Brittany Ferries has obtained additional slots following the closure of Stena Line’s service in September, which has led to the charter of a freight ferry for a period of one year, with the option for an additional year.
The charter of P&O Ferries' ro-pax Norbay (from their former Dublin-Liverpool link) will be deployed in a freight-only mode on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route, which will make it possible for the French company to maintain seven weekly rotations. This will guarantee the continuity of the Ireland-France link and offer freight haulers and logistics players greater flexibility for the year.
Commenting on the charter, Christophe Mathieu, Chairman of the Board of Brittany Ferries, said, "For our freight customers, stability and continuity are essential conditions for planning and transporting their goods from continental Europe to Ireland."
He added, "We can now confirm seven weekly rotations from Cherbourg for the whole of 2026, with the possibility of extending the charter or assigning another vessel before the end of the contract."
The 2,000 freight lane metre capacity Norbay is set to make its first commercial crossing scheduled for 23 March and will join the route’s ropax Cotentin and E-Flexer class cruise ferry Salamanca.
Shippax reports more on the route's third ship.
