After two years of Covid, Brittany Ferries looks forward to a full complement of ships and a re-opening of routes this summer. The company today confirms the return of favourite ships like Bretagne, the re-start of services from Plymouth and Poole, and an increase in the number of ships sailing between Ireland and France.

“We are delighted to confirm our ships and schedules for the summer season, which will bring renewed optimism and reassurance to staff, customers and port partners,” said Christophe Mathieu CEO Brittany Ferries. “The return of favourites like Bretagne at the end of March, coincide with the arrival of our first LNG-powered vessel Salamanca. She is a symbol of our commitment to our customers, our routes and to a more sustainable future. Three sister ships will join her in the years ahead, as fleet renewal gains pace.”

Schedule highlights for 2022 include:

Hola! Salamanca (Portsmouth – Bilbao):

Brittany Ferries’ first LNG powered vessel will sail for the first time with passengers from Portsmouth to Bilbao on 27 March. As well as connecting the UK with Spain, she will run a weekly rotation between Portsmouth and Cherbourg. LNG power promises far lower emissions in ports and while at sea, cutting particulates (PMs) and sulphur (SOx) almost completely and slashing nitrogen dioxide (NOx) by 90 percent. That’s good news for those living and working around ports like Portsmouth.

A Grande Dame returns (Portsmouth – St Malo):

A return to service after nearly 18 months for the grande dame of the Brittany Ferries’ fleet and perhaps most popular ship with Club Voyage (loyalty scheme) members. Bretagne will serve Portsmouth – St Malo, beginning 26 March 2022, as well as delicious meals in her à la carte restaurant.

Ships return to Plymouth in force

After a winter service hiatus, Britain’s Ocean City will welcome Pont-Aven and Armorique back to Millbay. There’s more good news for holiday makers in the south-west seeking a Spanish get-away. Pont-Aven will serve two weekly rotations to Santander (previously one) starting on 26 March, as well as a weekly round-trip to Roscoff in France. Armorique returns to daily rotations two days later, linking Plymouth with Roscoff, the company’s beautiful Breton home.

Cherbourg to Poole from 4 April

Barfleur was laid up for almost two years during the Covid crisis. However, after a period serving freight on Portsmouth-Caen, she returns to her home route on 4 April.  She will connect Cherbourg with Poole, two of the most striking destinations in the Brittany Ferries portfolio. Passengers and freight drivers will once more take-in magnificent Napoleonic sea-defences on the approach to France and the natural beauty of Poole Harbour and Old Harry Rocks when arriving back into the UK.

Strengthening Franco-Irish links

Since Brexit, Ireland has become increasingly important for Brittany Ferries and its freight customers. This has been reflected in the opening of direct trade routes between ports like Le Havre and Rosslare, sometimes described as the Brexit by-pass. Now, there’s more good news for freight, but also for passengers. Flagship of the fleet Pont-Aven, will return to serve French and Irish passengers as well as freight drivers on Roscoff to Cork. And there will be two round trips per week on this beautifully appointed cruise-ferry.