Category: Member news

P&O Ferries Leads Summer Surge in UK Trade and Tourism

Posted on September 28, 2023 by - Member news

P&O Ferries Leads Summer Surge in UK Trade and Tourism

  • The summer saw P&O Ferries cement its position as the market leader on the UK’s biggest ferry route with Europe, Dover-Calais, after introducing the new hybrid vessel P&O Pioneer.
  • The company saw a 71 per cent increase in freight crossing the Channel compared to last year, and a 48 per cent increase in passenger numbers. 
  • P&O Ferries saw demand strengthen across its route network, with passenger traffic up 39 per cent overall including the North Sea and Irish Sea crossings, and freight up 35 per cent.

27th September 2023 :  Reporting strong increases in summer passenger and freight traffic, P&O Ferries cemented its position as market leader on Europe’s busiest ferry route between Dover and Calais and saw rises across its network.

From June to August 2023, P&O Ferries saw a 71 per cent increase in freight volumes on the Dover-Calais route compared to the summer of 2022. The ferry operator has been able to meet the rise in freight traffic and boost its market share on the Dover-Calais ferry route to 46 per cent, matching capacity to demand and focussing on offering customers regular sailings, a quality service and the best possible value.

The return to strength of UK-EU trade can also be seen throughout P&O Ferries’ network with an overall 35 per cent growth in freight volumes across all routes.

As well as the increases in freight, P&O Ferries also received a major boost in passenger numbers, as the public looks to make more sustainable travel choices. Summer holiday passengers flocked to the new P&O Pioneer as the Dover-Calais route saw a 48 per cent increase in passengers compared to the previous year, with 1.3 million passengers travelling across the Channel with P&O Ferries from June to August.

Since entering into service in mid-June, 265,000 passengers travelled on the hybrid P&O Pioneer in the course of the summer, experiencing the comfort and exceptional facilities of the first of two brand new vessels being introduced on the route.

Around the UK, P&O Ferries’ routes overall saw a 39 per cent increase in total passenger volume on the previous year.

P&O Ferries CEO, Peter Hebblethwaite said “We are delighted by the trust that our customers have put into us to deliver a best-in-class offering on important trade and tourist routes between the UK and the EU. We are serving our customers better than ever and seeing P&O Ferries surging ahead again as the market leader on the Dover-Calais route.

“We are excited that more customers are choosing us on our journey to the sustainable future of travel, and we look forward to welcoming millions more for the exceptional and unique experience of sailing on our new hybrid ships in the months ahead.”

June saw the introduction of P&O Pioneer, the world’s largest double-ended hybrid ferry, which has the capacity to carry over half a million goods units a year between the UK and the EU.

In early 2024, P&O Ferries’ second hybrid vessel, P&O Liberté, will enter service on the Dover-Calais route, as P&O Ferries launches a new era of cross-Channel ferry travel as the first operator to service the route only using hybrid Fusion Class ships.

These advanced vessels, specifically designed to serve the busy Dover-Calais crossing, enable more passengers to make sustainable choices and support reduced emissions in the supply chain, helping industries across the economy to meet their emissions targets.

Isles of Scilly Steamship Group names Piriou as the shipbuilder of choice for construction of its new passenger ferry Scillonian IV and cargo vessel.

Posted on September 13, 2023 by - Member news

Isles of Scilly Steamship Group names Piriou as the shipbuilder of choice for construction of its new passenger ferry Scillonian IV and cargo vessel

(13 Sept 2023) The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group has named Piriou as its preferred shipbuilder to build and deliver two new vessels for the Group. 

In April, the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group announced a private financing solution for the replacement of the vessels and the intent to select a preferred shipyard. This announcement continues the next stage of the Group’s plan.

Piriou is a long-established ship builder with over 50 years’ experience building more than 600 vessels. It has over 1,400 highly-skilled employees, including an in-house design team and production facilities in Europe, Africa, and Asia. Piriou has a strong balance sheet with an annual turnover of over €300m.

