Brittany Ferries marks successful first year in Guernsey with 29% passenger growth
- Brittany Ferries reports 29% increase in passenger numbers in first year of Guernsey operations
- Company now holds 52% market share of Channel Islands sea travel from France and UK
- Condor Ferries operations being fully integrated into Brittany Ferries brand with improved services
- States of Guernsey praises partnership success, describing it as cross-government collaboration
- Plans announced to expand links with other Channel Islands through local ferry operator partnerships
Brittany Ferries has reported significant growth in its first year of operations to Guernsey, with overall passenger numbers increasing by 29% compared to 2024.
The French ferry operator, which secured a 15-year contract with the States of Guernsey and launched services exactly a year ago, now holds 52% of the Channel Islands' sea travel market share from France and the UK as of February 2026.
Christophe Mathieu, Brittany Ferries' CEO, said: "Brittany Ferries exists to connect people, facilitate trade and enrich the regions we serve. At the start of this new era, we made a clear commitment that the Island will be put first, services will improve and benefits felt by all."
The company has undergone wholesale changes over the past year, with the integration of Condor Ferries operations into the Brittany Ferries brand. Vessels serving the island now carry Brittany Ferries' livery, whilst port signage, crew uniforms and operational systems have been aligned.
Mr Mathieu explained: "Our Channel Islands' business has seen wholesale changes over the past year in terms of ownership, philosophy and the business model. It's not just the rebranding of the Condor ships – we are new owners, with different aims, fresh thinking and a strong skill set."
The company has introduced new management structures, staff training programmes and operational improvements. "Operations have been enhanced, our timetabling is smarter and reliability and timekeeping have improved significantly. These are delivering benefits for Guernsey and the continued strong forward bookings underline growing consumer confidence," Mr Mathieu added.
The Condor Ferries name is being phased out as the company's operations are absorbed into Brittany Ferries.
Brittany Ferries recently concluded an agreement to market Islands Unlimited's sailings to Jersey and has further plans to link Guernsey with Herm, Sark and Alderney through similar arrangements with local ferry operators.
Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of the Committee for Economic Development, States of Guernsey, praised the partnership's success.
"A year ago, we began a new chapter with Brittany Ferries and the results have been outstanding. What started as a contractual agreement has flourished into a cross-government and cross industry partnership and that is putting the Bailiwick of Guernsey on the map," she said.
Ms Kazantseva-Miller highlighted the collaborative effort involving multiple organisations. "From boosting visitor numbers and freight, to improving our cultural and sporting links, the joint efforts of Visit Guernsey, Guernsey Ports, the Guernsey Customs & Immigration Service, Heritage Guernsey, the Chamber of Commerce and other stakeholders have all been a testament to what we can achieve together. This has never been about just improving travel links, rather we are building a long-term foundation for Bailiwick-wide prosperity."
Looking ahead, Mr Mathieu outlined plans for continued growth. "Whilst we are encouraged by this progress, there is more to do. We continue to leverage the Brittany Ferries' brand and are working closely with the States of Guernsey, Visit Guernsey and industry partners to improve trade, sporting and cultural links."
The company is also offering islanders 30% savings when booking destinations in its wider network alongside a Condor service. "Islanders can also continue to benefit from our wider network, as we are offering 30% savings when booked alongside a Condor service. This includes our destinations in Spain – to Santander and Bilbao – and Cork and Rosslare in Ireland, building on the initiative first introduced in 2024," Mr Mathieu said.
To mark the anniversary, Brittany Ferries' mascot Pierre Le Bear made a guest appearance at the harbour, distributing mini eggs to passengers travelling to France and the UK, including pupils from Les Beaucamps High School on their ski trip to France.
Q&A
Q: How much have passenger numbers increased since Brittany Ferries took over Guernsey operations?
A: Passenger numbers have increased by 29% compared to 2024, with Brittany Ferries now holding 52% of the Channel Islands' sea travel market share from France and the UK.
Q: What is happening to the Condor Ferries brand?
A: The Condor Ferries name is being phased out as the company's operations are absorbed into Brittany Ferries, with vessels now carrying Brittany Ferries' livery and operational systems being aligned.
Q: What benefits are islanders receiving from the partnership?
A: Islanders benefit from improved reliability and timekeeping, smarter timetabling, and 30% savings on Brittany Ferries' wider network including destinations in Spain and Ireland when booked alongside a Condor service.
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