Second cross-Channel ferry route ends early

A cross-Channel ferry route is to be shut down earlier than planned following a technical problem with a ship.

The last sailing of Brittany Ferries' Barfleur vessel between Poole and Cherbourg was scheduled for 2 November but the operator has said the ship would now be moved to its route between Cherbourg and Rosslare on 12 October.

It said the route between France and the Republic of Ireland was "strategically significant" post-Brexit.

Travellers already booked can transfer to other crossings or get a full refund.

Brittany Ferries is selling its current vessel on the Cherbourg and Rosslare route, Cotentin, and said its alternative back-up vessel, Commodore Clipper, had suffered a gearbox failure which meant it had been temporarily withdrawn from service.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO Brittany Ferries apologised for the "disappointment" caused to passengers hoping to travel of the last sailings of Barfleur between Poole and Cherbourg.

"The reality is that, post Brexit, Rosslare-Cherbourg has a strategically significant route for Brittany Ferries, carrying nearly 25% of all freight traffic so we must prioritise.

"It has been a privilege to serve the Poole-Cherbourg route since 1986. But we should be clear that we will still sail to Guernsey and onto France in our fast craft from Poole, even if we must say an early adieu to a much-loved vessel and direct services from Poole to Cherbourg."

Among those who had planned to travel were ferry enthusiasts hoping to be on the final crossing of Barfleur.

George Holland of the Brittany Ferries Fan Group on Facebook said the change had meant "massive inconvenience".

"A considerable number of members had made special plans including hotel stays in Poole in order to be able to travel aboard the Barfleur on the 2nd November for what was previously expected to be her final ever departure from Poole and the ending of the historic sea connection with Cherbourg.

The company said it would offer refund tickets or provide alternative travel on routes out of Portsmouth.

It comes after the planned ending of the route between Portsmouth and Le Havre was also brought forward because of the technical issue with Commodore Clipper.

Announcing the changes to its services in June, the company said it faced a bill of €27m in 2026, which it blamed on rising taxes, Covid loan repayments, unfair competition and fewer travellers.

It said that although it had repaid half of its Covid support loan, significant debt remained, alongside new costs from the The European Union Emissions Trading System, despite major investments in greener ships.

Brittany Ferries insisted it would continue to offer a "comprehensive service" from Portsmouth, with regular sailings to Caen, Cherbourg and St Malo in France, to Guernsey in the Channel Islands, and to Santander and Bilbao in Spain.