Appointing Piriou comes after months of thorough evaluation, technical questioning and site visits to France and Vietnam, as part of the Group’s due diligence processes.

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group and Piriou will commence detailed design work with the intention of signing contracts in October 2023 for the new Scillonian IV passenger ship and a new cargo vessel to replace the current Gry Maritha.

Construction of both vessels will commence in Piriou’s Vietnam yard in spring 2024. The vessels will then be transferred to Piriou’s yard in France for commissioning and testing, ready for delivery ahead of the 2026 season.

Working with a team of experts, the project will be managed by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s two on-site project managers to make sure that there is constant representation at the shipyard and to ensure that the build programme remains on budget and on time for delivery.

The new faster passenger ferry will be designed to provide passengers with greater comfort through improved stabilisation, accessibility and an overall enhanced experience, in line with feedback received during the Group’s consultation with visitors and residents on Scilly.

The new cargo vessel will have increased freight capacity and provide comfortable transport for up to 12 passengers per sailing during the winter. Both vessels will use the latest propulsion technology with improved environmental credentials along with the capability to be upgraded as green technologies mature.

Stuart Reid, CEO, of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group said:

“This is a big step forward and an important milestone for our vessel replacement programme, which will deliver new and improved vessels for the Isles of Scilly. The selection process started with over 30 shipyards which have been evaluated by our experienced project team. The project team, consisting of a mix of technical expertise, shipbuilding experience and the four masters of our current vessels, worked through a series of bids delivered by the shipyards.  Visits took place to shortlisted shipyards to complete our extensive due diligence. The project team was unanimous in its decision to appoint Piriou as its preferred shipyard on the basis of experience, technical expertise in delivering specialist ferries and competitiveness.”

Ian Howard, Chairman of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group said:

“Piriou has an excellent reputation for building both passenger ferries and cargo vessels. Its naval architects and senior management team have conducted multiple visits to Penzance and the Isles of Scilly and have a full understanding of the challenges of the route and infrastructure to support the new vessels. We are very excited to be working with Piriou and building vessels which will deliver significant service enhancements.”

Vincent Faujour, President of Piriou shipyard said:

“We are delighted and honoured to be named as the preferred shipyard by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group for construction of its new passenger ferry Scillonian IV and new cargo vessel. As we have been building and maintaining lifeline ferries for decades, we know how important this project is for the communities depending on the sea link services to the Isles of Scilly. Working closely with the Group’s project team, our teams in Brittany and Vietnam are already fully dedicated to deliver to the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group the most suitable vessels, designed for rough seas, with increased comfort and a reduced environmental footprint. Finally, as Concarneau and Penzance have been twin towns since 1982, I must say it is a real pleasure to participate in a project that will strengthen the links between Cornwall and the Breton “Cornouaille”.”

UK transport gets greener with arrival of first hybrid high speed passenger ferry 

Posted on September 12, 2023 by - Member news

UK transport gets greener with arrival of first hybrid high speed passenger ferry 

The first of three new hybrid boats joins the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers fleet

12 September 2023 – From today, sightseers and commuters in London can make more eco-friendly journeys. Earth Clipper, Europe’s first hybrid high speed passenger ferry, built to the High-Speed Craft Code, and the first of three new Uber Boat by Thames Clippers passenger ferries to operate with zero tailpipe emissions in Central London, starts sailing. 

Leading the way in passenger boat design, Earth Clipper gives an almost 90 per cent reduction in CO2e compared with running solely on conventional marine diesel. The 18th high-speed catamaran in the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers fleet takes strides in improving the ambitious sustainability credentials of the business while also laying strong groundwork for the wider marine sector.

The hybrid boat will operate solely on battery power while transporting commuters and sightseers through the Capital – in the Central Zone, between Tower and Battersea Power Station piers – and recharge while using biofuelled power outside of central London. Offering an emissions reduction of 16.5 per cent when compared with running on biofuel alone throughout all parts of the route. 

