Guillaumedenormandie

Brittany Ferries has secured the early purchase of the "Saint-Malo" and "Guillaume de Normandie," previously chartered from Stena RoRo by the Brittany and Normandy regions. This transfer of ownership eased the financial burden as the shipping company now has to contend with the carbon tax and finish repaying its state-guaranteed loan from the COVID-19 period. The original four-year charter agreement with an option to purchase the vessels, concluded with the Swedish company Stena RoRo for the two hybrid ships ended earlier than expected. The two joint ventures Sabenem and Somanor, respectively dependent on the Brittany and Normandy regions, voted for the early purchase of the ships.

The 'Guillaume de Normandie' suffered major engine issues and limped across the English Channel en route from Ouistreham at a speed of 10-11 knots on the night of Oct 23, 2025. The ferry only arrived in Portsmouth on Oct 24 at 1 a.m., being towed to the berth 4. The damage looked like a serious issue and started with a bang, according to witnesses.

On May 12, 2025, the captain of the 'Guillaume de Normandie', which operates the Ouistreham-Portsmouth route, reported that one of his passengers was suffering from health problems, while the ship was in the Baie de Seine. The maritime medical consultation center then informed the CROSS Jobourg which established a conference call with the Maritime Medical Center and the Maritime Medical Coordination Emergency Medical Service in Le Havre. A medical evacuation by helicopter was recommended. The CROSS Jobourg deployed the Dragon 76 helicopter, a civil security helicopter based in Le Havre, with a medical team on board from the Mobile Emergency and Resuscitation Service (SMUR) of the Le Havre Hospital Center. The resources of the Sdis 76 were also deployed by the CROSS. Once on site, the Dragon 76 helicopter hoisted the patient and transpored hm to the University Hospital of Caen.