Brittany Ferries to undertake berthing trial of 157-metre-long vessel at Jersey Harbour

Brittany Ferries says the trial is part of its own business continuity plans. Credit: PA

Ports of Jersey has announced that Brittany Ferries will undertake a berthing trial of one of its ferries at the island's main harbour.

The vessel, called Barfleur, is 157 metres long - making it larger than the Condor Islander, the Commodore Goodwill and the Commodore Clipper.

Brittany Ferries is a shareholder in Condor and the trial will start after the Condor Islander departs Jersey for Portsmouth at around 8am on Tuesday morning (26 March).

The Barfleur will be supported by two tugs to ensure it arrives safely into the harbour.

Ports of Jersey says the trial is part of Brittany Ferries's own business continuity plans.

Brittany Ferries added: "We are a heavyweight player in the ferry sector, equipped with a diverse fleet and experienced management team.

"The trial with Barfleur is part of our ongoing work to support Condor and to bring greater resilience to island ferry services in the long-term."

A similar trial is due to take place in Guernsey but no date has yet been set, the island's port authority confirmed.

In December a 163-metre-long freight vessel, the Finlandia Seaways, successfully completed berthing trials as part of "contingency plans" to safeguard the supply chain.