Brittany Ferries plans to run the joint-largest hybrid vessel at sea when a newly-named ship joins the fleet in May 2025.
The 1,320-passenger Guillaume de Normandie will sail alongside sister ship Saint-Malo on the Portsmouth-Caen route – the busiest in the company’s network.
The fourth Brittany Ferries vessel to be fuelled by cleaner liquefied natural gas (LNG) will be configured to run on battery power or on a combination of the two in hybrid mode.
Guillaume de Normandie will replace existing ferry Normandie, which has been in service since 1992.
The change will mark the final stage in the largest fleet renewal in the company’s 50-year history. Five new vessels will have joined the fleet between 2020 and 2025.
The ferry will switch to LNG-electric and full-electric mode mainly on the approach to harbours and at quay.
Preliminary studies suggest a fuel consumption reduction of up to 9% when in service due to the hybrid technology.
It will also be plug-in ready, meaning zero-emissions when in port. The aim in Caen is to have shore-side power in place by 2027 while plans are reported by the company to be progressing well on funding and infrastructure development at Portsmouth International Port.
When Guillaume de Normandie’s batteries can be charged in Portsmouth and Caen, there will be a further estimated 15% cut in climate change emissions in addition to a 20%-25% reduction in CO2 emissions as a result of more efficient combustion in an LNG engine, according to the company.
Facilities on board will include 21 pet-friendly cabins and 12 kennels, four restaurants and bars, two play areas for children, a VIP lounge and two boutiques.
Chief executive Christophe Mathieu said: “I think this name perfectly captures the enduring partnership between Brittany Ferries, the region of Normandy and the British people.
“Guillaume was the favourite son of the Normandy region, but he was also the first king to be crowned at Westminster Abbey.
King Charles III will be the 40th. So, of course, while this is a nod to the past, it is also a celebration of our present and future together.
“It’s something I hope all our British friends will appreciate as they celebrate the King’s coronation this weekend.”