RoRo Freight Ferry Charter Fills a Gap in the Market

UK – SPAIN – Suiting a charter vessel to a particular task is never easy, particularly in the RoRo freight ferry sector, so it is easy to understand the delight of French based Brittany Ferries in securing the services of the Pelican, a pure RoRo craft with the capacity of around one hundred unaccompanied trailers and twelve drivers, to serve on the Poole and Bilbao route starting with almost immediate effect.

The Pelican is a 1999 built, 155 metre vessel with a top speed of 20 knots and has been chartered from Maritime Nantaise to undertake two trips per week. The ship was hitherto on long term charter to the French Ministry of Defence and the one year charter, which includes crew, gives Brittany the option to extend the end date.

Brittany Ferries reported saw a 20% increase in freight traffic across all the routes which the company serves and is hoping the extra capacity the new vessel offers will attract more freight to the Dorset port. Simon Wagstaff, Brittany Ferries’ Freight Director commented:

“Freight activity to and from the United Kingdom is undergoing a period of strong growth, particularly the unaccompanied market. We see this on a daily basis in the garages of our vessels, especially on those operating to and from Spain. Our charter of Pelican will help us meet growing demand from freight customers and free up more garage space on other ships.

“There is a very limited charter market for this type of vessel and we were delighted to find a cost-effective vessel on the French International Register. This will allow us to operate effectively, but also to balance the books in this important area of our activity.”

Photo: The view looking across the deck of the Pelican.