Increased sailings on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route by Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries is set to increase its sailings between Rosslare Europort (Ireland) and Cherbourg (France) from five to seven times a week, starting October 2025. This expansion comes in response to growing demand for both freight and passenger services, particularly since the withdrawal of Stena Line from the route [1][2][3][5].
The increase in freight traffic since 2021 has been significant, with over 18,000 freight units transported, reflecting the growing logistics needs and a preference to bypass the UK landbridge post-Brexit [1][4]. Passenger numbers have also seen a surge, with a 50% increase this year and a near 40% growth in 2024, indicating a rising trend in tourism and travel on this direct Ireland-France route [1][4].
The route's strategic importance as a post-Brexit alternative, maintaining seamless Ireland-EU connectivity, is another key factor driving the increase [4]. Enhanced infrastructure at both ports, including new Ro-Ro-Rail facilities in Cherbourg linking to Spain, improves intermodal logistics [2][3].
Brittany Ferries' expansion will result in a 25% boost in combined freight and passenger capacity, achieved through fleet deployment adjustments involving vessels like Galicia, Pont-Aven, Cotentin, Salamanca, and others [1][3][4]. The rail service, named Ro-Ro (roll-on roll-off) Rail, launched midway through last month, allowing quick access to the French rail network and on to Spain and Portugal for trailers from Ireland [3].
Glenn Carr, director of commercial business units at Irish Rail, owner of Rosslare Europort, welcomed Brittany Ferries' announcement. Christophe Mathieu, chief executive of Brittany Ferries, made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that maintaining capacity and choice for industry and tourism alike on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route is a priority [3][5].
Brittany Ferries moved quickly once opportunities presented themselves on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route, stepping in to fill the gap left by a competitor. Stena Line is ending its service between Rosslare and Cherbourg from the end of September [3]. The increased ferry services will strengthen the Atlantic Arc connectivity and intermodal transport links, supporting Ireland’s trade and tourism sectors [1][3].
Improved business continuity for Irish hauliers and more travel options for holidaymakers are other positive implications of the increased ferry services, offering an up-to-date, dependable alternative to air travel [2][5]. The expansion reinforces Rosslare Europort’s role as a key direct EU connection, now with six times more links since Brexit, supporting regional economic and employment benefits tied to ferry operations [1][4].
[1] The Irish Times: Brittany Ferries to boost sailings on Rosslare-Cherbourg route [2] Irish Examiner: Brittany Ferries to increase sailings on Rosslare-Cherbourg route [3] RTÉ News: Brittany Ferries to increase sailings on Rosslare-Cherbourg route [4] The Journal.ie: Brittany Ferries to boost sailings on Rosslare-Cherbourg route [5] The Independent: Brittany Ferries to increase sailings on Rosslare-Cherbourg route
The expansion in ferry services by Brittany Ferries will likely lead to increased demand in the transportation industry for seamless Europe-to-Ireland connections, due to the growth in both freight and passenger traffic. With the additional sailings, more trailers can be transported, improving logistics needs in the automotive sector as well as enhancing intermodal transport links for businesses in the finance industry, particularly those reliant on Ireland-EU connectivity.
