Brittany Ferries announced that its vessel, M/V Cotentin will operate a second return trip to Spain with effect from 19 March, 2013.

As well as her long established French weekend by-pass service from Poole to Santander, she will also operate a midweek service from Poole to Bilbao.  Additionally, she will also be used to augment the Poole/Cherbourg service to operate at times of peak freight demand, alongside the Barfleur.

The new route of Poole/Bilbao will see a mid-morning departure on a Tuesday from Poole, a mid- afternoon call in Bilbao on Wednesday with an arrival back in Poole early evening on the Thursday.  The M/V Cotentin has en suite cabins which are allocated on a one per truck basis and the purpose-designed transit times fully comply with the drivers’ 24 hour weekly rest period.

Jon Clarke, Group Freight Director, said “This long-awaited announcement puts an end to much speculation about the use of our purpose built freight-only vessel Cotentin when the Barfleur returns to the fold and operates her traditional route of Poole to Cherbourg.  These developments coincide with the introduction of Ecotax in France from July and have been enthusiastically welcomed by our existing customers who appreciate the true value of our offer.”

For further information please call 0871 244 0411 or www.brittanyferries.co.uk.