By
Rebecca Gibson |
European operator Brittany Ferries has officially welcomed newbuild Galicia into its fleet, marking the occasion in the ferry industry’s first-ever virtual inauguration ceremony.
Built at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, China, Galicia is the first of three sister ships in the E Flexer class and, at 215 metres long, she is also the largest Brittany Ferries ship to date. The vessel will sail her first commercial crossing between Santander, Spain and Portsmouth, England on 2 December. She will also serve the route between Portsmouth and Cherbourg in Normandy, France.
“Galicia’s arrival marks the start of a bright new future for Brittany Ferries,” said Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries. “When we ordered her, we could never have imagined the current pandemic situation and its impact on trade, travel and tourism. But she is our symbol of hope and optimism, and above all our confidence in a much brighter future on the horizon.”
In a Brittany Ferries first, Galicia’s onboard interiors, menus and activities have been designed with the ship’s destination in mind, hence they offer a “warm, relaxing and authentic Spanish holiday ambiance”.
Galicia also features a fuel-efficient propulsion plant and a long, slender hull and bow to ensure “excellent seakeeping” in all weathers and significantly reduce her emissions compared to other vessels of a similar size.
“Galicia will be kinder to the environment,” said Jean-Marc Roué, Brittany Ferries’ chairman. “She’ll be more efficient. And of course – she will be crewed by expert, welcoming French seafarers – an aspect our British customers appreciate. These three new ships are just the start of a bright new future for our company and most importantly our customers.”
Galicia’s sister ships Salamanca and Santoña will be delivered in 2022 and 2023 respectively.