporters now have further transport options to get their freight direct to the EU and bypass the UK Land-Bridge. This announcement comes in the same month as we announced a second freight service from Cork to Zeebrugge. These direct freight services from Cork to the EU strengthen the region by offering more flexibility to Irish customers, ensuring supply chains are maintained. Our relationship with Brittany Ferries spans over 40 years and it continues to go from strength to strength. We wish them every success with this freight service.?
Glenn Carr, General Manager, Rosslare Europort adds: ?The continuing commitment of Brittany Ferries to develop new services linking Irish industry to the European continent is once again demonstrated with this new service connecting to St Malo and Roscoff. We have worked closely with Brittany Ferries to facilitate this new service, which will give further choice and capacity alongside existing Brittany Ferries services between Rosslare Europort and Bilbao and Cherbourg.?
The extra sailings starting 4th February will operate to the following timetable, initially until 21st March when regular Roscoff/Cork sailings are scheduled to resume:
Day | Departure | Time | Arrival | Next day time |
Monday | Depart Roscoff | 20:00 | Arrive Cork | 14:00 next day |
Tuesday | Depart Cork | 20:00 | Arrive Roscoff | 14:00 next day |
Wednesday | Depart Roscoff | 20:00 | Arrive Rosslare | 14:00 next day |
Thursday | Depart Rosslare | 20:00 | Arrive St Malo | 17:10 next day |
Friday | Depart St Malo | 20:00 | Arrive Cork | 15:00 next day |
Saturday | Depart Cork | 18:00 | Arrive Roscoff | 12:40 next day |
(Timetables are subject to weekly variation and change at short notice)
These new freight only routes will operate until the end of March, when scheduled freight and passenger services will resume between Cork and Roscoff. With two weekly sailings in each direction, frequency has been doubled for 2021.
Two new ferry links to France from Cork from Brittany Ferries to start this weekend
"Hugely positive" news for Cork as Leeside gets a Brexit Bounce on trade
By Joe O'Shea Editor
10:05, 2 FEB 2021 UPDATED10:22, 2 FEB 2021
This is an edited extract...
..."Plans for a new direct freight and passenger service from Cork to Santander in Spain - which were at an advanced stage before the pandemic hit - could also now be revived as trade and traffic between our south coast and France and Spain increases dramatically.
And Brittany Ferries is understood to be still considering new Ro-Pax (freight and passenger) routes out of Cork for the Spring/Summer season, once travel returns to normal.A Port of Cork spokesperson has welcomed the news - confirmed today - as "hugely positive" for Cork and trade across our region...."
I did not pick up on a possible revival of Cork to Santander in any of the other publicity surrounding route additions and changes. The Cork to Santander ferry link by Brittany Ferries had only ceased operations around 12 months ago and was replaced by Rosslare to Bilbao in the process.
Full article published in CorkBeo.ie (See below web link)
Source:
https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/jobs/two-new-ferry-links-france-19750178
Meanwhile I understand from the Brittany Ferries website that the following sailings, are due to operate to/from Santander instead of Bilbao
as per the below dates only for some reason.
Rosslare to Santander on 12/02/2021 (instead of Rosslare to Bilbao)
Santander to Rosslare on 14/02/2021 (instead of Bilbao to Rosslare)
Source:
https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ferry-routes/planning/sailing-updates#IE
All bets are off regarding route options in this rapidly evolving post Brexit trade situation not to mention the ongoing COVID-19 non-essential travel restrictions scenario. There was also speculation from some quarters in recent weeks/months of a possible link between Ireland & Le Havre in France.
Irish Continental Group (ICG) used have Rosslare to Le Havre services from around 1973 to 1997 and there was also an annual summer seasonal link between Cork to Le Havre & Cherbourg for many years until Irish Ferries took both the St.Killian II and St. Patrick II vessels out of service following the introduction of the MV Normandy from the 1998 season onwards.
Source Ref:
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/cork-loses-out-as-ferry-company-announces-plans-for-new-ship-1.128038#:~:text=The%20vessel%20is%20replacing%20the,said%20a%20company%20spokesman%20yesterday.
Few pics of Armorique arriving in Rosslare earlier this afternoon from Rosslare Europort twitter
(https://i.imgur.com/zs8G4vK.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/q5SSbNd.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/DyQjBiz.jpg)
The Brittany Ferries Cork to France passenger service will not be resuming at the end of March, the company has announced. Due to the current travel restrictions, the ferry service said the route will be kept under review and it is anticipated that services will recommence in mid-May
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40228751.html (https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-40228751.html)
Armorique sailing from Rosslare to Cork tonight !
According to BFE
Due to poor weather...
18/2/21 - ARMORIQUE Rosslare - St Malo - cancelled.
19/2/21 - ARMORIQUE St Malo - Cork - cancelled.
18/2/21 - CONNEMARA Bilbao - Rosslare - cancelled
19/2/21 - CONNEMARA Rosslare - Bilbao - cancelled.
https://bfenthusiasts.com/bfe/topic/13685-sailing-updates-2021-latest-news/page/4/
Armoriques Rosslare to St Malo freight sailings have been replaced by a Cork to St Malo route.
Armorique will depart St Malo Friday night at 8pm arriving in Cork at 2pm.
Departing Cork Saturday at 6pm arriving Roscoff Sunday at noon.
Departing Roscoff Monday at 8pm arriving Cork Tuesday at 2pm
and departing Cork Tuesday at 8pm arriving St Malo at 2pm Wednesday
Few pics of Armorique departing Cork for Roscoff earlier this evening
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51121462428_d068ca11b6_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51120978082_fb000f4bc8_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51121282704_006ba5a51a_c.jpg)
Armorique passing Roches Point Lighthouse yesterday evening bound for Roscoff
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51137406898_ecb0836efe_b.jpg)
No surprise but BF have postponed resumption of passenger services to 6th June
Brittany Ferries has confirmed that it will not resume its full sailing schedule on 17th May as it had originally planned. The decision comes following changes to international travel rules, and in particular clarification of the UK government?s traffic light framework.
Normal sailings are now scheduled to resume on 6th June, however the situation will be continuously reviewed. The company says it is hopeful that France and Spain will be re-allocated to the green list shortly, thanks to falling Covid cases and rapidly rising vaccination rates.
