Brittany Ferries Launches New Rosslare-Cherbourg Route Amid Stena Line Exit

Brittany Ferries has announced a new ferry service between Rosslare Europort in Ireland and Cherbourg in France, stepping in to fill the void left by Stena Line’s recent withdrawal from the route. Stena Line confirmed its exit from the Rosslare-Cherbourg service at the end of September 2025, a decision made public in late June. In response, Brittany Ferries plans to increase both the capacity and frequency of its sailings, ensuring that travelers and freight operators maintain access to this vital connection.

Starting in October 2025, Brittany Ferries will offer daily departures from Rosslare Europort, escalating sailings from five to seven per week. The new schedule will feature an additional Tuesday evening sailing at 21:00, with more departures anticipated as the company strengthens its service offerings. Specific sailing schedules will be released soon, as final arrangements are being made.

Boosting Trade and Travel Options

The introduction of this new service highlights Brittany Ferries’ commitment to enhancing trade links between Ireland and France. The company aims to provide modern ships and a reliable alternative to air travel for passengers. “Brittany Ferries is a company that prides itself on its ability to move quickly when opportunity knocks,” stated Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries. He emphasized that the news of Stena Line’s withdrawal prompted an immediate response from his team to secure port slots and better serve customers.

Mathieu expressed his gratitude to Rosslare Europort and the Port of Cherbourg for their support during this transition. The new service is expected to offer greater choices for holidaymakers and increased opportunities for freight operators looking to bypass the United Kingdom, reducing potential delays and bureaucratic issues at the UK border. The recent expansion of a train connection in Cherbourg further enhances the multimodal options available to customers.

Strengthening Partnerships Post-Brexit

Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, which oversees Rosslare Europort, welcomed the news of Brittany Ferries’ expanded service. “We are delighted to further strengthen our partnership with Brittany Ferries,” he remarked. Carr noted that direct sailings between Rosslare Europort and the European continent have increased six-fold since Brexit, highlighting the growing demand for additional routes.

The collaboration exemplifies a proactive approach to maintaining shipping capacity and choice for both industry and tourism. Carr spoke of the heightened interest in the Rosslare to Cherbourg sailings and commended Brittany Ferries for their swift response to market needs. The expansion is seen as beneficial for both passenger and freight markets, as it capitalizes on the route’s potential.

Brittany Ferries’ initiative reflects a broader trend in the shipping industry, where companies are adapting to changing landscapes and customer needs. With this new service, the company aims to enhance connectivity between Ireland and France while ensuring that travelers have access to reliable and efficient options for their journeys.