As well as being the first hybrid boat for the business, it is also its largest at 40m long – almost the length of two tennis courts laid end to end – and has a capacity of 230 passengers. Earth Clipper has also been designed for optimum passenger experience with the cabin featuring large windows which look out onto the iconic views along the Thames and offers the onboard café service that Uber Boat by Thames Clippers passengers know and love.

“This is a momentous day for us, and something we’ve been working towards for some time” says Sean Collins, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers co-founder and CEO, “Being able to offer greener transport through the capital is no small feat but something we’re incredibly passionate about at Uber Boat by Thames Clippers. 

“We are committed to not only utilising the most advanced technology to drive down our carbon footprint, but also to playing our part in breaking new ground to advance that technology as much as we can. The new boats push the boundaries in catamaran design to deliver a future-friendly option that can be made even greener as and when technology allows. We’re excited to announce too, that Earth Clipper will be joined by two sister vessels; Celestial and Mars Clipper will also join the fleet this year as we work towards our targets of reducing carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2040 for the overall business.”

The business plans to introduce a hybrid system as a minimum with any new vessels and where possible, fully electrified or zero emission technology. In addition to the three hybrid catamarans, work is under way to deliver London’s first fully electric Zero Emission Cross River Ferry between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe by the spring of 2025 – the first of its kind in the UK. The company’s plans to 2030 include an investment of £70 million in new fleet.

Sean believes strongly in protecting and preserving the river Thames and the communities close to the river. For over 20 years the business has been at the forefront of innovation for the river marine sector and is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of infrastructure and economic development on and around the river to ensure its long-term importance to Greater London.

Earth Clipper was built at Wight Shipyard Co in East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, where the two sister vessels are currently being completed. An investment that has been transformational and significant for the local economy on the Isle of Wight, with 65 people building the boat over the past year and 14 apprentices involved.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers services that run as far east as Barking Riverside and out to Putney in the west. The business is now in its 24th year of operation and in 2023 alone, will carry over 5 million commuters and visitors through London on the river. 

For more information and to book, visit www.uberboatbythamesclippers.com.  

Wightlink investigates microplastics on Isle of Wight beaches

Posted on August 15, 2023 by - Member news

Wightlink investigates microplastics on Isle of Wight beaches

Vanessa Skipper and pupils from Dover Park Primary search for microplastics on Ryde beach

Wightlink has joined the campaign to find out more about microplastics pollution on Isle of Wight beaches. 

The ferry company has signed up with Just One Ocean and the University of Portsmouth to take part in The Big Microplastics Survey. This is a global citizen science project to gather information about how microplastics are affecting coasts, rivers and lakes and everyone is welcome to join in. 

Across the world, it’s estimated eight million tonnes of plastic gets into our oceans every year. Tides and currents break down some of it into tiny particles known as microplastics. They can have a major impact on marine wildlife as they spread through ecosystems and get into the foodchain. 

Staff from Wightlink have already joined marine scientists at the University of Portsmouth and children from one of its partner schools – Dover Park in Ryde – to examine an area next to Ryde pier. No complicated equipment is needed to carry out microplastics surveys, only household sieves and buckets. More surveys are planned, and the results will contribute to an international database. 

David Jones from Just One Ocean adds: “Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine and coastal ecosystems, and human health. We are grateful to Wightlink for carrying out microplastic surveys on Ryde beach to add to our data. Anyone is welcome to take part in this citizen science initiative and contribute their results to the international database.” 

Louise Lea from Wightlink took part in the survey on Ryde beach. She says: “Surveying Island beaches for microplastics is just part of Wightlink’s Green Solent Project. This initiative aims to protect the land, air and sea that surrounds our three routes linking the Isle of Wight with the mainland.” 

Wightlink’s flagship Victoria of Wight is England’s first large ferry powered by hybrid energy and the company is planning to introduce an all-electric ferry with zero carbon emissions. 

