By
Alex Smith |
Brittany Ferries’ newest ship Galicia is to sail between the UK and Spain when she debuts next year.
Galicia is currently nearing completion at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, China. Sea trials have taken place successfully, and the ship will soon embark on a 10,000-mile voyage to Europe. On arrival, she will undergo a period of crew training and dry docking, before welcoming her first passengers onboard in mid-December.
“Fleet renewal is an integral part of our five-year recovery plan and Galicia’s arrival is the result of a commission made in happier times,” said Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries. “That is why I am delighted to bring this good news story to our staff, freight drivers and passengers today. Our message is clear: we have invested in beautiful new ships. Given the right support to get through this terrible crisis Brittany Ferries can have a bright future, as well as a proud past.”
Galicia has been designed for the Spanish market, with a décor inspired by the Spanish region from which she takes her name. The ship will be the first Brittany Ferries vessel to feature a first airline-style premium lounge, with drinks and snacks included in the entrance fee. Other facilities onboard the ship will include a beach-themed Azul restaurant, the town-square-inspired Plaza Mayor bar and a Taberna de Tapas. One dinner and continental breakfast will be included in the fare for all UK-Spain sailings.
The vessel will produce significantly less emissions compared to other ships of a similar size, according to the ferry line. She has been fitted with closed-loop scrubbers to strip particulate matter and harmful components such as sulphur oxides from airborne emissions, and a long, slender hull and bow for increased efficiency.
Galicia will operate two return trips a week between Portsmouth, UK and Santander, Spain, departing Portsmouth on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Santander on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The crossing time is between 28 and 33 hours.
In addition, Galicia will offer one weekly roundtrip between Portsmouth and Cherbourg, France. Brittany Ferries’ Pont-Aven and Cap Finistère will also continue to sail between the UK and Spain, with the ferry line operating up to seven weekly return sailings in total between the countries.
“The arrival of Galicia will serve as a statement of our confidence in the future of ‘Spain without the plane’,” said Mathieu. “This is the very first time in the history of Brittany Ferries that we have designed, themed and decorated a ship around Spain. Galicia is the first in an entirely new class of ship for Brittany Ferries, with two sister ships, Salamanca and Santoña coming in 2022 and 2023. We can’t wait to welcome the first customers onboard, and to give them a true taste of Spain as they sail towards it in comfort and style.”