As a result of this decision the following sailings will now not operate from 17th May until 6th June:
Armorique Plymouth/Roscoff & Roscoff/Cork (passenger sailings)
Barfleur Poole/Cherbourg
Bretagne Portsmouth/St Malo
Cap Finist?re Portsmouth/Bilbao
Pont-Aven Plymouth/Roscoff, Plymouth/Santander & Roscoff/Cork
Normandie Portsmouth/Caen (passenger sailings)
Despite this the company will continue to operate a number of core services from 17th May until 6th June for those passengers who are still able to travel ? for example for essential travel reasons ? and for the carriage of freight. These routes and sailings are as follows:
Armorique Roscoff/Cork & Cork/St Malo, Poole/St Malo (freight only)
Connemara Rosslare/Bilbao & Rosslare/Cherbourg
Cotentin Portsmouth/Le Havre (freight only)
Galicia Portsmouth/Santander & Portsmouth/Cherbourg
Mont St Michel Portsmouth/Caen
Normandie Portsmouth/Caen (freight only)
Pelican Poole/Bilbao (freight only)
Brittany Ferries is in the process of contacting all affected customers in order to arrange alternative sailings, or a refund. It is likely that the passenger relations teams will be extremely busy during this period, and customers affected by these changes are requested to wait to be contacted concerning their booking. Brittany Ferries apologises for any disruption to travel plans.
?We?re disappointed to be postponing our return to normal operations, and I offer my sincere apologies to all our customers whose travel plans will be affected,? said Christophe Mathieu, CEO Brittany Ferries.
?But the reality is that current travel rules in our four markets ? UK, France, Spain and Ireland ? have significantly weakened demand. In the current climate, where our company relies on bank loans to carry it through the most difficult period in its history, it is simply not possible to run loss-making services without passengers.
?Looking ahead however, we remain optimistic. The health situation is improving, not only in the UK but also in France and Spain. And the vaccine rollout is moving apace. We believe that ferry travel is now more attractive than ever. Passengers can avoid the crowds and concerns that come travelling by air. As soon as the situation allows, we will welcome passengers back ? and offer them a safe, comfortable and enjoyable means to reach beautiful destinations by sea.?
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-forced-to-delay-return-to-full-service/ (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-forced-to-delay-return-to-full-service/)
Sitting in the bar of the Pont Aven as it edges out to sea. Loading was quite slow as passports, tickets, covid cert were all checked. Ship is about one third full, nearly all Irish although I saw one German car and a couple of French ones. Mask wearing indoors is 100%. It just feels so good to be back to some form of normal.
Great to hear, one of the few ferries that I really look forward to a decent meal on.
Booked on PA in a fortnight's time from Cork. Is main restaurant going to be open with all covid restrictions? Hope so as it's one of the best things about the trip.
Both self service and main restaurants were open. The food was good. Ship berthed on time in Roscoff at 7am. We cleared security at 8.20. Admittedly we were one of the last cars off however passports, Covid certs and the statement that one didn't have symptoms of Covid were all checked assiduously.
Quote from: A83 on July 26, 2021, 07:22:35 AM
Covid certs and the statement that one didn't have symptoms of Covid
Hi A83, Is this just a form / statement you fill out on the boat?
Thanks
A83, thanks for the info. Enjoy your holiday. To marsav68, you'll find a link to the form on BF's Irish website. Click on the covid tab (on the left) and go to "Travel Information and F@Qs" and then the + sign by French requirements.
Quote from: DaveW1946 on July 27, 2021, 06:21:09 AM
A83, thanks for the info. Enjoy your holiday. To marsav68, you'll find a link to the form on BF's Irish website. Click on the covid tab (on the left) and go to "Travel Information and F@Qs" and then the + sign by French requirements.
Thanks, downloaded and ready to go in 6.5 weeks! :D
Quote from: marsav68 on July 27, 2021, 08:03:47 AM
Quote from: DaveW1946 on July 27, 2021, 06:21:09 AM
A83, thanks for the info. Enjoy your holiday. To marsav68, you'll find a link to the form on BF's Irish website. Click on the covid tab (on the left) and go to "Travel Information and F@Qs" and then the + sign by French requirements.
Thanks, downloaded and ready to go in 6.5 weeks! :D
4 weeks from tomorrow for us! Thanks for the info lads and the link to the form!
Quote from: ccs on July 30, 2021, 03:13:12 PM
Quote from: marsav68 on July 27, 2021, 08:03:47 AM
Quote from: DaveW1946 on July 27, 2021, 06:21:09 AM
A83, thanks for the info. Enjoy your holiday. To marsav68, you'll find a link to the form on BF's Irish website. Click on the covid tab (on the left) and go to "Travel Information and F@Qs" and then the + sign by French requirements.
Thanks, downloaded and ready to go in 6.5 weeks! :D
4 weeks from tomorrow for us! Thanks for the info lads and the link to the form!
Enjoy, we're just taking 3 nights in Bayeux to do the beaches etc........... and the wine refill! :-)
Brittany Ferries just announced a new freight only Le Harve to Rosslare weekly service which will be operated by Cotentin departing Le Harve on Fridays at 1900 arriving Rosslare Saturdays at 1430 and returning ex Rosslare 1745 arriving back in Le Harve at 1500 on Sundays the service starts on 12 November.
full story
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/demand-surge-drives-opening-of-new-freight-link-connecting-le-havre-with-rosslare/
Honfleur has appeared on AIS this morning.
Now showing her destination as Belize.
Quote from: Niall on December 09, 2021, 11:17:58 AM
Now showing her destination as Belize.
Just seen that, it was showing somewhere else in Norway earlier. I wonder has it been sold?
Maybe shes going to New Zealand for Christmas
She'd be ideal for the Rosslare - Pembroke route
Not sure why but Cotentin abandoned her trip from Le Harve to Rosslare and is now docked in Cherbourg.
(https://i.imgur.com/e4r82nR.jpg)
The Connemara has been in Bilbao since Wednesday. Any ideas why? She is sailing tomorrow for Rosslare and is full
Quote from: Cupcoffee on January 09, 2022, 10:33:30 AM
The Connemara has been in Bilbao since Wednesday. Any ideas why? She is sailing tomorrow for Rosslare and is full
Weather most likely
it was weather related ..i was booked on the 12 noon sailing from bilbao 9/1/22..and this was canceled and rescheduled for 10/1/22 for 12.00 noon and left bilbao at 12.30pm.....here is a link to connemara leaving bilbao on 10/1/22
https://youtu.be/W15WlcRaYqI
Quote from: 12345teacher on January 12, 2022, 05:20:54 PM
it was weather related ..i was booked on the 12 noon sailing from bilbao 9/1/22..and this was canceled and rescheduled for 10/1/22 for 12.00 noon and left bilbao at 12.30pm.....here is a link to connemara leaving bilbao on 10/1/22
https://youtu.be/W15WlcRaYqI
Nice video. Thanks for sharing.
