Ferry berthing trial deemed a success

The Brittany Ferries vessel arrived in St Peter Port at 17:30 BST on Wednesday.

A mooring trial of the Brittany Ferries vessel Barfleur went "very smoothly" in "perfect weather conditions", according to Guernsey's harbourmaster.

The 158m (518ft) long Barfleur, which can carry 1,212 passengers and is usually based in Poole, was tested in St Peter Port harbour on Wednesday.

David Barker said the berthing trial was a success and the ship could potentially be used as a backup for supplying goods to the island in the future.

The ferry trial saw hundreds of islanders turn out to watch it arriving for the first time.

Although it's not expected the Barfleur would be a regular visitor to Guernsey, it could become part of contingency plans for the island's supply chains.

Mr Barker said: "It gives me confidence that come what may, we would be able to keep the shelves full."

A similar berthing trial took place in Jersey recently, with tugs used to help manoeuvre the huge vessel in.