Brittany Ferries’ newest vessel - Saint-Malo, was officially reflagged from Cyprus to France as preparations advance for its christening in January 2025.
The French flag was ceremonially raised on Saint-Malo on December 5th, 2024, at Port Santander (Spain). Touted as the “first large hybrid ship in the European merchant navy,” the vessel is owned by Swedish shipping company Stena RoRo and chartered to Brittany Ferries. The vessel arrived in Santander on December 2nd, 2024, following its delivery voyage from the CMI Jinling Shipyard in Weihai (China).
The Saint-Malo completed a substantial delivery route, crossing the China Seas, Indian Ocean, and Cape of Good Hope before reaching the Atlantic and docking in Spain. Following its christening on January 31st, 2025, the vessel will commence operations on February 12th, 2025, on the Saint-Malo to Portsmouth route.
Spanning 194.7 meters (639 ft) in length, the vessel is equipped with advanced hybrid technology, including a 12 megawatt-hour (MWh) Orion+ battery - the largest marine battery globally-supplied by AYK Energy. This battery system, manufactured and installed at the shipyard in Weihai, allows the ferry to operate on zero-emission battery power during port entries and departures. The vessel is designed to run on LNG, battery power, or a combination of both, highlighting its eco-friendly focus.
The addition of the Saint-Malo marks a significant step in Brittany Ferries’ commitment to sustainability and the advancement of hybrid technologies within the European merchant fleet. The company aims to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility, setting a benchmark for future maritime innovation.
Further details regarding the vessel’s integration into the fleet and its operational capabilities are expected during its official christening in January.