Rumours online that GNV have bought Cap Finistsere. GNV bought Oscar Wilde from Irish ferries a few years ago.
Quote from: ccs on January 12, 2022, 07:21:57 PM
Quote from: 12345teacher on January 12, 2022, 05:20:54 PM
it was weather related ..i was booked on the 12 noon sailing from bilbao 9/1/22..and this was canceled and rescheduled for 10/1/22 for 12.00 noon and left bilbao at 12.30pm.....here is a link to connemara leaving bilbao on 10/1/22
https://youtu.be/W15WlcRaYqI
Nice video. Thanks for sharing.
Rumours online that GNV have bought Cap Finistsere. GNV bought Oscar Wilde from Irish ferries a few years ago.
Great video and also some other nice videos on that channel.
Cap F to GNV is interesting, rumours were Grimaldi were interested also.
(Would have been crazy but a pity it was not put on Rosslare Bilbao instead of Connemara, would have been a very nice upgrade)
Sale of Cap Finistere to GNV confirmed.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/agreement-for-sale-of-brittany-ferries-cap-finistere/
Quote from: marsav68 on December 09, 2021, 08:08:02 AM
Honfleur has appeared on AIS this morning.
Been on and off (with crazy destination changes) for weeks now.
CAP FINISTERE is to be sold to GNV, reportedly for €45-50m. SALAMANCA is expected to arrive in Bilbao tomorrow
Link to my NIFS article for anyone interested
https://www.niferry.co.uk/brittany-ferries-agrees-to-sell-cap-finistere/
Quote from: Steven on January 13, 2022, 04:06:09 PM
Quote from: marsav68 on December 09, 2021, 08:08:02 AM
Honfleur has appeared on AIS this morning.
Been on and off (with crazy destination changes) for weeks now.
CAP FINISTERE is to be sold to GNV, reportedly for €45-50m. SALAMANCA is expected to arrive in Bilbao tomorrow
Link to my NIFS article for anyone interested
https://www.niferry.co.uk/brittany-ferries-agrees-to-sell-cap-finistere/
Thanks Steven, the price for the Cap F looks great value
Oscar Wilde went for a nice price as well.
Looking at VesselFinder now, shows Connemara waiting to berth and "Andros" between Connemara and the berth. This has been since about 12 pm.
Anything happening or is the app frozen
No longer a BF vessel but looks like Honfleur is going to Polferries, has been mentioned on this forum several times that it would be an ideal acquisition for Irish Ferries , unlikely to happen now.
The former Brittany Ferries vessel Honfleur was on the move earlier today.
Images taken by Oskar Nilsen Osmundsen here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/10163631555/posts/10158196309811556/
The newest addition to the Brittany Ferries fleet Salamanca will be conducting berthing trials in Cork and Rosslare on February 13th, this will be the first EFlexer to visit Cork and the third to visit Rosslare.
Info on French Ferry Fans
https://frenchferryfans.boards.net/thread/14/salamanca-imo-9867592?page=7
Depending on work schedule but am hoping to get down to see her next Sunday in Ringaskiddy.
Quote from: ccs on February 06, 2022, 02:02:37 PM
Depending on work schedule but am hoping to get down to see her next Sunday in Ringaskiddy.
Will be doing the same, hopefully a morning arrival into Ringaskiddy ! after this it goes for two weeks drydock in Astander, wonder what they do different to the Stena versions, they just went into service, I remember Galicia got a different anti fouling applied on its drydock, wonder why it wasn't done in China for this one. Considering the amount of money they cost to charter seems strange to have a new vessel hanging around before entering service.
Salamanca not coming to Cork on Sunday, only Rosslare according to reports on the Facebook, had not appeared on Port of Cork website all week.
Reason given is lack of berth availability! Celandine due at 15.00 into Ringaskiddy.
Also posted on
https://frenchferryfans.boards.net/thread/14/salamanca-imo-9867592?page=8
Salamanca on the way to Rosslare
Few pics of her at Rosslare on Europort twitter
https://twitter.com/Rosslareuroport/status/1492781911843999744?t=RQQtI2jHXiqR5TBgiGxcIQ&s=19
(https://i.imgur.com/Zy9b5xA.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/wJt4Ooo.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/kxCgMQP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/23PeLNX.jpg)
Brittany Ferries press release https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-says-oui-to-a-return-to-service-for-ships-and-routes/ (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-says-oui-to-a-return-to-service-for-ships-and-routes/) seems to indicate that the Pont Aven will be covering both round trips on the Cork/Roscoff route this summer. On the other hand the booking engine says that Armorique will do the Wednesday sailing from Cork with Pont Aven doing the Saturday departure.
Quote from: giftgrub on February 03, 2022, 07:05:40 PM
The former Brittany Ferries vessel Honfleur was on the move earlier today.
Images taken by Oskar Nilsen Osmundsen here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/10163631555/posts/10158196309811556/
Currently running Sea Trials in the fjords near Trondhiem.
Does this mean she's finally ready for ... something ... somewhere?
Quote from: Davy Jones on March 26, 2022, 12:49:51 AM
Quote from: giftgrub on February 03, 2022, 07:05:40 PM
The former Brittany Ferries vessel Honfleur was on the move earlier today.
Images taken by Oskar Nilsen Osmundsen here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/10163631555/posts/10158196309811556/
Currently running Sea Trials in the fjords near Trondhiem.
Does this mean she's finally ready for ... something ... somewhere?
Thanks for the post, yes it's getting a good workout on these trials
The Polferries rumours have gone quiet, maybe there will be a surprise twist in the Honfleur saga.
Very interesting article on BF and the introduction of their latest vessel on NI Ferry, featuring some great images and updates, well worth a read.
https://www.niferry.co.uk/brittany-ferries-looks-to-the-future-with-a-nod-to-the-past/?amp
Virgin Media news report on Brittany Ferries Armroique. Some nice shots of the ship
https://twitter.com/VirginMediaNews/status/1511690186576605199?s=20&t=My4FGzfQkJ2XjcC9XjGq7Q
Galicia to take over the Rosslare-Bilbao route from November this year replacing Conemara.
Quote from: ferryfan on April 07, 2022, 01:13:44 PM
Galicia to take over the Rosslare-Bilbao route from November this year replacing Conemara.
