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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