Brittany Ferries plans increased service to France

Following today’s publication by P&O Ferries (P&O) of their future strategy and, in particular, the curtailment of their Western Channel services from Portsmouth to Le Havre and Cherbourg, Brittany Ferries confirms that it has signed a memorandum of understanding with P&O with the objective to assume, subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements and regulatory approval, the charters of the two cruise ferries – Pride of Le Havre and Pride of Portsmouth – and to offer an alternative service to Le Havre.

Additionally, Brittany Ferries may re-align capacity on some of its existing routes. New timetables covering any re-alignment and the provisional plans for the Portsmouth - Le Havre route will be announced in due course.

David Longden, Managing Director, Brittany Ferries commented: " These are challenging times for the ferry industry with the Channel Tunnel, new seasonal services, increasing competition from low-cost airlines, and continuous price pressure, led in particular by the Dover-Calais route, resulting in downward pressure on rates. The developments will enable us to provide our customers, both passenger and freight, with the reassurance of route choice and the highest level of service."

Mr Longden continued: " This initiative by Brittany Ferries will also help to secure continuity and a significant number of jobs, both on-shore in Portsmouth and Le Havre, as well as on board the two ships involved."

Released 28 September 2004