Great news. Big upgrade on Connemara.
Great too to see BF putting resources into Ireland the last few days.
A few pics of Pont Aven departing Cork last Saturday afternoon bound for Roscoff
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52051117112_caee13979d_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52052164756_f77068da31_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52052187803_22b098f579_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52051103927_bd2e700171_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52052382174_9c8a134c2a_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52052627205_14855bd4d4_b.jpg)
Class images as always, but no matter how often you see the Pont, that Scrubber installation is horrendous.
Quote from: giftgrub on May 05, 2022, 07:26:55 PM
Class images as always, but no matter how often you see the Pont, that Scrubber installation is horrendous.
Couldn't agree more. Pont Aven was never a really beautiful ship externally but those scrubbers make it look like a lego ship model for under 5s >:(
Quote from: ferryfan on April 07, 2022, 01:13:44 PM
Galicia to take over the Rosslare-Bilbao route from November this year replacing Conemara.
BF Spanish timetable for 22/23 is now open for booking. It's showing Salamanca taking over from Connemara. Connemaras last sailing from Rosslare is on 6th November. Looks like Galicia won't be on the route til April 2023.
BF 2023 France sailings are now available to book.
Due to Pont Aven's delayed arrival from Cork on Sunday morning (arriving at about 11.30) Armorique had to leave the berth so that Pont Aven could load discharge her Cork passengers and load again for Plymouth. Pont Aven left for Plymouth at quarter past 2 and Armorique followed her almost 2 hours later.
Under normal circumstances Pont Aven would have arrived from Cork at approx 7 and departed for Plymouth before Armoriques 10.15 arrival from Plymouth.
Here's a few of my pics
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402084701_6dc8a8d547_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402513785_8cf072389c_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52401568817_8d10113cc5_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52402081156_f846c94416_c.jpg)
Quote from: ccs on June 21, 2022, 03:44:42 PMQuote from: ferryfan on April 07, 2022, 01:13:44 PMGalicia to take over the Rosslare-Bilbao route from November this year replacing Conemara.
BF Spanish timetable for 22/23 is now open for booking. It's showing Salamanca taking over from Connemara. Connemaras last sailing from Rosslare is on 6th November. Looks like Galicia won't be on the route til April 2023.
Looks like Salamanca is taking over the route today, on her way to Rosslare and departed Cherbourg after Connemara arrived.
Yes she is until Santona replaces Galicia which in turn will replace Salamanca on the Rosslare service.
Some interesting figures here. UK-France passenger numbers down 35% in 2022 compared to 2019 but Ireland- France up 46%!
BF hoping to increase passenger numbers on Ireland-Spain route by 50k
Launched in March 2022, Salamanca is the first of four Brittany Ferries vessels to be powered by cleaner liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of investment in fleet renewal.She will operate throughout the winter and into next summer on the Cherbourg and Bilbao to Rosslare routes. The aim is to grow by 50,000 the number of holiday makers sailing between Ireland and Spain. Operating under the French flag, Salamanca will be crewed by French seafarers and can carry 1,015 passengers.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-publishes-full-year-passenger-and-freight-results/ (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-publishes-full-year-passenger-and-freight-results/)
Is Connemara handed back to Stena now?
She's back at the cuise terminal in Cherbourg
Salamanca making a stop at Brest tomorrow for a crew change on her way from Bilbao to Rosslare.
Quote from: Niall on November 06, 2022, 07:58:05 PMShe's back at the cuise terminal in Cherbourg
And then she's out on anchor again.
Somebody knows plan for the ship?
Quote from: boathansm on November 08, 2022, 05:28:59 PMQuote from: Niall on November 06, 2022, 07:58:05 PMShe's back at the cuise terminal in Cherbourg
And then she's out on anchor again.
Somebody knows plan for the ship?
If the rumours are true she will be heading to DAMEN in Dunkerque for refit and then off to join Bluebridge in the Picton-Wellington route. She is probably waiting for Blue Star 1 to leave DAMEN and then she will be off.
Quote from: shipbiulder101 on November 08, 2022, 09:12:32 PMQuote from: boathansm on November 08, 2022, 05:28:59 PMQuote from: Niall on November 06, 2022, 07:58:05 PMShe's back at the cuise terminal in Cherbourg
And then she's out on anchor again.
Somebody knows plan for the ship?
If the rumours are true she will be heading to DAMEN in Dunkerque for refit and then off to join Bluebridge in the Picton-Wellington route. She is probably waiting for Blue Star 1 to leave DAMEN and then she will be off.
https://businessdesk.co.nz/article/transport/straitnz-upgrades-its-cook-strait-ferry-fleet
Brittany Ferries adding Rosslare Le Havre once a week from March with the contentin.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/passengers-will-return-to-le-havre-in-2023/?fbclid=IwAR1OloFRmCjdNnuEMN8KiDimzumkcWnzaaMVznJ9pAig7WzVwI2ixlgc5tk
I travelled back to France on the Salamanca on the 29th December. Although the sea was seriously choppy, the ship glided through all of it.
The ferry is in excellent shape, which isn't a surprise as it's new. I'm saying that, many of the interactive items are broken already, or suffering from the 'validate windows' branding.
Whilst the food was excellent, the self service restaurant cannot cope with the demand - even on a very quiet crossing, the lunch queue was slow and lengthy.
Brittany has outsourced the cleaning, and it was very much hit and miss. Our first cabin has one bed left uncleaned, and the replacement cabin had one bed unopenable. When opened, it was missing some of the bedding. BF getting what they pay for I guess.
The pet cabins were sold out, so no doubt a great success - however with the cabin soundproofing being poor, dogs barking could be heard constantly through the night. The smell from the pet cabin corridor was shockingly bad too.
With only one bar, queues for drinks were slow - again, I'd hate to see this on a full crossing. The offer was a choice of three tapas, but with only two on offer, this was a big disappointment.
Cherbourg is a disaster for disembarkation. From arrival in the port it took well over an hour to leave the ship, with the cars being stuck behind the trucks. Arrival early in Rosslare doesn't mean disembarkation first either. There is no dual deck disembarkation.
Overall, DFDS from Dunkirk was a much more professional operation, even with a much more modern BF ship on the route.
Thanks for posting, great trip report, but does sound like Brittany Ferries hard earned reputation for traveling with style and sophistication could be let down by skimping on the essentials.
As such a new ship is should be a very simple process to keep the cleaning up to standard and if necessary get more cleaners or have them on board permanently, the frangrances from the pet area sound revolting and these areas should be spotless, washed down . disinfected and kept clean, once they get bad, very hard to bring them back to standard.
