Andy

And a time, now more than ever, for fellow enthusiasts to support the company during this difficult period.

Purely co-incidental I would say. Pont-Aven is primarily a passenger vessel, given reduced demand is logical to withdrawn her. Etretat (already back in service) traffic can be transferred to Caen with minimal distribution.

... and so her work is done. Merci et bon voyage Baie de Seine.

and here she is slipping out of Portsmouth Harbour for the last time... very light load onboard.

Ferry route re-opens to passengers, freight and climate science Scientists say English Channel temperature has risen by an average 0.08°C every year from 2010-2020 More undissolved CO2 at the surface has driven up sea acidity, measured by 0.002pH drop every year in same period Warmer water plankton has moved northwards by an average of 10 degrees latitude in the last 50 years Populations of zooplankton (major fish and whale food source) have reduced by 70% in biomass compared with the same period Waters on the French side of the English Channel are warming and acidifying. That’s the key finding of a research body based in Roscoff (western Brittany) which regularly samples the sea on a popular, cross-channel ferry route. The Station Biologique de Roscoff is one of two institutions which rely on a ferry to monitor the health of the western English Channel. The second is the world’s oldest scientific survey and is based in Plymouth. Called the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey, it has built a global database of more than 250,000 plankton samples thanks to a small box towed by ships beneath the waves. Both studies collate data that comes from sampling the same route repeatedly. That route is operated by Brittany Ferries’ Armorique, a vessel which has hosted the scientific equipment for each study over the last ten years. Sea variables such as temperature, salinity, turbidity (cloudiness) and dissolved oxygen are measured in samples taken by a “FerryBox” which is incorporated within Armorique’s bow thrusters. Samples are automatically analysed on board, with data and geo-location transmitted in real time to scientists based in Roscoff. As well as identifying warming trends, the team has also discovered a thermal front in the middle of the Channel, separating warmer layered surface waters on the UK side from colder mixed water on the French side. Plankton is an important bio indicator. That means its behaviour, population, and/or biochemical composition tell a story about the health of the environment in which it lives. The Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) towed behind Armorique is one of a number taking samples concurrently around the globe, using routes taken by ferries and container ships. It contributes to a huge bank of data that informs policy makers and that has formed the basis for a number of scientific papers. It is also ‘open source’ so it is freely available for anyone to use, anywhere in the world. “For Brittany Ferries, sustainability is not just about fleet renewal, new fuels or steps to reduce plastics on board,” said Christophe Mathieu CEO Brittany Ferries. “It is also about helping those researching critical issues like climate change and the health and well-being of under-water eco-systems. We are proud to support these studies, based in our home ports of Roscoff and Plymouth. This week Armorique re-opens the route for the 2020 season and we look forward to welcoming passengers, freight drivers and scientists on board once more.” Plymouth-Roscoff was Brittany Ferries’ first route when the company began sailing in 1973. The inaugural sailing took place on the day after Britain joined the EEC (forerunner to the EU). Still largely owned by Brittany farmers, the company’s original aim was to find new markets for market garden produce, like artichokes and cauliflowers. Today Brittany Ferries is an award-winning holiday company, with 12 routes and 12 ships, linking France, UK, Spain and Ireland.

Normandie appears to have developed a technical problem and will be in Cherbourg next weekend.

The electrical propulsion is new to the BF fleet, but as you say its certainly not new to the industry. Many cruise ships have had a diesel-electric propulsion system for since the late 90's.

Kerry's first departure from Rosslare will be at 23:30 on Friday 28th February (arriving in ballast from Cork at 16:00). Berthing trials are also planned to take place on Tuesday 18th February.

Clearly a slow news day in Normandy - ‘Monty used a tug’ 🤔 https://granville.maville.com/actu/actudet_-tempete-ciara.-a-ouistreham-le-ferry-a-besoin-d-aide-pour-manoeuvrer-dans-le-port_fil-3994531_actu.Htm?site=mvi&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=Reseau&utm_campaign=facebook

@hf_uk Glad we got to the bottom of it - you are far too observant for your own good though

Are you comparing against a photo-shopped image of Normandie @hf_uk ? Here's a pic taken on 19th December, which looks the same as she does now?

Due to Storm Ciara the Bretagne made an unusual signt berthed stern-in at Portsmouth over the past couple of days.

Stunning shot showing the power of Storm Ciara!

No, it was purely an in-house BF course. Yes, that's certainly the case when doing a mini-cruise to St Malo. Your ticket usually has the below on it: and your cabin door will have a sticker similar to this one: