Due to popular demand, Brittany Ferries brings back the Barfleur to Poole

Brittany Ferries has announced that Barfleur will return to service between Poole and Cherbourg on the 27th February 2011. The new service will, however, be aimed at freight as much as passengers as it is on this basis that the company feels it can operate profitably. With up to 3 crossings a day, there will be plenty of choice for passengers and Brittany Ferries is seeking the support of the community in making this service a success.

Comments Mike Bevens, Group Commercial Passenger Director: "This service was withdrawn because it was consistently making a loss, but the response from the public following the announcement has, quite frankly, been amazing. We have been working hard to see how we could reintroduce this popular ship profitably and believe that we have found a solution by getting the passenger/freight mix right since the new service will carry proportionately fewer passengers."

"We will operate the service throughout the summer, and then review its commercial viability towards the end of September 2011. Having listened to the concerns of the community, we now need to call upon everyone's support of our decision to bring back Barfleur."

Bookings for these new services can be made soon either online at www.brittanyferries.com or by calling 0871 244 1400.

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Notes for Editors

• The Barfleur will resume service with a crossing from Cherbourg - Poole on 27th February 2011. The first crossing from Poole - Cherbourg will take place the next day, 28th February 2011.

• There will be a daily daytime service from Poole with an overnight return from Cherbourg, supplemented by extra crossings every Friday and Saturday. During the summer there will be a convenient 11.00 departure from Poole on most days and a 19.00 return from Cherbourg on Friday, Saturday and Sunday - 22.30 on other days. For further details see www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/routes/poole-cherbourg. Barfleur's departures will be complemented by our existing fast craft service between Poole and Cherbourg.

• Customers already booked on other sailings will be able to change their reservations to Barfleur sailings without an amendment fee. This will be possible at any point in time on the internet, and until 17th January 2011 for amendments made by phone.

Released 16 December 2010