To find out how to get involved in The Big Microplastics Survey see: http://justoneocean.org/portfolio/big-microplastic-survey 

The Isle of Wight turns up the heat with its first beach sauna

Posted on July 10, 2023 by - Member news

The Isle of Wight turns up the heat with its first beach sauna – thanks to celebrity DJ Rob da Bank 

The Isle of Wight’s first beach sauna has opened in Freshwater Bay, providing an opportunity to indulge in heat therapy alongside invigorating swims on one of the Island’s most picturesque beaches. 

Wightlink Ferries carried this unusual cargo across the Solent for its owner Rob da Bank, a celebrated DJ, music promoter and festival mastermind. The mobile wood-fired sauna for up to eight people is the latest addition to the Slow Motion wellness brand, which he runs with his wife Josie. 

Stunning views of the sea are on offer through a panoramic mirrored window. The beach itself is covered in a mixture of grey flint and chalk pebbles that make a unique sound as the waves rise and fall onto the shore. Saunas are said to promote relaxation, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, improve the immune system, reduce joint soreness and improve mood. To enjoy the full benefits of contrast therapy, Rob suggests spending time in the sauna, before dipping in the sea and repeating. 

Freshwater Bay, isle of Wight © Wightlink

From autumn, the sauna will travel from place to place, popping up at festivals and charity events over the year. 

Rob said: “Leaving your worries (as well as your mobile phone!) at the door is a liberating and truly relaxing experience that can often result in a spiritual high and recharge of the batteries. 

“We’ve been running Wim Hof breathing workshops, meditation courses, and rejuvenating sleep retreats at our home on the Isle of Wight for several years. The mobile sauna perfectly complements our wellness offering and we’re delighted to share the experience with visitors.” 

The sauna is now open on Saturdays and Sundays between 7am and 6pm throughout July and August 2023. Prices start from £10 per person. Sessions should be booked in advance and 45-minute slots are available at www.slowmotionretreats.net 

Manxman arrival in home waters

Posted on June 29, 2023 by - Member news

Manxman arrival in home waters

(29 June 2023) The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company is confirming its new flagship, Manxman, will arrive in Douglas Bay around 09:00 on Sunday, 02nd July.

The vessel, which is registered in Douglas, will leave its current berth at Southampton’s Western Docks on Friday evening. Manxman’s route to the Isle of Man will see it travel down Southampton Water, out of the Solent, around Land’s End and into the Irish Sea.

Manxman’s delivery voyage began in May and has seen the vessel cover over 12,000 nautical miles through eight different seas in three different oceans. As the journey has progressed to the west, Manxman’s crews have had to adjust their clocks ten times to match local times zones.

The well-travelled ship has made calls at numerous ports along the route, to take on fuel and supplies. As well as some of the World’s busiest ports such as Hong Kong and Singapore, Manxman’s itinerary has taken the vessel to fascinating historical locations including Muscat, Jeddah and Valletta.

Along the way, the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s crew have seen many unforgettable sights, including Orcas, flying fish and pods of dolphins.

For the final leg of her homeward journey, Manxman will be under the command of Captain Jonathan Palmer.

Following her arrival in Douglas, Manxman has to undergo inspections by the Isle of Man Ship Registry, including a test deployment of its Marine Evacuation System.

The new vessel will also have to undergo berthing trials in Douglas and Heysham, as well as giving the masters an opportunity to update their Pilot Exemption Certificates for the new flagship.

Alongside that, crew training, staff familiarisation, stocking and all the myriad other items that need to be put in place for the Company to deliver the high-quality passenger experience it strives for need to be completed.

It is anticipated that if all goes to plan, Manxman will begin limited service before the end of July.

A ‘Round the Island Cruise’ is being planned in order to give some customers a chance to sail on the new flagship without having to make a return crossing. Further details of this will be released shortly.

A welcome Ceremony for Manxman is planned for Sunday 9th, with further details to be released shortly.

