Brittany Ferries Fleet Renewal (LNG-Hybrid Vessels)
UK-Spain and UK-France routes (vessels built in China and other shipyards) · 2020–2025 (five new vessels introduced) · £467.5m (approx. €550m investment for fleet renewal)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchStrategic investment in greener, cleaner ships to future-proof the fleet and respond to environmental regulations and customer demand. - The adoption of LNG and hybrid-electric technology represents a significant step towards decarbonizing maritime transport. - The introduction of these vessels aims to enhance passenger comfort and freight capacity on key routes.
Key engineering challenges
Designing and constructing large Ro-Pax ferries with advanced LNG and hybrid-electric propulsion systems. - Integrating complex LNG fuel storage and delivery systems safely and efficiently. - Achieving significant reductions in carbon emissions and other pollutants to meet environmental targets. - Managing the construction process across international shipyards and ensuring compliance with stringent maritime regulations.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Brittany Ferries
- Lead contractor
- Guangzhou Shipyard International Ltd (for Salamanca and Santoña), Stena RoRo (charter for Saint-Malo and Guillaume de Normandie)
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- new build (vessel/fleet programme)
- Scale
- Five new vessels; Salamanca and Santoña (LNG-powered); Saint-Malo and Guillaume de Normandie (LNG-electric hybrid); Saint-Malo: 10 decks, 387 cabins, 28 freight units.
- Disciplines
- Marine Engineering; Naval Architecture; Electrical Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Chemical Engineering (for LNG systems)
- Standards & frameworks
- IMO IGF Code (for gas-fueled ships), classification society rules (e.g., Bureau Veritas), relevant EU directives on emissions.
Sources: Brittany Ferries: What is Hybrid-LNG? (https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ships/hybrid/what-is-hybrid-lng) - Air Quality News: Brittany Ferries’ new LNG-hybrid ship arrives in Portsmouth (https://airqualitynews.com/cars-freight-transport/brittany-ferries-new-lng-hybrid-ship-arrives-in-portsmouth/) - Brittany Ferries Newsroom: LNG (https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/tag/lng/) - Fleet.ie: Brittany Ferries to Explore All-Electric Zero-Emissions Ferry Project (https://fleet.ie/brittany-ferries-to-explore-all-electric-zero-emissions-ferry-project/) - France Uncovered: Brittany Ferries presents four new LNG-powered ships (https://franceuncovered.com/2023/09/14/brittany-ferries-presents-four-new-lng-powered-ships-cleaner-today-greener-tomorrow/)