After more than half a century operating routes between France and the UK, Brittany Ferries has stated that it must now restructure and reallocate its resources. The company pointed out that it faces substantial expenditures in 2026, stemming in part from the EU Emissions Trading System, as well as rising tax burdens and the repayment of COVID-19 loans.

The EU ETS was extended to cover the maritime sector on January 1, 2024. The system currently covers 70% of emissions, with measures to eventually reach 100% coverage set to take effect in 2027. Brittany Ferries emphasised that it has already embarked on a major fleet renewal programme, including the introduction of two LNG-electric hybrid ferries in 2025—the Saint-Malo and the Guillaume de Normandie.

The company claims to operate "the greenest fleet" in the English Channel, but simultaneously states that it still faces hefty bills, having received no allowance subsidies for the industry-leading investments it has made in its fleet. Furthermore, the company noted that this situation has arisen even before the UK began implementing a similar emissions trading scheme for vessels operating in its waters—a scheme that launched on July 1.

Brittany Ferries reports that its combined bill for the Emissions Trading System, taxes, and loan repayments in 2026 amounts to approximately £27 million. The company stated that it has repaid half of the pandemic loans it took out when borders were closed during the 2020 pandemic, while noting that "the long tail of the crisis is still with us." The company also cited "unfair competition in the eastern Channel" and concerns among passengers regarding the cost of living.

The company is putting two of its older ferries—Barfleur and Cotentin —up for sale. It stated that from November 1, vessels serving Guernsey, Poole, and Cherbourg will be reassigned to operate more efficient timetables. The Poole to Cherbourg route will be suspended from November. To compensate for the closure of this route, the company will offer a daily service from Portsmouth to Cherbourg.

Citing what it describes as subsidised competition on the Dieppe to Newhaven route, Brittany Ferries stated it is also considering closing the Portsmouth to Le Havre route from October. The company says it has maintained the route for as long as possible, but related legal proceedings remain pending at the EU level in Brussels. The company characterises this as unfair competition and has stated it will be forced to close the route.

The company announced this April that it would not impose fuel surcharges, having reached hedging delivery agreements with suppliers for LNG, marine gas oil, and heavy fuel oil. The company's website lists 13 vessels operating a range of routes between continental Europe, the UK, and Ireland.