Brittany Ferries welcomes new high-speed ferry, Normandie Express, to its fleet

Brittany Ferries today announced the latest addition to its ever-growing fleet, a high-speed catamaran – the largest of its type on the Channel - which the company plans to use on its routes from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and Caen next year.

The new vessel, Normandie Express, with capacity for 900 passengers and 280 cars, will operate from mid-March until mid-November with crossing times of only 180 minutes to Cherbourg and 225 minutes to Caen. There will be up to two return trips a day to Cherbourg and a daily service to Caen every Friday, Saturday and Sunday supplementing the three return crossings a day by conventional cruise-ferry. 

David Longden, Managing Director, Brittany Ferries commented: " These new high-speed crossings from Portsmouth will complement our existing
135 minute express service from Poole to Cherbourg to give customers even more choice on how they cross the channel. We recognise that some wish to get to their destination as quickly as possible, whereas others seek the relaxation and a good French meal that can be enjoyed on a more leisurely crossing, either by day or overnight, on our luxury cruise-ferry services. The important thing for us is to provide the market with the widest possible choice."

Normandie Express is propelled by hydrojets and has a cruising speed of
42 knots (48 mph).

Released 13 December 2004