Brittany Ferries are bringing Barfleur (1992/20,133gt) back into service between Poole and Cherbourg from 27 February with reduced passenger capacity and a strong emphasis on freight traffic. The vessel was laid up for most of 2010, with only limited connections from Poole by freight ro-ro Cotentin (2007/22,542gt), but she returns to provide up to three crossings a day through to the autumn, when future operations will be reviewed.
Brittany Ferries’ Commercial Passenger director Mike Bevens, explained: ‘This service was withdrawn because it was consistently making a loss, but the response from the public has been amazing. We have been working 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.’ Although Barfleur can handle up to 1,212 passengers, it is expected she will take up to 480 with space for 112 freight units.