No excuse for not cleaning cabins properly either, they need to be signed off by someone from On Board Services, sounds like not enough staff to do the job. Probably a case of not allowed to hire new staff and need to get contractors in to do the work (which probably cost as much as hiring staff but don't appear on the books as staff just a business expense)
(the Stena Estrid was spotless inside when I was on it in September and all the video screen stuff was working and the ship was full)
No experience of the food service but similar reports have been made on other BF Eflexers presume this restaurant is at the front of deck 7, will probably need a tweak to the flow layout or staff to assist.
Link to the excellent - NI Ferry Site – photo guide to the ship here.
https://www.niferry.co.uk/salamanca-passenger-facilities-and-deck-layout-plans/
For loading / unloading – always going to be an issue when they don't have the double deck linkspan to use when they are full that's 3kms worth of traffic leaving the ship, going to have to manage expectations, probably don't bring people down to the car deck when they won't be leaving for awhile.
Thanks for your report on the Salamanca, we are booked for Rosslare to Bilbao. Has anyone sailed on this route?
Just glanced at Salamanca on Vessel Finder before I hit the sack last night and it was off the south of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, a good bit off course. I look again this morning and its track showed it spent a couple of hours going backwards and forwards as if it was waiting or heaven forbid looking for something. There was no other vessel in the vicinity.
Quote from: Cupcoffee on January 16, 2023, 02:44:08 PMJust glanced at Salamanca on Vessel Finder before I hit the sack last night and it was off the south of Belle-Ile-en-Mer, a good bit off course. I look again this morning and its track showed it spent a couple of hours going backwards and forwards as if it was waiting or heaven forbid looking for something. There was no other vessel in the vicinity.
Sounds like it's due to weather
https://twitter.com/BrittanyFerries/status/1614993869640273923
Thanks for the prompt reply. Bad weather could be the reason. She is hugging the Brittany coast since then.
I sailed on Salamanca 28/12/22 rosslare / Bilbao and due to return back on 22/01/23....was quiet a rough crossing announcement was made and said when leaving rosslare outside decks were closed,no other info was given about sea conditions on route or eta etc from captain.(poor info from bridge always with Brittany ferries).we left late but arrived in Bilbao on time ...my cabin was clean but the cleaning staff in rosslare were well behind as some people were waiting outside cabins for them to finish...all cabins have Ireland/Uk/euro plug sockets and tv with Uk stations and free movies on demand .the sound proofing was not great as it was a rough crossing you could hear the car alarms going off throughout the crossing (cabin 7106)...a lot of the interactive screens throughout the ship were not working ....free WiFi was only for 90 minutes....€9.50 was advertised price at reception for cheapest WiFi but when i went to pay i was told it was €10. As conditions were rough pet owners had difficulties opening the door to outside pet deck due to the winds ..and pet owners would have to use door access near reception to get to pet deck ...layout for restaurant serving breakfast was not planned right people looking for trays/cutlery which were placed outside service area in corridor you walk by without seeing them ..but breakfast was good €7.50.... the same restaurant area was where dinner was served ,my ticket included my dinner but they have since stopped including dinner...dinner was very good ..the ship was quite full with truck/cars/campervans/motorbike etc..no cars parked in open air deck....exiting the ship in Bilbao took about 45 minutes...overall i enjoyed Salamanca and was a major improvement on Connemara ...but cutbacks (like everywhere) have been made and when busy the cracks have started to appear ...this is a link to video i took as we left rosslare ..https://youtu.be/L3eDwRDam_U And a link of Salamanca arriving in Bilbao. https://youtu.be/hX4i4lIEo4Q
Great review thanks. Hopefully you,ll do another one for the homeward sailing? Love the video of the arrival in Bilbao.
Also thanks for posting, was in Rosslare the day before, didn't leave the house let alone get on a ferry to Spain !
Sweet Jesus the sound of the car alarms as the ferry was leaving Rosslare, I hope that stopped after a few kms were travelled, the Stena Estrid had lots of warnings to switch off Alarms when boarding, assume BF do the same ?
Looking forward to the return journey videos. It does seem BF need to make a bit of an effort with the new vessels as I said above no excuse for not having it clean and having all the stuff working.
Featured in this months Ships Monthly -Brittany Ferries celebrating the 50 years of BF
IMG-0954.PNG
Also in this issue of Ships Monthly are some fantastic pictures from one of the regular contributors to this forum. (Just finished reading it this evening)
Brittany Ferries have announced they are displaying all pricing onboard in Euro from 1st March.
I never did understand why the onboard pricing was sterling, especially on the Irish sailings. Does anyone know if there has been a change in onboard supplier or something?
A nice video report on the Portsmouth Santander ferry Galicia.
Soon to start service on the Rosslare Bilbao service
https://youtu.be/bJ9r5BED_tQ
In a change to the previous announcement the Salamanca is apparently staying on the Rosslare services, Galicia no longer expected to take over.
Salamanca has settled nicely in to the route. Galicia will operate the Portsmouth - Bilbao service once she's out of drydock
Quote from: giftgrub on March 15, 2023, 10:18:18 PMIn a change to the previous announcement the Salamanca is apparently staying on the Rosslare services, Galicia no longer expected to take over.
BF timetable now showing Galicia taking over on 3rd May. Previously Galicia was taking over in early April.
https://www.brittany-ferries.ie/map/timetables-pdf?country=IRL&departure=IEROE&arrival=ESBIO (https://www.brittany-ferries.ie/map/timetables-pdf?country=IRL&departure=IEROE&arrival=ESBIO)
Quote from: ccs on March 16, 2023, 08:50:13 PMQuote from: giftgrub on March 15, 2023, 10:18:18 PMIn a change to the previous announcement the Salamanca is apparently staying on the Rosslare services, Galicia no longer expected to take over.
BF timetable now showing Galicia taking over on 3rd May. Previously Galicia was taking over in early April.
https://www.brittany-ferries.ie/map/timetables-pdf?country=IRL&departure=IEROE&arrival=ESBIO (https://www.brittany-ferries.ie/map/timetables-pdf?country=IRL&departure=IEROE&arrival=ESBIO)
BF keep springing surprises, hard to keep up with their plans.
I wouldn't be surprised if salamanca remains permanently on the Rosslare - Bilbao service
It makes sense to keep Salamanca on Rosslare - Bilbao
Are there any differences between the two - other than Salamanca can run on gas? I know they're both E-flexers.
