The cutting of the first metal sheet was done at the FSG (Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft) shipyard in Germany.

This ceremony is the first step in the construction of the Honfleur, a ship that will be built in just over a year. The metal sheet cut today will be part of the 42,400 tons of the vessel propelled to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and will make its first crossing between Caen and Portsmouth in June 2019.

"It's a very emotional day for all of Brittany Ferries' staff" said Christophe Mathieu, Chairman of the Management Board, on Yachting Art Magazine. "In just over a year, this unit will come out of the yard ready to carry passengers in optimal comfort conditions and a contemporary and elegant decor. It will be the most environmentally friendly ship operating on the English Channel. This ceremony is a projection of what will be in the future the ferry journey respectful of sustainable development. A near future for millions of travelers and freight customers".

On this occasion, Brittany Ferries launches a website dedicated to its construction www.destinationhonfleur.com. It contains regularly updated information: interviews, videos and a superb high definition photo gallery about the Honfleur ship and the destinations it will serve.

The cutting of the first metal sheet is a new step in the process started several months ago. The Honfleur was, at first, conceived virtually. All the steps have been carefully studied and planned, and so are each of the many operations required for the construction of such a unit. Shipbuilding in the 21st century is above all synonymous with C.A.O. (Computer Aided Design) and mastery of complexity and logistics!

The first LNG-powered ship to be operated in the Channel

The Honfleur will carry up to 1680 passengers, 550 cars and 64 trailers. It will have 261 cabins, two cinemas, restaurants, bars, shops and spacious passenger areas.

The WIFI will be available on the entire ship. Combining technology, discovery and lifestyle, it will offer its travelers a unique experience of traveling by sea.

The Honfleur will be the first ship operated in the Channel to be powered by LNG.

During combustion, it will emit less carbon dioxide than diesel. It will also eliminate sulfur emissions and significantly reduce nitrogen oxide and fine particulate emissions. The combustion of LNG does not emit soot. In addition, the dual fuel engines associated with electric propulsion are also more efficient and produce less vibration, which ensures a more pleasant crossing for passengers.

Brice Robinson, naval architect for Brittany Ferries, based in Germany with his team for the duration of the construction, oversees this project, his fifth for the Company. "The recipe for making a ship requires quality ingredients, it needs to be optimized at every stage of its preparation, and the experience can be improved every time".

Key dates:
Cutting of the first sheet: March 2018
Keel laying: August 2018
Launch: December 2018
Sea trials: March 2019
Delivery / christening: May 2019
Commissioned: June 2019