Brittany Ferries Says Rising ETS Costs Add to Mounting Financial Pressures

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Wednesday July 1, 2026

Brittany Ferries has said that rising costs under the EU ETS are adding to mounting financial pressures, as the ferry operator reshapes its fleet and network to adapt to a more challenging business environment.

The company expects to pay around €27 million under the EU ETS in 2026, despite investing heavily in LNG and hybrid ships, it said in a statement on its website on Tuesday.

Brittany Ferries said the ETS bill comes on top of repayments on Covid-era rescue loans, higher taxes, cost-of-living pressures that are affecting passenger demand, and increased competition on cross-Channel routes.

The operator said it has introduced five new vessels over the past five years, including two delivered in 2025, as part of efforts to modernise its fleet and reduce emissions.

However, it argued that the ETS does not sufficiently recognise those investments, leaving the company facing a significant carbon cost despite operating what it described as one of the cleanest ferry fleets on the Channel.

“Despite this, the company faces a bill of some €27 million in 2026, with no allowance for the industry-leading investment already made,” the firm said.

The company also warned that the financial burden could increase further with the UK ETS entering into force for domestic shipping from July 1.

As part of a broader restructuring, Brittany Ferries will sell the 1992-built Barfleur following the closure of its Poole-Cherbourg route in November, while the 2007-built Cotentin will also be sold.

Ship & Bunker News Team
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