Quote from: Davy Jones on March 17, 2023, 02:13:30 PMAre there any differences between the two - other than Salamanca can run on gas? I know they're both E-flexers.
Cargo space
Galicia 3100lm
Salamanca 2758lm
Pax are same on both.
Salamanca still in Bilbao and due to weather wont leave til 17.00 today. Due in Rosslare at 20.45 tommorow and sailing again for Bilbao at 23.00.
Pont Aven still in Santandar so tonights Roscoff to Cork sailing will either be cancelled or much delayed.
Last nights Pont Aven sailing form Roscoff to Cork was cancelled. In its place Armorique left Roscoff earlier this morning and is due in Cork at 21.00 and sailing again to Roscoff at 23.00.
The all day sailing from Roscoff brings back memories of 2004 when Pont Aven had a similar all day sailing schedule from Roscoff to Cork. In 2005 they reverted to an overnight sailing.
Quote from: ccs on March 31, 2023, 10:55:05 AMSalamanca still in Bilbao and due to weather wont leave til 17.00 today. Due in Rosslare at 20.45 tommorow and sailing again for Bilbao at 23.00.
Pont Aven still in Santandar so tonights Roscoff to Cork sailing will either be cancelled or much delayed.
Knock effect of this delay means that tonight's Rosslare to Cherbourg sailing has been cancelled.
video posted on Carlow weather of the Salamanca riding the waves off the Wexford coast in the storm yesterday
https://twitter.com/CarlowWeather/status/1646452648650915840?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
Thank you for the video. Very informative.
Nice review of the Salamanca Rosslare Bilbao service here:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/slow-travel-ireland-spain-ferry
Brittany Ferries schedule til Nov now available online. Interesting that Cork Roscoff service that usually doesnt operate from beginning of November to mid March is continuing to operate every Saturday until 30th December and beginning again on 10th February 2024.
Armorique will take over from Pont Aven on the Saturdays from early November with her own Wednesday sailings finishing on 1st November and recommencing in mid March when Pont Aven returns to take over the Saturday sailing.
Quote from: ccs on July 24, 2023, 12:48:40 PMBrittany Ferries schedule til Nov now available online. Interesting that Cork Roscoff service that usually doesnt operate from beginning of November to mid March is continuing to operate every Saturday until 30th December and beginning again on 10th February 2024.
Armorique will take over from Pont Aven on the Saturdays from early November with her own Wednesday sailings finishing on 1st November and recommencing in mid March when Pont Aven returns to take over the Saturday sailing.
I notice rosslare Cherbourg continues through winter as well. Can't remember did it run last winter?
Quote from: Cladyman on July 24, 2023, 10:44:10 PMQuote from: ccs on July 24, 2023, 12:48:40 PMBrittany Ferries schedule til Nov now available online. Interesting that Cork Roscoff service that usually doesnt operate from beginning of November to mid March is continuing to operate every Saturday until 30th December and beginning again on 10th February 2024.
Armorique will take over from Pont Aven on the Saturdays from early November with her own Wednesday sailings finishing on 1st November and recommencing in mid March when Pont Aven returns to take over the Saturday sailing.
I notice rosslare Cherbourg continues through winter as well. Can't remember did it run last winter?
Fairly sure it did.
I travelled to Cherbourg on the Salamanca after Christmas, so yes, it did operate.
Cotentin is off service, currently in drydock in Dunkerque.
Few pics of Pont Aven departing Cork for Roscoff yesterday afternoon
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53097103112_c7927508c5_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53098090960_663e6503d0_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53098077325_918b5cca28_b.jpg)
Brittany Ferries is pleased to confirm that its vessel Pont-Aven has now been cleared to depart Brest for its onward journey to Plymouth today.
The clearance came from the French health authorities, and the vessel departed at around 15:15 UK time (16:15 local French time).
Pont-Aven was diverted to Brest this morning after a number of crew members reported feeling unwell. No passengers were affected.
The decision to divert was made by the captain of Pont-Aven in consultation with the relevant authorities, including the French Centre de Consultation Médicale Maritime (CCMM, Maritime Medical Advisory Centre) based in Purpan, Toulouse, and the French coastguard (CROSS: Centres régionaux opérationnels de surveillance et de secours).
The ship arrived in Brest at 10:30 UK time this morning (11:30 French local time).
We apologise to all passengers affected by today's diversion to Brest, and would like to thank them for their patience. We will continue to work with the French authorities and our own teams both on board and ashore to determine the cause of today's incident.
Pont-Aven is currently carrying 982 passengers and is expected to arrive in Plymouth at around 22:00 this evening.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/pont-aven-resumes-journey-to-plymouth/
Few pics of Armorique departing Cork for Roscoff earlier this afternoon.
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53121687093_83ce494708_b.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53121686148_6a00e0e8bf_b.jpg)
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(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53121393899_93c19e0c9f_b.jpg)
Great images as always, different view than normal for Cork harbour ?.
Always think the blue boot topping on the base of the hull at the waterline looks odd the way it starts after the bow, (I know they pay people handsomely to create the look and design of the colour scheme) but think the Armorique would be better looking if it went full length.
Quote from: giftgrub on August 16, 2023, 09:43:13 PMGreat images as always, different view than normal for Cork harbour ?.
Yes I'm usually on the Cobh side of the harbour but was on a family visit to Spike Island yesterday so got a few pics from the other side. Spike is well worth a visit if you're ever in the area https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/ (https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/)
Quote from: Frogman on December 20, 2022, 03:04:50 PMBrittany Ferries adding Rosslare Le Havre once a week from March with the contentin.
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/passengers-will-return-to-le-havre-in-2023/?fbclid=IwAR1OloFRmCjdNnuEMN8KiDimzumkcWnzaaMVznJ9pAig7WzVwI2ixlgc5tk
Rosslare to Le Harve route not operating ng in 2024. It will be replaced by a second weekly sailing from Rosslare to Cherbourg. I'm assuming that Cotentin will take over the 2nd Cherbourg sailing and leave the Monday evening one to Salamanca.
This makes so much sense with the railway.
Are they also going to move Portsmouth le harve sailings to Cherbourg.
With only 2 sailings to Ireland and 2 sailings to Portsmouth a week surely not enough to sustain daily train, would need the additional sailings
(Poole is summer only)
Brittany Ferries will operate Rosslare - Cherbourg sailings in between sailings to Bilbao, Two ships Salamanca and Galicia will operate the routes in 2024.
