Brittany Ferries is delighted to announce the charter of a new RoPax ferry to serve the Cherbourg Rosslare route. Currently operating under the name Vizzavona, the re-named Wexford will replace Norbay, a freight ship currently on temporary charter to Brittany Ferries.
Wexford will be French flagged and crewed by French seafarers. She will begin operations in March 2027. Three weekly return crossings will made from Rosslare-Cherbourg as well as one Portsmouth-Cherbourg rotation. Tickets will be on sale by the end of next month.
Choice, capacity and frequency from Ireland
Wexford completes Brittany Ferries’ network of long-haul routes to and from Ireland, adding valuable passenger and freight capacity alongside frequent, direct sailings to northern Spain, Brittany and Normandy.
Ireland will be served by a varied and versatile fleet of five ships: Salamanca, Wexford, Clipper, Armorique and Pont-Aven, offering up to seven weekly return sailings between Rosslare and Cherbourg, two weekly return sailings between Rosslare and Bilbao, and two weekly return sailings between Cork and Roscoff.
Boosting holiday traffic
Freight-oriented Norbay limited important passenger traffic due to cabin availability. Wexford, a RoPax vessel designed for holiday makers, will redress the balance and boost visitor numbers heading to Normandy from Ireland in 2027. Its introduction reinforces the strategic importance of Ireland for the business and demonstrates Brittany Ferries’ commitment to Normandy in a celebratory year for the region.
Wexford boasts a strong configuration of cabins for passengers. In total, she hosts 146 with space for around 130 cars on board. While freight is not the focus, it is not an afterthought either. Wexford’s 2,500 lane metres are more than enough to ensure trade links between mainland Europe are strengthened further by the introduction of the ship.
Commenting on the news, Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu said, “The charter of our new ship Wexford is a positive step for the company and for the regions we serve in France and Ireland. We know there is a strong market for holiday traffic and this ship will better meet the demands of travellers on both sides of the Irish Sea.
French flag
Brittany Ferries is the largest employer of French seafarers. Its commitment to the French flag remains a cornerstone of its business. So, the company is proud that it has once again fulfilled a promise on ships operating between Ireland and France.
One year ago, directors promised that Norbay would be replaced as soon as was possible by a suitable RoPax ship and that it would operate under the French flag. With the signing of the charter for Wexford, it has met that commitment.
“We have also shown our commitment to those who crew our ships, and we never forget that it is they who define our success and help shape our future.” Christophe concluded.
