Brittany Ferries

Founded in 1972 by proud Breton Alexis Gourvennec and a group of fellow Breton farmers wanting to export their cauliflowers and artichokes to the UK, Brittany Ferries is now the leading maritime carrier on the western and central Channel. The company, originally known as Armement Bretagne-Angleterre-Irelande, or B.A.I. for short, was officially born on a bleak New Year's Day in 1973, with French, British and Breton flags flying and a choir singing carols. With Britain's entry into the Common Market in 1973, Gourvennec saw his chance to end the geographical isolation of Brittany.

Realising the quickest route to this new market would be across the western Channel to Plymouth, he contacted several large shipping companies to see if they would be interested in operating the route. These efforts were to no avail so he and his fellow farmers purchased their own freighter and named it 'Kerisnel', after a small Breton village famous for its cauliflowers. The Breton farming groups who founded the company remain its main shareholders to this day.

Brittany Ferries is committed to sustainability, implementing measures to reduce its environmental footprint. The company invests in cleaner, more efficient vessels, including LNG-powered ships like Salamanca, Santona, Saint-Malo, and Guillaume de Normandie, which emit significantly less CO₂ and sulfur. It employs advanced hull designs and propulsion systems to improve fuel efficiency. Shore power connections allow ships to turn off engines in port, reducing emissions. Single-use plastics are minimised onboard, and waste management programs ensure responsible disposal. The company also supports carbon offset initiatives and explores alternative fuels like biofuels. These efforts reflect Brittany Ferries’ dedication to sustainable maritime transport and environmental stewardship.