By Brittany Ferries cancels services from Portsmouth amid Coronavirus pandemic
Brittany Ferries has cancelled a number of its services from Plymouth and Portsmouth in response to the “global coronavirus pandemic”.
Sailings to France and Spain on the cruise-ferry Pont-Aven have been cancelled until April. Services between Portsmouth and Le Havre, and Plymouth to Santander, will also stop temporarily.
In a statement issued by the company, they said the virus had forced it to “consolidate” its services while responding to “government advice”:
“Brittany Ferries has outlined a series of changes to its schedules, in response to the on-going Coronavirus crisis.
On 12 March, the French government announced a series of measures to protect its citizens. As a company employing all-French crew, Brittany Ferries must now also respond quickly. It must prepare for the possibility that many crew may not be available to work, either through self-isolation or because they are caring for family members at home.
In addition the Spanish government has announced a state of alert, applicable from Saturday 14 March. This follows a significant increase in Coronavirus cases and advice from the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office guidance advising citizens to avoid travel to certain regions of Spain.
The changes to our schedules are therefore designed to ensure sufficient crew are available to operate as many services as possible, while responding to the dynamic political situation in Spain. And of course making sure we take all measures necessary to protect our passengers and crew at this difficult time.”
The Pont-Aven is Brittany Ferries’ largest vessel, carrying up to 2,400 passengers and 650 cars.
At present, ferries between Plymouth and Roscoff, and Portsmouth and Santander, which are not using the Pont-Aven remain unaffected.
A number of routes between Ireland, France and Spain are also cancelled.
Brittany Ferries said: “The measures we have taken are designed to ensure sufficient crew are available to operate as many services as possible, while responding to government advice for travellers visiting Ireland and Spain.”
It said it would be in contact with passengers affected by the changes.
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