The Islander will start sailing between Portsmouth, Guernsey, and Cherbourg later this year – opening the island up to the freight hub and “new trade partnerships and opportunities” said Brittany Ferries.
The new triangular route is part of wider changes the ferry firm is making, which includes job cuts expected in France and the sale of two ships.
A spokesperson for Brittany Ferries confirmed that Guernsey’s services are unlikely to be affected, except for the introduction of Cherbourg on our freight route.
French newspaper Le Marin reported earlier this week that the “challenging market environment” and “the increasing burden of the EU Emissions Trading System carbon tax” has caused Brittany Ferries financial problems.
In a statement published on Brittany Ferries website, CEO Christophe Mathieu said the changes being made are “realistic”.
“Brittany Ferries has a track record in adapting its business to long- and short-term challenges,” he said.
“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.”
Under the changes coming in, as well as introducing Cherbourg to the Guernsey/Portsmouth/France triangular freight and passenger route, the daily Portsmouth – Le Havre route has been cancelled, with effect from September.
This will save Brittany Ferries an estimated €20 million per year.
It plans to sell the Contentin which services the Rosslare (Ireland)/Cherbourg route, while the Barfleur which regularly sails between Poole and Cherbourg will be withdrawn from service, as the route is “reorganised”.
A job protection plan is being put in place for 13 shore-based employees at its Le Havre office, but fixed term contracts for crew members will not be renewed meaning their jobs will end when their current arrangements run out.
Brittany Ferries employs very few people in Guernsey and a spokesperson confirmed their jobs are safe.
The Islander, which currently sails between St Malo, Guernsey, and Portsmouth, will service the new triangular route with Cherbourg in the future, while the Voyager will continue sailing between Poole, Guernsey, and St Malo.
The Clipper – which used to sail in and out of Guernsey every day – is expected to be used on the Cherbourg – Rosslare (Ireland) route from October onwards, replacing the Contention which sailed on that route.
The Clipper had been used as a ‘back up’ on the Guernsey freight service since Brittany Ferries took over the island’s ferry contract – that will continue under the new arrangements said the spokesperson.
“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,” they confirmed.
