The third E-Flexer of Brittany Ferries will be named “Santoña”

Brittany Ferries has revealed the name of the third ship of the E-Flexer class that will join its fleet and will be chartered with an option to purchase from the giant Stena. It will be called “Santoña” (pronounced "Santonia" in English) and this nods to Cantabria, as it currently operates two commercial routes with the port of Santander that have been consolidating over time. The addition of this ship, built in China, is expected in 2023.

Like its twin “Salamanca,” it will be powered by liquefied natural gas and will be the third to use this type of fuel, which reduces emissions of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Combustion produces no sulfur, virtually no particles, and has 95% less NOx (nitrogen dioxide) than diesel. LNG also reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 28% according to data from an independent report published in April of this year.

Brittany Ferries is investing 550 million euros in renewing its fleet. The first gas-powered ship will be named “Honfleur” and will be operational in 2020. It is under construction in Germany and will cover the Portsmouth-Caen route, while the next two, “Salamanca” and “Santoña,” will be dedicated to the routes between the UK and northern Spain and are expected in 2022 and 2023.

Photo: Brittany Ferries