The head of Brittany Ferries has attacked low-cost cross channel rivals as the company released its 2024 sailing schedule to Spain.
The French ferry firm will offer up to 12 weekly sailings linking the UK to Spain next year using four ships.
A second phase of schedules will be released shortly, allowing all routes from the UK to Normandy and Brittany to be booked, according to the company.
The move came as the French ferry firm joined DFDS, Stena Line and Condor Ferries in signing a voluntary charter in Paris to protect the rights of seafarers as a complement to laws mandating minimum wages for sailors on ferries operating cross-Channel routes.
In a note to customers, chief executive Christophe Mathieu issued a scarcely veiled criticism of rival P&O Ferries for dismissing almost 800 crew and replacing them with cheaper labour in March 2022.
Without mentioned the competitor by name, he said: “It was a cynical exercise that punished those who had worked so hard to keep essential goods and services moving during the Covid crisis. Many had also served this company loyally for decades.
“But while this operator felt the immediate wrath of media, government officials and customers, they are not the only guilty players in our sector.
“I have to tell you that others have operated a low-cost model for many, many years and this situation has created real tension for those of us who believe in doing the right thing. Bottom line: because their staffing costs are far lower than ours, they are able to compete on a completely different playing field. That is plain wrong.
“As we open our books for the 2024 season, I would like to thank you for playing your part. You are choosing a carrier whose costs may be higher than others at the moment, but which believes in paying a fair wage and offering excellent working conditions for staff.”
Maritime minister Baroness Vere said: “Fair pay and protection against unlawful discrimination are the basic rights of any employee. Our seafarers deserve nothing less.
“I therefore expect companies across the maritime sector to sign up to this charter, letting their staff know they’re serious about protecting their rights and welfare.”
The newly-published Brittany Ferries schedule covers two returns a week between Portsmouth and Bilboa until November this year and March-November 2024.
A route between Portsmouth and Santander will operate year-round with two return sailings a week.
Plymouth to Santander sailings run until November this year and resume after a winter break from March to November 2024.
Sales and marketing director Paul Acheson said: “Spain remains the number one overseas holiday destination for British holidaymakers, with 30% choosing the country. But what’s clear to us is that increasing numbers of them are choosing the ferry as their preferred means to get there, both for its convenience and the relaxed onboard experience.
“Demand for our long-haul routes to Spain has soared in recent years and we’ve responded by increasing our departures and by placing our most modern and environmentally-friendly vessels Galicia, Salamanca and Santona on these routes alongside our ever-popular flagship Pont-Aven.
“We’re delighted to make our 2024 sailings available allowing customers to put their travel plans in place, and by booking now they’ll also enjoy the best choice of sailings, fares and cabins.”