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Brittany Ferries' Barfleur departs Poole for its final cross-Channel sailing to Cherbourg
Überblick
The Brittany Ferries vessel Barfleur has made its final journey between Poole and Cherbourg after more than 30 years of service. Brittany Ferries decided to sell the ship and end the route due to a 70% decline in passenger numbers since 2002 and a 94% drop in freight. The final departure was brought forward following a technical failure on another vessel, the Commodore Clipper, requiring the Barfleur to be reassigned to the Ireland-France route.
Wichtige Punkte
- The Barfleur departed Poole for Cherbourg shortly after 08:30 BST on its final crossing.
- The ferry route has operated from the Dorset coast for over 30 years, having entered service in April 1992.
- Passenger numbers fell from 547,000 in 2002 to 165,000 in 2025, while freight dropped by 94%.
- Brittany Ferries cited commercial necessity, remaining debt, and new EU emissions costs as factors in the decision.
- The final departure date was brought forward because the backup ship, Commodore Clipper, suffered a gearbox failure.