Brittany Ferries has announced that it will sell two of its vessels and permanently stop operating its Poole to Cherbourg service from November 2026.
The company announced the changes have come amid rising tax pressures, outstanding Covid loan repayments, and what the company described as "unfair competition" on the Eastern Channel.
The Poole to Cherbourg route is currently served by Barfleur, a vessel built in 1992, which is set to be be sold.
READ MORE:
Historic shop to reopen in Poole Old Town after being closed for years
Plans to refurbish community centre public toilets move forward after £1,000 donation
South west housing developers raise over £7k for children's hospice
Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries, said: "Brittany Ferries has a track record in adapting its business to long-and short-term challenges.
"We overcame Covid when borders were shut, we continue to wrestle with the consequences of Brexit, and we are taking steps to make a holiday in France or Spain as reasonable as possible."
Mr Mathieu said the company must be "realistic" and adapt to a plan which secures a future that will continue to bring opportunities for all those who live and work in the regions served.
He added: "Into this mix has been thrown the rising tax burden of ETS, the EU’s Emission Trading System.
"Brittany Ferries has invested in the cleanest, greenest fleet on the Channel, including five new vessels in five years, two of which were launched in 2025.
"We have informed our ports and will work with everyone affected on this plan for the future."
The company reassured passengers by confirming that they will still be able to reach Cherbourg from the UK, with a daily service operating from Portsmouth as a replacement.
Other changes announced include the sale of Cotentin, a vessel built in 2007, which currently serves the Cherbourg to Rosslare route.
This route will continue using alternative vessels.
The Portsmouth to Le Havre route is also expected to close from October 2026.
The company stated it has operated this route for as long as possible while legal challenges are still being considered by Brussels.
Brittany Ferries said it has played a major role in connecting the UK, France, Spain, and Ireland by sea.
However the closure of the Poole to Cherbourg route marks a significant change for travellers and businesses who rely on this longstanding cross Channel link.
Share