Hybrid Ferry Launch Marks a Major Milestone in Sustainable Transport on Dover-Calais Route

Posted on June 19, 2023 by - Member news

Hybrid Ferry Launch Marks a Major Milestone in Sustainable Transport on Dover-Calais Route

  • P&O Ferries launches new hybrid ship, P&O Pioneer, on Dover-Calais, marking the realisation of £250M investment in UK trade and travel.
  • New hybrid ferry promises cleaner, greener cross-channel travel, bringing a 40% reduction in carbon emissions.
  • The ship will be the world’s largest double-ended hybrid ferry, with two bridges meaning there is no need for it to turn in port, saving fuel on every roundtrip.

19th June 2023 – London, UK: Today, P&O Ferries’ new hybrid ship, P&O Pioneer, will make its maiden voyages, sailing tourist passengers and vital trade business across the channel between Dover and Calais.

P&O Pioneer has been designed to reduce carbon emissions on the UK’s most important trade route, which carries over £144bn of goods by ferry alone.

The ship is propelled by a combination of traditional fuel and battery power and has been designed with the capacity to become carbon neutral in future. The major investment in these two 230m long hybrid ships allows P&O Ferries to cut fuel use while maintaining capacity.

P&O Pioneer is the next step in P&O Ferries’ commitment to the Dover-Calais route, with the P&O Pioneer expected to do more than 100,000 crossings of the Channel in its lifetime.

The introduction of new, more efficient ships comes after the integrated transport and logistics company’s best-ever sustainability performance in 2022 – when it achieved a nine per cent carbon reduction.

The modular elements of the ship mean its electric power capabilities will develop in the future. As technology develops and charging stations are brought in at ports, the installation of additional batteries will allow fully electric operation.

The ship will also be the world’s largest double-ended hybrid ferry, with two bridges meaning there is no need for it to turn in port, saving fuel on every trip.

As the longest ferry to sail between Dover and Calais, P&O Pioneer and its sister ship P&O Liberté, which will join the fleet later this year, will replace the capacity of three older vessels with just two, delivering further efficiency benefits.

Peter Hebblethwaite, CEO of P&O Ferries said: “P&O Pioneer marks a new era in low-carbon travel and trade for the UK and France, with the investment of £250m in new hybrid ships on the iconic Dover-Calais route.

“For the millions of passengers who sail with P&O Ferries between the UK and France, our two ultra-modern vessels being introduced this year will deliver a fantastic travel experience.

“We are determined to make P&O Ferries the best ferry company in Europe. That means: the best ships, the best routes, and the best value for our customers.”

On P&O Pioneer, freight customers moving goods between the UK and EU on the busy Dover-Calais route will benefit from:

  • Increased capacity for trade – P&O Pioneer has the capacity to carry up to half a million goods units a year between the UK and the EU, an increase on the class of ship it replaces.
  • Reduced emissions – In service, the two new ferries Pioneer and Liberté will produce 40% less carbon emissions than the ships they replace, helping industries across the economy, such as freight and logistics operators, retailers, and manufacturers, to meet their emissions targets.
  • Flexible travel: Companies will get continued access to our space charter partnership with DFDS, giving them access to more turn up and go services.
  • Better driver facilities: The largest ever dedicated space for freight drivers on the Dover-Calais route, including a separate dining area, lounge, and showers, giving them the chance to relax, refresh and recharge.

The ferry crossing from Dover to Calais offers passengers the chance to stretch their legs, relax and take in the view, enjoy a drink or a meal, and take advantage of duty-free shopping.

