Brittany Ferries has taken delivery of new ship Salamanca ahead of its planned entry into service on UK to Spain sailings in the new year.
Salamanca is the latest ship in a fleet renewal plan and the first to be powered by liquified natural gas (LNG).
The ferry is one of four new vessels set to join the fleet following the arrival of Galicia last December.
Salamanca and sister ship Santona will be powered by LNG.
Two hybrid LNG-electric vessels will follow in 2024 and 2025 as replacements for Bretagne and Normandie.
The hybrids will carry passengers on routes connecting the UK with France.
Chief executive Christophe Mathieu said: “Fleet renewal is key to our business strategy. It is one of the pillars that will drive our recovery from the Covid crisis and deliver another successful 50 years for Brittany Ferries.
“From customers and suppliers, to the crew that will sail with her, we all look forward to welcoming Salamanca to the Brittany Ferries family ahead of her sister ship Santona a year later.”
Jean-Marc Roue, president of Brittany Ferries, added: “Continued investment is necessary to ensure that we do not fall behind in the renewal of our fleet. More efficient and competitive ships are the guarantee of our recovery.”