Dorset Ferry Service To Be Scrapped

11 July 2011, 13:38

The Barfleur Ferry between Poole and Cherbourg is to be cancelled because it's not making enough money.

Brittany Ferries has announced its last crossing will be on Monday 3rd October.

The service has been cancelled once before when it was pulled at the beginning of last year. But after a local campaign to get it running again the crossing was re-introduced in February for a trial period.

Brittany Ferries say despite the support, the ferry hasn't made enough money to keep running long term.

Mike Bevens, Group Commercial Passenger Director: “When we announced the return of Barfleur earlier this year, we made it clear that this would be subject to a review during the summer and, whilst support for the service by the local community has been very positive, it has not been enough to deliver the required revenue. Unfortunately, with the current depressed state of the economy, freight carryings have also not grown to the extent we were anticipating which, coupled with the relatively high price of oil, means that the operation of this type of service is unsustainable during the winter months. I know this announcement will disappoint a good many loyal supporters of Barfleur who were hoping for a year round service, but we have a duty to our shareholders, staff and other customers to maintain a profitable operation, hence the need to make this difficult decision.”

“Our plans for next summer on the Poole to Cherbourg route will be determined at the end of September.”