Brittany Ferries new LNG-electric hybrid ship ‘Saint-Malo’ has arrived and subsequently departed Portsmouth Harbour on pure battery power.
The visit was to carry out ramp trials in Portsmouth International Port and various operational tests to prepare for entry into service in February 2025. This was carried out with zero emissions of CO2, NOx or soot.
Brittany Ferries CEO Christophe Mathieu said: “This week we turned the page on a new chapter in the history of Brittany Ferries. It’s a story of sustainable growth and Saint-Malo reflects this commitment to the future. Residents and port partners will certainly have heard and seen her first arrival, thanks to water-cannon and welcoming fog horns. But they won’t have seen anything untoward from her funnel. That’s because she ran in and out of the harbour on pure electric power – and will continue to do so as she serves Portsmouth in the years to come.”
Saint-Malo is the fourth new green vessel to join the Brittany Ferries’ fleet between 2019 and 2025 as part of the largest fleet renewal programme in the company’s 52-year history. Saint-Malo is the largest hybrid vessel to enter service – with the largest battery pack. Saint-Malo runs on clean LNG, battery power or a combination of the two. That means lower emissions at sea, while manoeuvring and while berthed in port. Crucially, it means zero emissions when entering and exiting Portsmouth Harbour.
Like sister ship Guillaume de Normandie, arriving in March 2025, Saint-Malo will be shore-power capable.
Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said: “The arrival of Saint-Malo is the latest step in our long-standing partnership with Brittany Ferries, and also marks a big milestone in our shared sustainability ambitions. Not only will Saint-Malo be the first to use LNG bunkering in Portsmouth, but she will also be ready to receive clean electricity from our shore power system when it goes live later this year, making her journeys greener and improving air quality for the city. Saint-Malo’s arrival is testament to the environmental commitments we share with Brittany Ferries, and we’re sure all of her passengers will be delighted with the experience she will deliver.”
The 194m long, 1290 passenger capacity vessel sails under the French flag, crewed by French seafarers, with pay and working conditions considered to lead the ferry sector.
Image: ‘Saint Malo’ enters Portsmouth under electric power (credit: Brittany Ferries)
