Brittany Ferries has reported another year of strong growth on its Ireland-France and Ireland-Spain routes, with a notable 12% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year.
In total, 213,725 passengers travelled on the company’s Irish routes between 2023 and 2024, reflecting continued demand for seamless and comfortable sea travel between Ireland, France, and Spain.
The company recorded a significant increase in the number of sailings, up 27% year-on-year, with 567 crossings across all routes. Meanwhile, the number of tourism vehicles transported rose by 16% to 80,497. Freight volumes surged by 73% on Ireland-France routes, further strengthening Brittany Ferries’ position as a key player in European transport and tourism.
Brittany Ferries also resumed its popular Cork to Roscoff service, marking the beginning of the seasonal schedule. The Armorique made its first call into Cork on Tuesday, 2 April, followed by the Pont-Aven on Saturday, 5 April. These sailings are a key part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing connectivity between Ireland and France, providing both leisure and freight customers with increased travel options.
The company’s Ireland-France services continue to see increasing demand, with 151,490 passengers travelling in 2023-2024, a 3% rise compared to the previous year. On the Ireland-Spain route, passenger numbers grew even more impressively, up by 9%. Freight transport also saw a remarkable increase on Ireland-France routes, with a 73% rise in freight vehicles, reaching 13,337 units transported. This growth highlights the increasing importance of the direct Ireland-France link for logistics, particularly as businesses continue to navigate post-Brexit supply chains.
Tourism vehicle numbers have also risen in parallel with passenger growth, up 6% on Ireland-France routes and 10% on Ireland-Spain services. This steady increase underlines the enduring appeal of ferry travel, offering passengers a relaxed and convenient alternative to air travel.
Hugh Bruton, General Manager of Brittany Ferries in Ireland, welcomed the figures, stating:“We are delighted to see another year of strong growth in our Irish routes. The 12% increase in passengers demonstrates the growing popularity of our services and reflects the ongoing shift towards comfortable, sustainable, and efficient ferry travel. The strong performance of our freight operations also highlights the essential role we play in connecting Ireland with mainland Europe, providing vital trade links post-Brexit. Looking ahead, we remain committed to further enhancing our services and investing in our fleet to meet the evolving needs of our passengers and freight partners.”
Financial Picture
Financial figures reveal a company in good health, on a firm footing to embrace opportunities and face the challenges ahead. Consolidated turnover rose to €516m in 2024. This was an increase of 6.5% on the 2023 figure.
EBITDA was slightly down at €46.8m, compared with 2023 (€53.3m), thanks largely to the effects of the ETS emission trading scheme, the introduction of which cost the company €8m. However, this is still a positive figure, underlining the company’s operating profitability.
As Brittany Ferries continues to invest in fleet renewal and service enhancements, including the introduction of new LNG-powered vessels, the company is well-positioned to build on its success and further strengthen its presence in the Irish market.
