Brittany Ferries LNG-electric hybrid vessel “Saint-Malo” undergoes sea trials

Brittany Ferries on Monday (23 September) said its hybrid ferry Saint-Malo is currently on sea trials to test its LNG-electric drivetrain.

Saint-Malo, with the world’s largest battery fitted to a ship, will arrive in the UK to serve the Portsmouth to St Malo route early next year, with the first sailing scheduled for 12 February 2025. 

The ship’s launch – and that of sister-ship Guillaume de Normandie in April – coincides with the installation of plug-in power at Portsmouth International Port. This will be only the second port in the UK with shore power capability, and the only ferry port.

Brittany Ferries said hybrid ships work like hybrid cars. They run on gas, battery-power or a combination of the two. As well as lower emissions at sea, less noise and vibration, the ships will be better neighbours to those working in and around ports. When manoeuvring and when alongside at quai, they will run on pure battery power.

“Saint-Malo will be the fourth new vessel to join our fleet, part of the biggest fleet renewal project in our company’s 52-year history,” said Christophe Mathieu CEO Brittany Ferries. 

“These hybrid ships are significant steps on our journey to a more sustainable future. Hybrid technology will be their party piece, but the ships are also love letters to the regions they serve. So stepping on board will be like your first step into a region where your holiday begins.”

Photo credit: Brittany Ferries
Published: 24 September, 2024