Brittany Ferries will introduce a new ro-pax ferry on its Cherbourg–Rosslare service in March 2027, replacing the freight-oriented NORBAY currently operating under a temporary charter.
The vessel, currently sailing as VIZZAVONA, will be renamed WEXFORD and will operate under the French flag with a French crew. The ship will offer three weekly return sailings between Rosslare and Cherbourg, as well as one Portsmouth–Cherbourg rotation. Tickets are expected to go on sale by the end of October.
With capacity for around 500 passengers, 146 cabins and 2,500 lane metres of freight, WEXFORD is designed to carry both holidaymakers and commercial traffic. Brittany Ferries says the introduction of the ro-pax will increase passenger capacity on the route, where the freight-focused NORBAY has been constrained by limited cabin accommodation.
The new vessel will form part of Brittany Ferries’ five-ship Irish fleet alongside Salamanca, Clipper, Armorique and Pont-Aven. The company will offer up to seven weekly return sailings between Rosslare and Cherbourg, two between Rosslare and Bilbao, and two between Cork and Roscoff.
The move also fulfils a commitment made by Brittany Ferries to replace NORBAY with a suitable ro-pax vessel operating under the French flag.
“The charter of our new ship Wexford is a positive step for the company and for the regions we serve in France and Ireland. We know there is a strong market for holiday traffic, and this ship will better meet the demands of travellers on both sides of the Irish Sea. “We have also shown our commitment to those who crew our ships, and we never forget that it is they who define our success and help shape our future.” Christophe Mathieu, CEO in Brittany Ferries.
Source: Brittany Ferries
