The move will boost connectivity ahead of the arrival of its rail-ferry service in 2025. Ferroutage will link Bayonne with Cherbourg by rail, carrying trailers for onward transport by ferry.

The service will leave Cherbourg at 18:20 local time on Monday, arriving Rosslare at 14:00 on Tuesday. It will then depart Rosslare at 18:00 destined for arrival in Cherbourg on Wednesday at 17:00. The return overnight ferry to Portsmouth leaves at 20:00.

“The addition of a third weekly rotation from Cherbourg is great news for hauliers and logistics companies,”

said Christophe Mathieu CEO of Brittany Ferries and Condor Ferries.

“It means even more opportunity for operators to by-pass the UK entirely, cutting down on bureaucracy and delays that can occur the UK border.”

Brittany Ferries has chartered Clipper for around half the week: the other half it will continue to be used by Condor to serve Jersey and Guernsey. Condor has a call back option so the vessel can return to service in the Islands if required which maintains our fleet resilience.

Both companies have worked extensively with stakeholders on both Islands in preparation for schedule and ship changes. Brittany Ferries has also explored potential for ships of its fleet to support the islands, evidenced by the berthing trials in Jersey and Guernsey with Barfleur, which is a Brittany Ferries’ 157m ropax that can carry 900 passengers and 590 cars.

Condor’s Commodore Goodwill has already reverted to her historic schedule, offering early morning and late afternoon arrivals to support the food and medical supply chain.