By
Laura Hyde |
The number of British people choosing to travel by ferry has increased in 2024, with 23.5 million passenger ferry crossings so far this year, according to industry body Discover Ferries.
The IRN Ferry’s Ferrystat report shows there were more than 12.4 million passenger crossings for business and pleasure from ports around the British Isles in June, July and August 2024. Additionally, 8.2 million UK passengers have visited France by sea so far in 2024, up eight per cent on 2023’s figures.
The Channel Islands have seen the largest increase, with 14 per cent more passengers travelling to Jersey and Guernsey between 14 July and 3 August 2024 compared to same period in 2023. In Scotland, passenger figures in the Clyde and off the coast have risen by an estimated 12 per cent this year compared with June, July and August 2023.
“Beautiful locations such as the Isle of Wight, the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Man – all best reached by ferry – are rising the ranks as must-visit destinations that don’t have the same heat and levels of tourism as Spain and Greece,” said Abby Penlington, director of Discover Ferries. “We have seen growing numbers of visitors to these destinations over the past few years and it is showing no signs of stopping.”
The report credits wildlife sighting opportunities, modern vessels and pet-friendly travel as the main reasons for the increase in passenger numbers.
“Ferry passengers can experience fantastic encounters with nature, but many people are surprised by the number of marine mammals they can see so close to British shores,” said Penlington. “From minke whales and even humpbacks in the waters around the Scottish Hebrides, to the seal colony visible when the ships dock in Calais and the seals and dolphins in the Thames, there are so many opportunities to spot marine life from ferry decks.”
In 2023, Condor Ferries introduced pet cabins on Condor Islander, and due to their popularity, they have since been installed onboard Commodore Clipper. Brittany Ferries has also reported its pet cabins on services to Spain in 2025 sold out soon after their release.
“Activities with pets and nature are climbing the ranks as important parts of people’s holidays and holidaymakers’ interest in conserving the natural world is also extending to how they can minimise their impact on the environment when travelling,” said Penlington. “However, to truly appeal to travellers, sustainability must be combined with an improved experience. Lowering emissions and building a sustainable future for ferry travel continues to be a priority for the industry and operators are investing in new ships, which are not only greener but have best-in-class facilities to offer an even better sailing experience for passengers. New ships coming into service are generating bookings by themselves and introducing new passengers to the joy of ferry travel.”
Ten new ships have launched services in the last three years, including the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company’s Manxman, P&O Ferries’ Pioneer and Liberté, Salamanca and Santoña from Brittany Ferries, Côte D’Opale from DFDS and Stena Embla, one of three E-Flexer class vessels for Stena Line on the Irish Sea. Uber Boat by Thames Clippers has also launched three hybrid electric ferries, which provide travel through central London without emissions.
Brittany Ferries will also add two LNG-electric hybrid ships, Saint Malo and Guillaume de Normandie, to its fleet in early 2025.
Read more: Brittany Ferries: creating a flexible future
Caledonian MacBrayne will add six new dual-fuel vessels to routes in Scotland’s western islands in 2025. In 2026 Isles of Scilly Travel will launch Scillonian IV, a vessel the operator says offers increased comfort with anti-roll fins, a shortened journey time and improved facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.
Red Funnel will launch its electric ferry in 2025 on the Solent, while Wightlink will add a second fully electric ferry to the region in 2026-2027.
Read more: Ferry order book: innovative and sustainable newbuilds for the future