WATCH: Barfleur berthing trial goes without a hitch
Islanders finally got to set eyes on Brittany Ferries’ suggested solution to freight security last night.
The Barfleur arrived at St Peter Port from Cherbourg at about 5.30pm and then undertook berthing trials
The 157m-long vessel is 28m longer than the Clipper and 55m longer than the Liberation fast ferry. It is owned by Brittany Ferries, minority shareholder in Condor, which has pledged recently to take a much more active role in Condor’s day-to-day operations.
A similar berthing trial took place in Jersey recently, with tugs used to help manoeuvre the huge vessel in.
Watch: The Barfleur arrives in St Peter Port for berthing trials
A couple of hundred people gathered around various vantage points at the harbour to watch in superb conditions as the Barfleur entered the pier heads at 5.40pm.
The ship took a cautious approach but there did not appear to be any issues as she pulled up alongside.
The Barfleur is currently operating daily crossings between Poole and Cherbourg, carrying up to 900 passengers and 590 cars.
It is not anticipated the Barfleur would become a regular part of scheduled services, but could be used on local routes if any of the normal fleet is unavailable.
