cvabishop Posted September 20, 2020 Share Posted September 20, 2020 As Jim says, by definition this site is well disposed towards the company and its products. Members, particularly the regular posters, are more than willing to be understanding of problems and supportive in resolving them so when the general tone of commentary turns negative it should be something of a wake up call to be taken seriously rather than stifled. The general position of the Forum has always been that of a critical friend, always willing to highlight good service and not to look for negative issues to complain about. One hopes that this will continue. 8 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 Morning All, I've removed a previous post in this thread by @David Williams at his request, along with another by @Cabin-boywhich quoted it. I am aware, as will those who read this thread, that over the course of the weekend there has been interaction between individual members and individuals from Brittany Ferries which relate to posts made on BFE and posts made on Twitter. I would hope, based on the exchanges I have seen, that the matters raised between individuals both on and off the forum are now drawn to a conclusion. I believe the ongoing position of the BFE membership is summarised by the members themselves above in some of the posts above which have been supported by the 'like' and 'thanks' reactions. We continue to welcome anyone as a member to engage in discussion on the condition that it is done in a polite and respectful manner. 7 Link to post Share on other sites
Cabin-boy Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 5 hours ago, Jim said: Morning All, I've removed a previous post in this thread by @David Williams at his request, along with another by @Cabin-boywhich quoted it. I am aware, as will those who read this thread, that over the course of the weekend there has been interaction between individual members and individuals from Brittany Ferries which relate to posts made on BFE and posts made on Twitter. I would hope, based on the exchanges I have seen, that the matters raised between individuals both on and off the forum are now drawn to a conclusion. I believe the ongoing position of the BFE membership is summarised by the members themselves above in some of the posts above which have been supported by the 'like' and 'thanks' reactions. We continue to welcome anyone as a member to engage in discussion on the condition that it is done in a polite and respectful manner. That's all fine Jim but seeing as how Twitter has recently been the only channel for effective communication with the company it's hardly surprising that when some people do finally get through they vent their frustration. If BF wish to block any of their followers from Twitter that's of course their perogative but by cutting of that line of communication they should at the very least also repay any funds held for unused trips and bookings by those customers they exclude. Ed Link to post Share on other sites
David Williams Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 Today’s CEO message makes the points well https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/information/coronavirus/ceo-message An extract is I have mentioned in previous messages the cash injection we received in June. This loan from French banks, amounting to €117m, must be repaid in five years. It was necessary to carry us through the worst summer season in our history and repayment will not be easy. However, we have already taken steps to reduce our costs. One of the ways we have done this is to cut routes this autumn, a painful but necessary first step. Another thing we have sought is a reduction in “social charges” payable for our French seafarers. So-called net wage provisions are applied by governments in Denmark and Italy and we have sought the same derogation from these taxes in France. Last week the French government announced we would receive a one-year derogation. This will help as we negotiate the most acute phase of the crisis, which is getting through the 2020 autumn and winter period. In effect it guarantees next year for Brittany Ferries. But it’s not enough for our long-term recovery and we will continue to lobby hard, as will the regions on our behalf. Of course, this is not the only thing we are doing to cut costs, but it is the thing that is generating the most media headlines. That, in turn, creates the kind of anxiety that I know many of you feel at this difficult time. The waters are still extremely choppy. But we are far from sunk. Our business model is strong, we have new ships on order and we are determined to make 2021 our come-back season with as many routes operating as possible. Next year is guaranteed. And I can assure you we are working hard to ensure we continue to serve you all in 2022 - and beyond. Link to post Share on other sites
Cabin-boy Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 12 minutes ago, David Williams said: Next year is guaranteed. That's a bold statement! Ed. Link to post Share on other sites
