About us

History

Brittany Ferries is a maritime Company which was born out of a wish to open up and connect the relatively isolated region of Brittany.

Today, Brittany Ferries is the leading sea transporter on the Western and Central Channel, and is still the largest employer of French seafarers. Every one of its ships proudly flies the French flag. Thanks to strong partnerships nurtured over the years, the company plays a major part in the social and economic growth of the Atlantic regions it serves.

1967

The beginning

Alexis Gourvennec, Founder, along with experts from Comité d’Études et de Liaison des Intérêts Bretons (CELIB) and Société d’Économie Mixte du Nord Finistère (SEMENF) laid the foundations for the project. 

1972

Birth of BAI

BAI (Bretagne-Angleterre-Irlande) was dedicated to Cross-Channel transportations of agricultural products. 

1973

First crossing

The company first vessel, Kerisnel, performed her maiden voyage. 

1974

Major milestone 

Foreseeing the advent of mass cross-Channel passenger travel, BAI adopted the name Brittany Ferries. 

1978

Brittany Ferries growth

Brittany Ferries develop new businesses by becoming a tour operator.

1985

Acquisition of Truckline ferries

Brittany Ferries acquires two new ships to expand its operations to Normandy. 

2022-2025

Alternative propulsion technology

Launching of Salamanca, first LNG¹ propelled vessel of Brittany Ferries fleet. Progressively, new environmental friendly ships replaced older ferries : Santoña in 2023 (LNG), followed by hybrid² ferries Saint-Malo in 2024 and Guillaume de Normandie in 2025.

¹ LNG : Liquefied Natural Gas

² Hybrid : LNG and electric battery power

2024

Reward

For the fifth consecutive year, Brittany Ferries was awarded the Green Marine Europe Label in recognition of our environmental initiatives.

Here are some of the awards we have won over the last decade, not only for being the best cross-Channel ferry company but also for our package holidays and our outstanding customer service : Telegraph Travel Awards, British Travel Awards, etc. 

Today

First maritime operator on Central and West Channel 

With Condor Ferries’ integration in Brittany Ferries Group, the Company now employs more than 3 000 people. The 13 ships connect 5 countries : UK, France, Ireland, Guernsey and Spain. 

Philosophy

Brittany Ferries positions itself as a travel and tourism facilitator. From booking a stay, to selecting the best locations – it offers a vast range of options and ideas, allowing each customer to find their perfect journey or holiday.

The Company has created a quality charter to ensure that each and every property we offer to our customers meets the highest standards.

Our motto is reflected in the freedom customers enjoy thanks to being able to travel with their own car – avoiding all the hassles of baggage, surcharges, parking, and car hire.

By combining comfort and quality with freedom and ever-changing seascapes, Brittany Ferries imposes itself as a worthy heir to the great traditions of the ocean liners.

Main figures

53 years

of age

484,7M€

turn over

3000 employees

including 2000 seafarers

2 030 000

passengers

15 routes

13 ships

13 ports