Brittany Ferries is plotting recovery after revealing the worst traffic figures in its history for 2020.
Passenger numbers fell to less than a third of normal levels In a year dominated by a double blow of the Covid crisis and on-going Brexit concerns.
Turnover halved as lockdown measures and restrictions on travel in all markets forced passengers to stay at home.
Brittany Ferries carryings of 752,102 passengers were down from almost 2.5 million across all routes compared with the previous year.
The French ferry firm has embarked on a five-year recovery plan to bridge the immediate crisis and prepare for a return to normal service after a “dreadful” 2020.
Independent analysis of the passenger market by London-based consultancy LEK suggests that passenger volumes are expected to have recovered to 2019 levels by 2022.
Brittany Ferries said it can look beyond the current storm with optimism with ongoing support from banks and the French government.
President Jean Marc Roue admitted that the Covid crisis “brought our company to its knees” as Brexit concerns also affected demand.
“It struck a blow for the regions we serve and enrich, and the French seafarers we are proud to employ,” he added.
“Despite this, we are determined to remain part of the fabric of life in the north west of France as well as in the UK, Ireland and Spain and we must thank the regions of Normandy and Brittany, the banks and French state for their on-going support throughout this dark period.
“With a collective will to return stronger, I believe Brittany Ferries will overcome the greatest challenge in its history.”
Chief executive Christophe Mathieu added: “There is no doubt 2021 will be another tough year for our company. However, we will continue on the path to recovery, taking tough decisions if necessary but encouraged by the findings of this independent report which show the market is ready to bounce back.
“We will always place the long-term interest of Brittany Ferries at heart and as long as we continue to be supported by our staff, shareholders, the banks, as well as by regional and national governments, I believe we can navigate a path through the storm.”