- Brittany Ferries has permanently discontinued its historic direct ferry route between Poole and Cherbourg after more than four decades of operation.
- The service set sail for the final time on Monday, three weeks earlier than planned, as the Barfleur vessel was redeployed to cover sailings between Rosslare and Cherbourg.
- The early withdrawal was triggered by fleet disruptions, including the sale of the Contentin vessel and a major gearbox failure on the Commodore Clipper, combined with weakening bookings.
- Brittany Ferries chief executive Christophe Mathieu apologised to passengers, highlighting that the Rosslare to Cherbourg route has become strategically vital post-Brexit, accounting for nearly 25 per cent of all freight.
- Disrupted travellers have been offered full refunds or alternative sailings from Portsmouth, while Brittany Ferries confirmed it will continue running fast-craft services from Poole to Guernsey and France.
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