Brittany Ferries Unveils Battery-Hybrid Ship: The Modernized Guillaume de Normandie

Swedish shipping company Stena RoRo has taken delivery of the Guillaume de Normandie, marking the 12th addition to its E-Flexer series of roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) ferries. The vessel, measuring 195 meters in length, is the fifth E-Flexer unit contracted to the French company Brittany Ferries under a long-term charter.

Set to start operations in April 2025 on the Portsmouth–Caen route, the Guillaume de Normandie will replace the aging MS Normandie, which has been in service since 1992.

Equipped with cutting-edge hybrid propulsion technology, this ferry boasts multi-fuel engines and a battery-hybrid system with a capacity of 12 MWh, the largest of its kind in the world. This system allows the ferry to run solely on battery power for port maneuvers, significantly lowering emissions during docking. The ship can charge its batteries at high speeds thanks to an 8 MW shore connection, ensuring a carbon-free port stay. On battery alone, it can reach speeds of up to 18 knots and is designed to accommodate future upgrades to enhance its eco-friendly operations.

The capacity of the Guillaume de Normandie includes 1,310 passengers and 2,410 lanemeters for wheeled cargo, which comprises 176 lanemeters designated for personal vehicles. Its design provides flexibility and a larger capacity compared to conventional RoPax ferries.

This new vessel is part of Brittany Ferries’ fleet modernization initiative that began with the introduction of the MS Galicia in 2020, followed by Salamanca (2021), Santona (2022), and Saint-Malo (2024). All five vessels have been delivered by Stena RoRo, contributing to the series’ total of 15 confirmed orders from CMI Jinling in Weihai, China. With 12 vessels completed so far, three more are on the way along with two additional New Max RoRo vessels currently being constructed.

The launch of the Guillaume de Normandie illustrates Stena RoRo’s and the shipowner’s commitment to sustainable maritime solutions, showcasing innovative technology to reduce the environmental impact of ferry operations.

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