P&O Pioneer Food Market

P&O Pioneer provides an even better travel experience for tourists, including:

  • Kids Zone & Teen Zone – P&O Pioneer provides more entertainment options for children of all ages. The bespoke design has a maritime-themed soft play area with thoughtfully placed seating areas for parents. Older children and teenagers are well catered for with interactive digital screens, including a Digital Selfie Wall, Arcade Games, plenty of charging points and excellent Wi-Fi.
  • Pet Lounge ​– The Pet Lounge provides an upgraded experience for pet owners to travel in comfort with a bright, welcoming space, complimentary hot drinks and an outdoor exercise area which can be directly accessed from its own dedicated lift. P&O is the first ferry company to offer a pet lounge on the Dover-Calais route, providing travellers with an alternative way to travel with their pets.
  • World Duty Free Shopping –The new ship will have P&O’slargest onboard duty-free shopping (588m2) from P&O’s travel retail partner World Duty Free. Travellers will be able to get up to 40% off high street prices on a range of products.
  • Food Market –The new layout has been inspired by food markets seen in train stations and airports with ‘grab and go’ options and self-serve tills. The design elements incorporate greenery and woodland scenes to create a natural, calm feel for the food market. There is something for all tastes, including pizzas, paninis and a delicious selection of salads, sandwiches, sweet treats and drinks.
  • The Kitchen – The bright and airy dining area, with feature floor to ceiling windows, delivers our new hot food grab and go menu; including our very popular hand battered haddock and chip, our new buttermilk chicken burger and our moving mountains vegan burger.  We also have a new children’s offering, including chicken nuggets and a cheeseburger.
  • Accessibility – P&O Ferries assist, wherever possible, to make their services accessible and easy for those with additional needs. P&O Pioneer has two additional passenger lifts (five lifts in total) aiding those with reduced mobility, all seating areas have space for wheelchairs and counters have been designed to ensure wheelchair accessibility. P&O Pioneer will also be the first to have a ‘Changing Places’ toilet on the Dover-Calais ferry route. The Changing Places toilet is a larger facility with a changing bench and hoist to support disabled people who need assistance.
  • Club Lounge – The private lounge has been designed to offer an elegant environment with a subtle colour palette, high-quality materials, soundproofing, soft and comfortable seating and a dedicated outside deck area. Guests can enjoy all-inclusive premium hot and cold food and drinks, which will be in the self-service style seen in an airport lounge. This ticket upgrade is truly the perfect space to start and finish your journey with P&O Ferries.

Wightlink supports ambitious plans to restore native oysters to the Solent

Posted on June 15, 2023 by - Member news

Wightlink supports ambitious plans to restore native oysters to the Solent

Wightlink Commercial Director Phil Delaney with Dr Luke Helmer in the laboratory 

Wightlink Commercial Director Phil Delaney rolled up his sleeves to join volunteers cleaning and sorting more than 15,000 native oysters at the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Marine Science.  

The oysters were sourced from an estuary in Wales and have now been placed on a newly created reef on the bed of the River Hamble. Dr Luke Helmer organised the sessions as part of the Blue Marine Foundation’s ongoing programme to restore native oysters to the Solent. 

Wightlink already hosts oyster nurseries in the Lymington River near its ferry port for Blue Marine Foundation where millions of larvae are being released into the Solent. Oysters improve water quality as just one of them can filter up to 200 litres of water every day. They are also ‘ecosystem engineers’ providing a home for more than 130 other sea creatures in the Solent region. Reefs also have the potential act as a natural defence against coastal erosion.  

Between 1972 and 2006, the Solent supported the largest native oyster fishery in Europe. But since then, the oyster population has fallen significantly and the fishery collapsed in 2013. Across the UK, native oyster reefs have declined by 95 per cent as a result of overfishing, pollution, disease, habitat loss and other pressures. 

Phil Delaney says: “I enjoyed getting involved in cleaning the oysters ready for their new home in Solent waters and am delighted we at Wightlink are playing our part in the restoration project.” 

Dr Luke Helmer adds: “Our volunteers are invaluable in helping us prepare the oysters for their new home in Solent waters as we work to create a healthy self-sustaining population and highlight their importance to both people and nature.” 

wightlink.co.uk

Final plank laid on Wightlink’s new Ryde Pier walkway

Posted on June 7, 2023 by - Member news

Final plank laid on Wightlink’s new Ryde Pier walkway

Andy Whitlock from Knights Brown screws in the final plank with Wightlink’s Dean Murphy

The final plank has been laid in Wightlink’s new pedestrian walkway linking the FastCat terminal at Ryde Pier Head with Ryde Esplanade, which will be opened this summer.

