Clipper on summer detour to Ireland in ferry route change
COMMODORE Clipper is being pulled from some local routes to run a route between France and Ireland for Brittany Ferries over the summer – because of Brexit.
The move comes as Condor has been changing its timetable to improve journey time for people travelling to the islands. It is also preparing to tender to continue as the main ferry operator for the islands.
A Condor Ferries’ spokesman confirmed that the new Condor Islander – which was bought jointly by the States of Guernsey and Condor – would be taking over the Clipper’s pattern.
‘She commenced her first day- time crossing on Monday connecting Portsmouth, Guernsey and Jersey, returning to the UK overnight and will operate six days each week,’ said a Condor Ferries spokesman.
‘[The] Clipper is switching to Islander’s overnight departures from Portsmouth on Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, adding weekend capacity over the peak summer period.’
Brittany Ferries confirmed the Clipper would be operating one of three weekly return sailings between Cherbourg and Rosslare in Ireland, starting from Monday.
Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu said the extra service would benefit hauliers and logistics companies.
‘It means even more opportunity for operators to bypass the UK entirely, cutting down on bureaucracy and delays that can occur at the UK border,’ he said.
The new schedule will see the Clipper leave Cherbourg on Monday night, arriving in Ireland on Tuesday lunchtime. On Tuesday evening it will then sail back to Cherbourg, arriving Wednesday afternoon. It will then do an overnight service to Portsmouth night, before returning to Channel Islands services on Thursday.
Brittany Ferries has grown the direct Ireland-France market since 2021, with freight volumes on France to Ireland routes having grown by 96% in the last three years, and passenger volumes increased five-fold.
Condor’s spokesman said there was a call-back option if the Clipper was needed on the islands’ service to maintain fleet resilience.
‘Both companies have worked extensively with stakeholders on both islands in preparation for schedule and ship changes,’ he said.
‘Brittany Ferries has also explored potential for ships of its fleet to support the islands, evidenced by the berthing trials in Jersey and Guernsey with Barfleur, which is a Brittany Ferries’ 157m ropax that can carry 900 passengers and 590 cars.
‘Condor’s Commodore Goodwill has already reverted to her historic schedule, offering early-morning and late-afternoon arrivals to support the food and medical supply chain.’
