Service changes as Brittany Ferries makes savings

Brittany Ferries is selling two ships and closing routes to cut costs.

Service changes are ahead, as Brittany Ferries announces a structure to save money.

Rumours of a cost-cutting announcement circulated in the French media, and on ferry forums, before Brittany Ferries issued its own statement on its website entitled 'Brittany Ferries says it must adapt to a new world'.

The firm is selling two ships, closing routes, and reorganising others.

Poole to Cherbourg is going in November and the Barfleur will be sold.   A daily service from Portsmouth to Cherbourg - via Guernsey- will operate in its place.

Portsmouth to Le Havre will also go in October, and the Cotentin which runs Cherbourg to Rosslare will be sold, while the route will continue to operate with other vessels.  French media reports the Commodore Clipper, used as a back up vessel for Guernsey services, will be moved to the Ireland route.

The impact on Guernsey services 

BF says the Guernsey/Poole/ Cherbourg routes will be 'allocated to a more efficient schedule from 1 November'.

The Islander will run a triangular route from Portsmouth to Guernsey to Cherbourg and back to Portsmouth.

The Voyager will run Poole to Guernsey on to St Malo.

The firm's boss says the opening up to Guernsey of the Cherbourg freight hub presents new trade opportunities, though for Guernsey this would appear to be for export, not import.

We have asked BF for further comment, including what the reported relocation of the Clipper will mean for fleet resilience.  A spokesperson said:

“Clipper will continue to provide resilience and contingency as the dedicated back-up vessel for Guernsey routes, as she has since the new contract came into effect in April 2025.”

The firm cites rising tax burden, Covid loan repayments, cost-of-living concerns among passengers and unfair competition on the Eastern Channel for making the 'difficult' changes.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO Brittany Ferries said:

"Brittany Ferries has a track record in adapting its business to long- and short-term challenges.

 “We overcame Covid when borders were shut, we continue to wrestle with the consequences of Brexit and we are taking steps to make a holiday in France or Spain as reasonable as possible.

“But we have to be realistic. We need adapt and that means a plan to secure a future that will continue to bring opportunities for all those who live and work in the regions we serve. 

"We have informed our ports and will work with everyone affected on this plan for the future.”

Guernsey chose Brittany Ferries as its ferry operator in 2025, while Jersey opted for Danish firm DFDS.