Quote from: IFPete on October 05, 2023, 12:57:38 PMBrittany Ferries will operate Rosslare - Cherbourg sailings in between sailings to Bilbao, Two ships Salamanca and Galicia will operate the routes in 2024.
Yes that will continue on Mondays between the Bilbao runs with either Salamanca or Galicia. Salamanca will operate the route til the end of March with Glacia taking over on Monday 1st April. Cotentin will make the second weekly Rosslare - Cherbourg sailing on Saturday evening. In effect they've just dropped Le Harve for Cherbourg.
https://www.brittany-ferries.ie/map/timetables-pdf?country=IRL&departure=IEROE&arrival=FRCER (https://www.brittany-ferries.ie/map/timetables-pdf?country=IRL&departure=IEROE&arrival=FRCER)
As a result of Storm Ciarán (nothing to do with me!), Brittany Ferries have had to cancel all over night sailings tonight, and all sailings tomorrow.
This has resulted in Salamanca being diverted to Ringaskiddy (she's on at the new container terminal), while Armorique is on the ro-ro berth. Possibly the first time we have had 2 BF ships along side in Cork at the same time?
Quote from: Kieran on November 01, 2023, 01:34:45 PMThis has resulted in Salamanca being diverted to Ringaskiddy (she's on at the new container terminal), while Armorique is on the ro-ro berth. Possibly the first time we have had 2 BF ships along side in Cork at the same time?
Fairly sure it is a first!
Couple of pics of the ships in this tweet by John Hickey
https://x.com/Hinklestein/status/1719722681736581304?s=03
Salamanca is still in Cork Harbour, this time moored at the cruise terminal in Cobh, should look very well in the sunshine today.
Due to resume service from Rosslare tonight.
Quote from: giftgrub on November 03, 2023, 09:46:34 AMSalamanca is still in Cork Harbour, this time moored at the cruise terminal in Cobh, should look very well in the sunshine today.
Due to resume service from Rosslare tonight.
Gutted that due to work I can't get down to take a few pics 😩
Looks like Salamanca will be staying in Cobh overnight as tonight's Rosslare to Bilbao sailing has been cancelled. Port of Cork website showing her next move as 930am tomorrow. She'll have to move to allow another victim of the bad weather Fred Olsens Borealis berth at the cruise terminal.
Salamanca departed Cobh at 930am heading to Rosslare. Here's a few pics
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53309262876_a726aa4240_c.jpg)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53309257956_8587999363_c.jpg)
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More added to this album https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8PJNE2 (https://flic.kr/s/aHsk8PJNE2)
Not 100% sure on this, but Santona is due into Rosslare later today, I think that is its first time in Ireland which would mean all three E-Flexers on the BF fleet have been into Rosslare. (Could be wrong, but have recollection of Santona being here before)
Some pics here on Rosslare Europort twitter
https://x.com/Rosslareuroport/status/1724090551006265850?s=20
Thanks for posting, meant to say above no recollection of Santona being here before, great to see another E-Flexer on the service a big upgrade from the Connemara a year ago, Its been a bad week for the Bilbao crossings, hopefully more stability from now on.
A slight difference from the other E-Flexers with less surface rust visible on the outer bow door edges, has been somewhat noticeable since Estrid arrived, but Santona has been on service since March so eight months in and looking much cleaner.
Interesting swapping between SANTONA and Salamanca
SANTONA
Mon-tues rosslare - Cherbourg
Tuesday - wed Cherbourg - Portsmouth
Wed-Thursday port - Santander
Thursday- Friday Santander- rosslare
Fri- sun rosslare- Santander
Sun- mon Santander- Ross
Salamanca
Mon - ties Cherbourg- rosslare
Tues- Wed rosslare- Santander
Wed-thu- Santander - port
Thu- sat port - sant
Sat- sun sant- port
Sun - mon port- Cherbourg
Sounds good but bay of Biscay storm will mess it up
Another first time visitor to Rosslare early in 2024 when Normandie will cover for Cotention on her Rosslare/Cherbourg sailings on 6th and 13th January.
Images of the Normandie in Rosslare today another visitor from the BF fleet.
https://www.niferry.co.uk/brittany-ferries-cruiseferry-makes-irish-debut/?fbclid=IwAR3qf5vjtCfQfDXgfkCpkOCdlf2Ifv_FBqtDsWAcp7Xz15NLfyEEur_qBOE
Separate to above, cannot work out why BF have Galicia laid up for Winter, surely such a modern ferry would be better served sailing than tied up in Le Harve since mid November,
One option would be for Stena Line to charter Galicia to cover refits, as an E Flexer it could provide cover on all Irish Sea routes except Fishguard and also Harwich Hoek routes, Back in the eighties it was common to charter in from other operators over winter.
Given that rumoured cost of Stena Horizon charter is $20,000 per day, would imagine Galicia is more but at the Horizon rate that's about $2 million rent payments to not use one of their most modern ferries.
Why is the limit 100 passengers?
Quote from: Sil2 on January 06, 2024, 10:18:25 PMWhy is the limit 100 passengers?
I imagine due to crewing reductions onboard at this time of year.
"cannot work out why BF have Galicia laid up for Winter"
I can confirm you that in other countries (as me too) many many "insiders" in ferry- and travel- and tourist-business - for to avoid the word "experts" - in ferry-business are wondering really very much about this Galicia-decision from BF.
Similar it has much disadvantages around operation, timetables etc. with all the regularly visits of all ships in french ports - just for that the french crew-member has a very comfortable live with often a lot of big times at home - instead of to stay onboard 3, 4, 5, 6 month without break as it is usually in shipping-business, also for all cruise-ships worldwide.
The managers there are since years only in a "all ferries in Europe must have expensive crews" tunnel - so that other important points in improving and growing their ferry-business are totally forgotten. Already in 2022 was some millions missing for to pay the charter-rates to Stena-RoRo (then the money was coming from the french organisations behind Brittany Ferries) - so i am wondering how long this "tunnel" strategy can be continued, now also coming together with the big financial problems of Condor Ferries where Brittany Ferries has ca. 25% shares in. Brittany Ferries is felt as from union-leaders managed - which in long-term on routes with competition can never be successfully.
Using the Galicia for Stena yard-stay-covers would be complicated - Stena Line and Stena RoRo are financial complete divided - a part of the name is the same only, and all the profit goes to Sten Olsson in Göteborg - but they have nothing more to do with each other. It is similar as in Germany with the LIDL and KAUFLAND supermarket-chains - all the profit goes to the owner Dieter Schwarz - but the managers of both chains can do what they want independent from each other.
