Passenger and freight figures for Brittany Ferries summer season 2023 (June to September), highlighted increased volumes across the board on routes between Ireland and the EU.
The figures published by Brittany Ferries, which cover all routes across Ireland, France, Spain, and the UK, highlight increased freight volumes between EU member states compared to 2019.
Data for UK-France routes however painted a different picture. All ferry routes connecting the UK with France and Spain have reported a decline in freight volumes post-Brexit.
● 205% increase in freight volumes between Ireland, France, and Spain
● All ferry routes connecting the UK with France and Spain have reported a decline in freight volumes post-Brexit
● 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.”
In addition to enhanced freight volumes, Brittany Ferries also reported increased passenger numbers on its Ireland to France and Spain routes.
On the Ireland-France services, passenger volumes have risen by 60% since 2019, marking a year-on-year increase of 11%.
As for the Ireland-Spain route, this has reported an even more impressive growth - with 20,000 more travellers crossing the Bay of Biscay year-on-year.
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 for the first time a winter service on the Cork to Roscoff route. The popular cruise-ferry Armorique which has been on the route's second ship since last year, 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.
