Brittany Ferries power plug-in tax break plea with first ‘emission-free’ departure

Brittany Ferries is calling for tax breaks to counter the cost of plugging in its new generation LNG-hybrid ships at UK ports.

The intervention came as new 1,100-capacity ferry Guillaume de Normandie made an emission-free departure from Portsmouth following the first commercial plug-in at the port’s multi-berth shore power project.

It has been claimed as the first cross-Channel ferry anywhere to be part powered by electricity, fed via shore connection during turnarounds in port.

However, electricity and connection costs had threatened to scupper the project, which was part funded by government grants.

The company was able to reach a deal with the port after “many months of negotiation” that allows it to plug-in its two new hybrid ships, Guillaume and sister vessel Saint-Malo, for 700 connections for the next year at least.

But the company says the cost of plugging-in is still a challenge for it, the port and the wider shipping sector. 

It costs more than running engines while alongside due to high electricity costs, combined with connection charges.

The plug-in deal with the port covering the next 12 months will help offset some of the additional financial burden.

Brittany Ferries chief executive Christophe Mathieu said: "This is a huge milestone for our business, and one that we’ve reached thanks to a team effort by all partners involved.

“It means we can now realise the full potential of the greenest vessels on the Channel. We’re better neighbours to those living and working in Portsmouth, and we’re leading the sector on sustainability.

"But this doesn’t come without a cost. We’re urging the new government to consider tax breaks to offset the additional expense of plugging in while alongside.

“Without that support, the lead taken by Portsmouth International Port and Brittany Ferries is unlikely to be followed by others in the drive to net zero."