Largest fleet renewal programme draws to a close – 5 ships in 5 years

The second hybrid ship, and fifth new vessel in five years, completes the largest fleet renewal programme in Brittany Ferries’ history. Guillaume de Normandie makes her first commercial voyage on Friday 18 April 2025. She will serve the company’s busiest Portsmouth to Caen (Ouistreham) route, which carries around a million passengers a year and more than half of all freight traffic

Like sister ship Saint-Malo, she will run just like a hybrid car. That means powered by cleaner natural gas at sea, electricity or on a combination of the two. When entering Portsmouth harbour and while at quay she will be entirely emissions-free, driven exclusively by batteries. The completion of shore-connection work in Portsmouth (summer 2025) will add an extra string to her bow.  Batteries will be re-charged while alongside.

The company worked alongside Normandy tourism on her interior. Passengers will experience a floating love letter to the region that bears her name. Art, cabins, public spaces and restaurants reflect the richness of the region. The ship will carry 1,300 passengers and includes 220 cabins, 22 of which will be pet-friendly.

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