nick hall Posted September 21, 2020 Share Posted September 21, 2020 22 minutes ago, Cabin-boy said: That's a bold statement! Ed. Albeit probably true, if he’s referring to planet Earth. Now I’ve got the closing credits to Dr Strangelove flashing through my mind. 🤔 1 Link to post Share on other sites
colin Posted March 24 Share Posted March 24 Latest article from Ouest France confirming French government support for BF, with payout of 15 million in May which looks like repayment of social charges. It goes on to suggest something in the region of 100 million € overall support, but I cannot be sure if this is just for BF? Jean-Marc Roué tweeted his satisfaction with the announcement. Brexit et Covid : les aides pour Brittany Ferries débloquées en mai, annonce la ministre de la Mer (ouest-france.fr) Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 An interesting interview with Jean-Marc Rouéon Breton TV this week: https://www.tvr.bzh/v/5d27935-business-club-23-03-2021 (I'll leave it to others who are more fluent in French than me to translate!) 1 Link to post Share on other sites
colin Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 Quick run through. The questions were known in advance I guess ... J-M Roué answered a panel of 3 guests. I quickly lay out his main answers. With the UK ahead on vaccinations, and an impatience to travel, will this mean things move fast soon? UK suggest 17 May as date of opening up travel (and CI have just suggested the same), BUT, not sure about vaccine passports and how to deal with no kids being vaccinated when majority of summer passengers are families? Working hard on staff morale. Unions were difficult, but BF have insisted on rotating seagoing staff so that everyone feels involved. Yes, quite a few individuals are finding things very hard. Feeling that low cost flights may not ramp back up so fast, and that areas which have bunged cash to operators to serve their local airport may be hesitant going forward. BF can swing back into action more easily. UK tourists want to head south, so all concerned in Brittany and Normandy need to ensure that publicity is maxed in the next months to attract clients. The 3 new ships are another selling point. Greener as well as cheaper to operate, Hopes to see green hydrogen production In Brittany. 2016 referendum result and the crash of the £ trashed revenues and made the company more vulnerable when the Brexit saga dragged on, and then Covid. No deal is frankly not so different in practice from the deal agreed. Could BF shift more to freight. No. Sailing every 12 minutes from Calais, and less cost to operate each sailing. No way BF can compete. Yes, absolutely, always want freight and do best to attract it, but passengers are the life blood. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
colin Posted March 28 Share Posted March 28 Other than acknowledging the obvious about BF financial situation, not much was said on this subject. Involvement of historic supporters both public and private and dialogue with them remains really important. Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 The CGT union have reportedly reached an agreement with Brittany Ferries for there to be "No Dry Layoffs Over The Next Three Years". https://www.ouest-france.fr/bretagne/roscoff-29680/brittany-ferries-pas-de-licenciements-secs-ces-trois-prochaines-annees-selon-la-cgt-8b9f5574-96f5-11eb-8638-69c56106f3d4 BF are also seeking a cash injection of 50M euros, through a prospective partner alongside their majority shareholder, SICA. https://www.ouest-france.fr/economie/transports/transport-maritime/le-delicat-renflouement-de-brittany-ferries-161aa412-9258-11eb-8153-111acea7321d Link to post Share on other sites
Cabin-boy Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 22 minutes ago, Andy said: No Dry Layoffs Just to clarify what Google translate presumably suggested here, this expression means 'no forced redundancies'. Ed 1 Link to post Share on other sites
nick hall Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 26 minutes ago, Cabin-boy said: Just to clarify what Google translate presumably suggested here, this expression means 'no forced redundancies'. Ed Does Google think voluntary redundancy is a wet layoff? Link to post Share on other sites
Cabin-boy Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 2 minutes ago, nick hall said: Does Google think voluntary redundancy is a wet layoff? No idea but I guess they might grease your palms to hasten your exit. Ed Link to post Share on other sites
David Williams Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 3 hours ago, Andy said: BF are also seeking a cash injection of 50M euros, through a prospective partner alongside their majority shareholder, SICA Reading the article, it was not clear whether this is new money or just getting a bank to swap debt for equity. Link to post Share on other sites
Cabin-boy Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 16 minutes ago, David Williams said: Reading the article, it was not clear whether this is new money or just getting a bank to swap debt for equity. I get the impression that it's the latter option but whoever gives them the money they need will hold a minority stake. Ed Link to post Share on other sites
