Second cross-Channel ferry route to end 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 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 service between France and Ireland was "strategically significant" post-Brexit.

Travellers already booked can transfer to other crossings or get a full refund. It comes after the planned ending of the route between Portsmouth and Le Havre was also brought forward.

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and said its alternative back-up, Commodore Clipper, had suffered a gearbox failure which meant it had been temporarily withdrawn from service.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

"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," he said.

"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 on to 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."

Several ferry enthusiasts were hoping to be on the final Poole 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..."

Poole Town and BCP councillor Marcus Andrews said the announcement was a "great shock to everyone".

"It will be most disappointing to those who had booked to have one more journey in the later part of October," he said.

"Also, an inconvenience for those trying to get back having left via Poole."

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

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 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, Guernsey in the Channel Islands, and Santander and Bilbao in Spain.