Freight News, Sea


Competition and taxes force Brittany Ferries into difficult decisions

[ July 3, 2026   //   ]

Brittany Ferries is to close its Portsmouth to Le Havre route from October and Poole to Cherbourg in November but a daily Portsmouth to Cherbourg will operate in its place.

The Barfleur, which has served the latter route since1992 will be sold, along with the 2007-built Cotentin which runs Cherbourg to Rosslare but that route will continue to operate with other vessels.

Brittany Ferries blamed the unfair competition from the subsidised DFDS-operated Dieppe-Newhaven route for the decision to close Portsmouth/Le Havre. It said it had operated the route for as long as possible while legal challenges are still being considered by Brussels.

Ships serving Guernsey, Poole and Cherbourg will be allocated to a more efficient schedule from November 2026 with a triangular route from Portsmouth to Guernsey, Cherbourg and back to Portsmouth. It said the opening of Guernsey to Cherbourg promises new trade partnerships and opportunities.

The operator said that it had been forced into difficult decisions by a rising tax burden, Covid loan repayments, and unfair competition on the Eastern Channel.

Chief executive Christophe Mathieu, said: “Brittany Ferries has a track record in adapting its business to long- and short-term challenges. We overcame Covid when borders were shut, we continue to wrestle with the consequences of Brexit. 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.”

Brittany Ferries has invested in cleaner, green ships with five new vessels in five years, two of which were launched in 2025,to offset ETS, the EU’s Emission Trading System. Despite this, the company faces a bill of some €27 million in 2026.

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