Brittany Ferries has announced an expansion of its services between Rosslare and Cherbourg, confirming it will operate daily sailings from late September in response to changing market conditions.
The decision follows Stena Line’s announcement last month that it will discontinue its three-day-a-week ferry service on the same route. In a swift response, Brittany Ferries will increase its sailings from five to seven per week, ensuring daily departures from Rosslare Europort to northern France.
“Brittany Ferries is a company that prides itself on its ability to move quickly when opportunity knocks,” said CEO Christophe Mathieu. “News that our competitor was stepping back started the firing pistol in a concerted effort to secure port slots and better serve customers in Ireland and France.”
The company said the increased frequency is aimed at reinforcing business continuity for Irish hauliers and offering greater flexibility and choice to passengers, including tourists seeking an alternative to air travel.
The expanded schedule is expected to bolster key trade links between Ireland and France, offering vital connectivity for freight movement post-Brexit and supporting tourism on both sides of the route. Brittany Ferries also highlighted the appeal of its modern fleet, noting that the route will continue to offer a comfortable and reliable option for those travelling between the two countries.
The additional sailings are seen as a strategic move to capture market share following Stena Line’s exit and to cement Brittany Ferries’ presence as a leading operator on the route.
“This investment demonstrates our long-term commitment to Irish-French trade and tourism,” Mathieu added. “We are confident that our daily service will meet the growing needs of both freight and passenger customers.”
Rosslare Europort has seen increased activity in recent years as Ireland strengthens its direct shipping routes with continental Europe, particularly in light of Brexit-driven shifts in logistics and trade patterns. The addition of daily sailings by Brittany Ferries further enhances the port’s role as a key hub for maritime transport.
The new schedule is expected to come into effect in late September.
