Cross-Channel ferry sets sail for final time

A cross-Channel ferry that has sailed from the Dorset coast for more than 30 years has made its final journey on its route to France.

Brittany Ferries' Barfleur departed from Poole, bound for Cherbourg in Normandy, shortly after 08:30 BST.

Dozens of people braved the wet weather to watch the ferry cross Poole Harbour and pass Sandbanks, heading for the English Channel.

Brittany Ferries announced earlier this year it would sell Barfleur and end the route, which it said had seen passenger numbers fall by 70% since 2002.

Named after the small fishing port in Normandy, Barfleur entered service between Cherbourg and Poole in April 1992.

The company has seen passenger numbers drop from its heyday of 547,000 in 2002 to 165,000 in 2025.

Freight has also fallen by 94% over the same timeframe.

Company spokesman Nigel Wonnacott said: "The reality is a ferry company doesn't run on emotion. It runs on profit and loss and commercial necessity.

"Today is a sad day, it's a day we wish hasn't happened. But the reality is we're a business, we're not a charity.

"It is brutally, a hard-nosed business decision. Not enough passengers, not enough freight, not financially viable."

He also hit out at a Facebook post by the Poole branch of Reform UK, which said the termination of the route was a "great loss to Poole".

"We have to respect the decisions of the owners based on the non viability of the service but it sadly marks the end of an era," the party's post said.

The company has previously said the impact of Brexit on cross-Channel trade had played a part in the financial difficulties it faced.

"Some might suggest that the turkeys who voted for Christmas might like to take a long hard look in the mirror," Wonnacott said.

The date of the final departure was brought forward last month as Barfleur had to be moved to the Cherbourg-Rosslare route after its alternative back-up, Commodore Clipper, had suffered a gearbox failure that meant it had been temporarily withdrawn from service.

The company said it needed to prioritise the route between Ireland and France, which it said, post Brexit, was its "strategically significant route".

The technical issue with Commodore Clipper also led to the Portsmouth-Le Havre service being ended earlier than planned.

Announcing the changes to its services in June, the company said 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.

Addressing passengers on board shortly before departure, the ship's captain Nicholas Bohn said the crossing was "a special one".

"This voyage gives an opportunity to reflect on this remarkable shared journey and the memories it has created for so many people," he said.

"The Barfleur has carried millions of passengers, families and commuters and become an iconic part of the Poole Harbour landscape.

"It is with some emotion but, above all, immense pride that we prepare to bid these English shores farewell for one last time."

Ferry enthusiast, and founder of the Brittany Ferries Fans Facebook group, George Holland was on board for the final crossing.

"The atmosphere on board was subdued," he said after arriving in Cherbourg.

"For those travelling for the sake of posterity it was a commemoration rather than a celebration.

"The crew maintained utmost professionalism to the end and the announcements made were particularly poignant."

The ferry has been a regular sight on Poole Harbour, and dozens of people turned out to watch its final departure.

Jackie Last said: "Barfleur has just been such an iconic aspect of Poole and we've travelled on it and our children travelled on it when they were younger.

"We watch it come in and out in the evenings or go out in the mornings sometimes and it's just going to miss it hugely."

Chris Green said: "Nothing lasts forever and it's really sad to see it leave. It's been such an important part of Poole Harbour."

Captain Brian Murphy, Poole Harbour Commissioner's Chief Executive, said:

"This final sailing marks the end of an era, and her departure has also brought difficult decisions for our organisation, including structural changes that have sadly affected valued colleagues.

"Looking ahead, we remain committed to our ongoing partnerships with Brittany Ferries and DFDS, supporting the High-Speed Craft services to the Channel Islands and St Malo.

"Barfleur will always hold a special place in Poole's maritime history. We wish her fair winds as she departs our harbour for the final time."