In the latest E-Flexer class of newbuilds for operator Brittany Ferries, the LNG-electric hybrid ferry Saint-Malo, has taken to the water.
This newbuild Afloat adds is part of the E-Flexer class developed by Stena and is undertaking sea trails this week in the Far East, ahead of the new ferry’s transit from China to Europe in November.
On the UK south coast at Portsmouth, this will be the newbuild’s home from early next year and will link the English Channel port with the eponymous Corsair town from which the ferry takes its name.
Saint-Malo will be the cleanest vessel running between the UK and France, as it will operate like a hybrid car. That means running on cleaner liquefied natural gas (LNG) at sea and on electric power when manoeuvring, as well as when alongside in port, thanks to shore-side power.
According to the operator, passengers will feel like they have arrived in the Brittany the moment they step on board because the interior design has been realised in partnership with the region. Of course dedicated French crews will help with the Breton ambiance: more than three quarters of the company’s sailors hail from the north-west peninsula.
Saint-Malo will be an exemplar of locally sourced produce served in her restaurants. Also to feature is a huge choice of new cabin types, including 28 pet-friendlies, an exclusive club lounge, and an art collection hosting 150 works by Alexander Goudie.
“Saint-Malo will be the fourth new vessel to join the fleet, part of the biggest fleet renewal project in our company’s 52-year history,” said Christophe Mathieu CEO Brittany Ferries.
“This vessel and sistership Guillaume de Normandie are significant steps on our journey to a more sustainable future. Cleaner and greener is one thing, but these new hybrids will also be love letters to the regions they serve. So stepping on board will be like your first step into a region where your holiday begins.”
Saint-Malo replaces the veteran Bretagne launched in 1989, the 'grande dame' of the Brittany Ferries fleet which as Afloat previously highlighted originally entered service (including Cork-Roscoff) that year. Bretagne is to set sail for the final time on the Portsmouth-St.Malo route on 3 November. It will be replaced by the Saint-Malo on 12 February 2025.
Plug-in power for the newbuild will come from Portsmouth International Port via the Sea Change Project2. Preparatory work is already underway in the port, ready for the arrival of shore-power ready ships available on two berths.
