Brittany Ferries commits to Portsmouth for another 20 years

Brittany Ferries, a prominent cross-Channel ferry operator, has signed a new contract with Portsmouth City Council that will extend their operations at the port until 2044. This decision continues a longstanding partnership that began when the company started its operations in 1976. The contract is expected to provide the city with approximately £200 million over the next two decades, reflecting the significance of Brittany Ferries to the local economy. The ferry company transports around 1.5 million passengers and 200,000 lorries annually through Portsmouth, primarily to destinations in France and Spain, although passenger numbers have not yet fully rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. Portsmouth City Council has stressed the importance of this relationship, acknowledging its impact on the community and local businesses. Furthermore, ongoing improvements at the port relate to the National Grid power supply, enabling ferries and cruise ships to connect to shoreside power while docked. This initiative is aimed at reducing pollution by allowing ferries to shut down their main engines when at the port. The electrical infrastructure will accommodate three vessels charging simultaneously, consuming an amount of energy equivalent to half the total energy requirement of the city. However, reports suggest that the contract does not require Brittany Ferries to purchase this electricity, potentially making the costs disproportionate compared to operating their liquefied natural gas engines. As the company expands its fleet with new ships, it is a critical period for both Brittany Ferries and Portsmouth, with ongoing concerns about cost and environmental considerations shaping the future of ferry services in the region.