Brittany Ferries has reported strong growth in both passenger numbers and freight volumes on its services between Ireland and France and Spain.
The company said summer 2023 saw a 205% year-on-year increase in freight volumes between Ireland, France and Spain. It also said there was a 76% increase in passenger numbers on combined routes from Ireland to France and Spain.
Commenting on the summer season freight figures, Hugh Bruton, General Manager of Brittany Ferries in Ireland stated: “The overall trend in freight is illustrated by summer 2023 figures. Brexit has delivered dividends, when it comes to freight carried between two EU member states, France and Ireland. Further growth was also achieved on Ireland-Spain, where freight hubs in Rosslare and Bilbao continue to drive demand.”
On the passenger numbers, Mr Bruton added: “These are encouraging figures, reflecting our first post-Covid year operating all ships, from all ports. On the passenger side, there has been an enhanced appetite to explore and travel this year, highlighted by our boost in numbers. The additional weekly service on the Cork to Roscoff route offers more choice to passengers and has helped to increase numbers. Also, the introduction of the new eco-friendly cruise-ferry, the Salamanca, on the Rosslare to Bilbao route last year has proved a huge hit, and demand for this service continues to grow. We are very pleased to see strong growth across the board as it demonstrates our commitment to delivering a class-leading travel experience that customers rightly expect.”
Further strengthening its proposition for both passengers and freight, Brittany Ferries recently announced that it will operate a winter service on the Cork to Roscoff route for the first time. The popular Armorique cruise-ferry will offer sailings to Brittany every weekend during November and December 2023.
Altogether in 2024, Brittany Ferries will offer up to eight sailings a week between Ireland and France, as well as four linking Ireland and Spain.