Wightlink’s Head of Port Operations Dean Murphy was on hand to watch the final screws being driven into the last decking board by Andy Whitlock from contractors Knights Brown.

Built in 1814, Ryde Pier is the UK’s oldest and the second-longest seaside pier in the country at half a mile. The walkway has been built on the Victorian cast-iron piles of the old tramway, next to the railway pier. Horse-drawn trams first carried holiday makers along the Pier when the tramway opened in 1864, then steam, electric and petrol-driven trams were used. Trams were withdrawn in 1969.

“Strollers now have their own path, away from cars and bicycles, making Ryde Pier more pleasurable for people who want to walk by the sea or travel on foot to and from Wightlink’s FastCats,” says Dean Murphy. “New shelters and seats will offer everyone a chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful views across the Solent.”

Knights Brown rose to the challenge of transforming the historic pier, working through the night around high and low tide to complete the project. Crews removed more than 350 tonnes of old steelwork, replacing them with new steel, and installed almost 3,000 decking boards (more than two kilometres of greenheart timber) and 1.5 km of decorative handrails.

The works to Ryde Pier are part of a £10 million project by Isle of Wight Council as part of the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund to upgrade Ryde Transport Interchange. It includes improvements to Ryde Esplanade railway station and the bus station, and enhanced cycle-links. Network Rail is also carrying out essential maintenance and improvement work including strengthening the railway pier for the next 60 years. www.wightlink.co.uk

The fastest ferry on the Channel is back

Posted on May 26, 2023 by - Member news

The fastest ferry on the Channel is back

  • Brittany Ferries resumes fast ferry sailings for 2023 summer season.
  • Fast sailings depart from Portsmouth to Cherbourg and return from Cherbourg to Poole
  • The service will operate Friday-Sunday during key school holiday periods
  • Sailing time is just 180 minutes: the fastest Channel crossing west of Dover
  • Passengers using the service can enjoy breakfast in Portsmouth and lunch in Cherbourg

Today Friday 26th May, fast cross-Channel ferry sailings return to the Western Channel. The weekend summer service operated by the Condor Liberation fastcraft departed Portsmouth at 07:00 this morning, arriving at Cherbourg (Normandy) at 11:00. The return sailing departed Cherbourg at 11:50 and arrived at Poole at 13:35.

The service which welcomes passengers travelling on car and on foot will operate on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during school holiday periods from 26th May – 4th June and from 14th July – 3rd September 2023.

Amongst the very first passengers to use the service this summer will be dozens of Normandy veterans sailing to Normandy to commemorate the 89th anniversary of D-Day (6th June, 1944).

The fast service will complement Brittany Ferries’ conventional cruise-ferry routes to Cherbourg from Poole and Portsmouth, and passengers can mix and match routes, sailing out to France by fast ferry and returning by cruise-ferry or vice-versa.

Christophe Mathieu, CEO Brittany Ferries said:

“We’re delighted to bring even more choice and flexibility for our customers crossing the western Channel this summer.

“These fast sailings will complement our conventional cruise-ferry services operated by Barfleur on the Poole-Cherbourg route, and our overnight sailings from Portsmouth to Cherbourg with our latest ships Galicia and Salamanca. Across our route network this summer customers will now be able to choose from up to 130 departures a week.”

Condor Liberation carries 850 passengers and 235 cars, crossing the English Channel at speeds of up to 42 knots (48 miles per hour) making it the fastest ferry currently sailing the English Channel.

On board a wide range of onboard facilities comes as standard. The craft offers several spacious open seating lounges, meanwhile for an extra fee, a Club Lounge offers luxurious reclining seats, free Wi-Fi and complimentary hot drinks. The craft also offers an extensive duty-free shop, bistro café and bars.

Customers can book their summer sailings over the phone on 0330 159 7000 or online at www.brittany-ferries.co.uk.