Brittany Ferries has reassured customers about its long term viability, saying it is working to secure a ‘significant’ loan guarantee from the French government, alongside French banks.
CEO Christophe Mathieu said: "It’s quite a time consuming process, and by no means easy, but things are progressing well. I fully expect this to carry us through a difficult period and onto brighter times ahead.
"As with any loan, it will have to be repaid, but we will be able to do this in the years to come thanks to the support of all our loyal customers and the attractiveness of the destinations we serve."
He said as a ‘statement of intent’, he hoped to be able to share with customers, next week, a firm date in July when 2021 sailings will be on sale.
This will be good news to the many customers who have opted to accept the company’s Enhanced Flexibility limited offer, which allows customers to re-book cancelled sailings.
Mathieu said the offer has been popular and it was taking ‘some time’ to process.
He also warned customers who have opted for a refund that it might take up to 45 days.
The ferry operator has cancelled all sailings until June 15.
"The ongoing restrictions on non-essential travel, coupled with WHO social distancing guidelines, continue to prevent us from operating. We’re ever closer to a return though and we will be in touch with you if you are affected by the cancellations," he said.
Mathieu also outlined some of the measures being taken to protect passengers, including the requirement to wear masks in all public areas of ships and ports.
"One challenge we’re really struggling with is the carriage of foot passengers and cyclists," he explained.
"Negotiating ports, particularly during embarkation and disembarkation, is a key obstacle. Our investigations into potential solutions continue."