Galicia is on a long term lease, so Stena are paid whether it sails or not, as is the Stena horizon, so it makes more sense for Stena to use the ship they are already leasing.
Quotewhich in long-term on routes with competition can never be successfully
Britanny ferries successfully competes on service on their UK and Ireland to France routes.
Quote from: jpwoodh on January 08, 2024, 05:37:33 PMGalicia is on a long term lease, so Stena are paid whether it sails or not, as is the Stena horizon, so it makes more sense for Stena to use the ship they are already leasing.
Quotewhich in long-term on routes with competition can never be successfully
Britanny ferries successfully competes on service on their UK and Ireland to France routes.
I was only suggesting it would been a good idea for Stena Line to charter Galicia from BF so BF make a few euro (Stena RoRo get paid by BF regardless) and Stena Line would have a temp E Flexer then it could slot in and allow Estrid provide cover on its north channel routes and it would have allowed Nordica to stay in Rosslare and it could have covered Horizon, keeping a two ship service to France, Europe on Fishguard route and Adventurer and Galicia could have covered Holyhead.
Yes it would cost Stena Line money but would have allowed a more consistent service to be provided.
Vlogger Steve Marsh has taken on a journey to Spain from Edinburgh, Via Belfast, Dublin and Rosslare.
Part One of his video - getting to Rosslare is on the link below (Public transport strike throws a few obstacles in the way)
https://youtu.be/Z5ffsz83TfU
Part two - On board the Santona
https://youtu.be/uup1wmtKFUs
Unfortunately it was filmed in the Winter so the stunning scenery from the railway line from Dublin to Rosslare is not visible (it genuinely has some amazing views as you leave Dublin and the line hugs the coast on the way down and goes under Enniscorthy and right through the centre of Wexford town).
Some good news about Brittany Ferries Irish routes
https://www.irishtimes.com/business/2024/01/29/brittany-ferries-aiming-to-triple-number-of-spanish-tourists-it-carries-to-ireland/
Last nights 9/02/24 23.59 sailing from Rosslare to Santander didn't leave till 6.30 this morning.
The Brittany Ferries website for Santander says it left on time though it says the return will be delayed by 7 hours.
Strange. I am due to be on this sailing in a couple of weeks, hence my interest. The weather seems mild enough. Any thoughts?
It arrived on time into Rosslare, could have been delayed departure for some technical reason or something else, not normally delayed too much on this route so would not be overly concerned.
They have a few sailings retimed during the next week, so just keep an eye on the website.
Thanks for that Gifty
The linked article of the Irish times is not free.
Would be nice if somebody could list up shortly the key facts.
Quote from: Ferriesbetterfastercheape on February 11, 2024, 04:56:05 PMThe linked article of the Irish times is not free.
Would be nice if somebody could list up shortly the key facts.
Brittany Ferries is aiming to triple the number of Spanish tourists it carries to Ireland next year following the successful rescheduling of the company's newest cruise ferry Salamanca on its Rosslare-Bilbao route.
The company more than doubled the number of passengers travelling by sea between Ireland and Spain last year. In total, 57,000 passengers made the voyage across the Irish Sea and Bay of Biscay, which was a 116 per cent increase compared with 2022.
It is just five years since the first seaborne link connecting Ireland with Spain was opened, but more Spanish visitors are now taking the ferry to Ireland than they are to the UK, even though services have been running from Spain to the UK for 45 years.
Nearly twice as many Spaniards travelled to Ireland last year, just under 6,000, compared with 3,400 holidaying in the UK.
Brittany Ferries chief executive Christophe Mathieu said the company had "capitalised on the opportunities that Brexit has presented out of Ireland".
"We have the capacity to still increase," he said. "We are really putting a lot of attention on attracting a lot more Spanish people to Ireland because it is a very popular destination for Spanish. Next year, we have a mission to triple the number of Spanish on this route, and we are working very closely with Tourism Ireland on that, to have a strategy, a plan, and to spend more on marketing to get that done. But we can't spend millions on advertising.
"We don't have any new routes in mind, but we want to build up the routes more in terms of volume. We have capacity to consolidate. We already have six calls to Ireland per week. Before Brexit, it was just one call per week."
Despite the ambitious plans for Ireland, however, Mr Mathieu said the cost of travelling by ferry — like via aircraft — is going to increase as companies grapple with the transition to greener vessels.
The company already operates ships that run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is a cleaner form of energy that other fossil fuels, and intends to introduce hybrid and battery-powered ships down the line.
"All these things have a cost," he said. "There are also some challenges to operations. For example, refuelling the LNG vessels takes longer so you need to allow more time in ports. One thing we have to be aware of, at the moment it is not obvious yet that people are willing to pay a lot more to travel greener. We think this will change.
"There is no way, all things being equal, that people will pay 20 per cent more per ticket to travel on a green ship. Maybe a few per cent more. So there is a transition there too. Otherwise, we risk being too expensive."
Mr Mathieu said the company was also keenly aware of the challenges that inflation and the cost-of-living crisis are having on people's ability to spend money on leisure activities. "We have to be mindful of that, but at the same time we have to be profitable and invest in greener ships," he said.
"I think there are a lot of opportunities because of the geopolitical situation because I think less and less Europeans will want to fly all over the world as it gets dodgier and dodgier. People will still want to go abroad but will want to stay closer to home.
"It is very unstable in the Middle East, in eastern Europe, in China. I just have this feeling that will make some people favour travelling less far. Maybe for the next few years it is safer to stay closer to home."
He added that bookings for 2024 were "looking good, especially in and out of Ireland, so we are very confident".
Very good review of trip on the Salamanca on the following link:
https://theferryforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=2774
Armorique made an unscheduled trip to Cork overnight from Roscoff. Due to sail to Cherbourg at 13.30
Interesting video posted of a crossing on the Santona (first spotted on ferryforum), the ferry bit about 13 minutes in, very easy to watch and as they enjoy the ferry experience with their pet cabin and dog.
https://youtu.be/rFnM-QVQ9Eo?si=9ER56LvDvqDMlWG3
Another interesting video from onboard the Salamanca crossing from Spain to Rosslare
https://youtu.be/W2ff6bhiqC8?si=blbq_NmyEoO_SYzP
As a direct comparison, the same couples experience onboard the Connemara, previously on the route
https://youtu.be/dN293aH0QjU?si=Ukpobyf_-esNiC2W