Ferry berthing trial in Jersey deemed a success

The Bretagne ferry docked at St Helier's harbour

A berthing trial carried out in a Channel Islands harbour has been deemed a success.

The Brittany Ferries' 151m (495ft) long vessel Bretagne came into St Helier's harbour in Jersey in a trial carried out earlier.

A company spokesperson said the berthing trial of the car and passenger ferry had been successful.

The trial follows an earlier berthing trial involving the 158m (518ft) long Barfleur, which was carried out by Brittany Ferries on 26 March.

The 151m long Bretagne carries cars and passengers

Brittany Ferries said the company was continuing "to explore short and medium-term options to ensure the islands are served best by Condor Ferries".

It said: "That includes considering the potential of ships in the wider Brittany Ferries fleet to support when necessary, where port layout and ship specifications allow."

Following the berthing trial of Barfleur in March, the company, a shareholder of Condor Ferries Ltd, said manoeuvrability was key when berthing a larger vessel in a compact port such as Jersey's.

The view from Bretagne as it docked in St Helier's harbour

At the time, Jersey maritime operations bosses described the trial involving the Barfleur as "successful", as the vessel was larger than what Jersey normally accommodated.

A Ports of Jersey spokesperson said the length of these vessels compared with others docking at the port, including the Finlandia Seaways, which is 162m (531ft) long, the 125m (410ft) Condor Islander, the 126m (413ft) Commodore Goodwill and the 129m (423ft) long Commodore Clipper.

'Zero emissions ferry'

News of the successful berthing comes as Brittany Ferries has signed a partnership deal with Wärtsilä1 and Incat2 to explore the design and technical requirements for a 137m (449ft) zero emissions ferry.

Brittany Ferries and Condor's chief executive Christophe Mathieu said: "This is an important project as we look at different ways to reach net zero by 2050.

“All-electric power is a potential solution, best suited to shorter ferry routes."

He said it was not known at this stage what was feasible, and on which route, but staff were working alongside "trusted partners" to "help us scope it out".

They could move quickly once the project was completed, added Mr Matthieu.

Initial designs have been created for the 137m zero emissions ferry project

The project comes as Brittany Ferries said it was nearing completion of the biggest fleet renewal programme in its history.

Five new vessels will have joined the fleet by 2025, including two liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered ships, which are currently in service, and two shore-power-ready LNG-electric hybrids.

Wärtsilä is a supplier to all five new ships in Brittany Ferries’ on-going fleet renewal project.

Wärtsilä is also installing LNG-hybrid drivetrains for hybrid vessels, currently under construction and set to sail for Europe by the end of this year.

Brittany Ferries took delivery of an Incat fast-ferry then named Normandie Express back in 2005.

Now named Condor Voyager, the vessel operates the St Malo to Channel Islands routes under charter from Brittany Ferries to Condor Ferries.