colin Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 This may help. In French of course. Brittany Ferries. La région Bretagne décide d’une nouvelle aide de 6 millions d’euros (ouest-france.fr) Effectively confirming ongoing financial aid from the Brittany region, totalling 40 million. Normandy is in for the same. Regional president suggests 200 million needed, and everyone working on providing it. France will not let BF fail. Of course, a new plan to return to profitability will likely have an impact on what vessels remain in the fleet, but no fire sale likely. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
David Williams Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 21 minutes ago, colin said: but no fire sale likely. Not sure what this means, the BF strategy is Quote The company’s fleet renewal programme promises a significant reduction in carbon emissions per passenger compared with vessels currently operating between the UK and Spain. That’s because Cap Finistère and Baie de Seine, are less efficient vessels with much smaller passenger and freight capacities than the LNG e-Flexer class ships that will replace them https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-names-new-ships-and-promises-significant-co2-savings-from-fleet-renewal-plans/ Link to post Share on other sites
lg12 Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 32 minutes ago, colin said: This may help. In French of course. Brittany Ferries. La région Bretagne décide d’une nouvelle aide de 6 millions d’euros (ouest-france.fr) Effectively confirming ongoing financial aid from the Brittany region, totalling 40 million. Normandy is in for the same. Regional president suggests 200 million needed, and everyone working on providing it. France will not let BF fail. Of course, a new plan to return to profitability will likely have an impact on what vessels remain in the fleet, but no fire sale likely. 6 million for 3 weekly services to Ireland in each direction. The problem is that St Malo and Roscoff are rather unsuitable for the only real market right now (freight), and totally uncompetitive against Cherbourg / Dunkerque / landbridge. Link to post Share on other sites
colin Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 8 minutes ago, David Williams said: Not sure what this means, the BF strategy is https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-names-new-ships-and-promises-significant-co2-savings-from-fleet-renewal-plans/ Merely suggesting that desperation is not the order of the day, and that vessels will leave the fleet for logistical, ecological, financial or whatever reasons as they always have. There seems to be a current of concern about a number of vessels due to the current financial health of BF. I doubt that any forward plan envisages major route or tonnage reduction. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
lg12 Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 12 minutes ago, David Williams said: Not sure what this means, the BF strategy is https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-names-new-ships-and-promises-significant-co2-savings-from-fleet-renewal-plans/ That will replace them on services to Spain for sure, but does not say that they will be the first ships to leave the fleet. Link to post Share on other sites
colin Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 Just now, lg12 said: 6 million for 3 weekly services to Ireland in each direction. The problem is that St Malo and Roscoff are rather unsuitable for the only real market right now (freight), and totally uncompetitive against Cherbourg / Dunkerque / landbridge. Agreed, but BF is BF, and its masters will decide what they want. Link to post Share on other sites
lg12 Posted April 8 Share Posted April 8 €1 million a month to cover 26 sailings (some months have more, but there will be cancellations etc.) means almost €40,000 for each sailing. That is the revenue equivalent of almost 40 trucks+drivers (about €900-1050 per way Ireland-France). Not a bad deal at all BF. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
jonno Posted April 9 Share Posted April 9 3 hours ago, David Williams said: Not sure what this means, the BF strategy is https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-names-new-ships-and-promises-significant-co2-savings-from-fleet-renewal-plans/ BDS hasn't been replaced with an LNG powered E-Flexer, the only reason she's environmentally friendly is because she'll burn less oil going slower. Link to post Share on other sites
Andy Posted April 10 Share Posted April 10 A strongly worded article in Le Mode yesterday, expressing the challenges ahead for BF and the need for support. https://www.lemonde.fr/idees/article/2021/04/09/brittany-ferries-allons-nous-abandonner-derriere-nous-cette-institution-du-monde-maritime-francais-et-europeen_6076191_3232.html 2 Link to post Share on other sites
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