Preview: From the Celts to Getting Shanghaied: The Story of RUSADIR, Formerly Brittany Ferries’ HONFLEUR

Brittany Ferries’ highly anticipated new flagship, Honfleur, was set to revolutionize the company’s fleet and become a significant player in the English Channel crossing. However, after several delays and cost overruns, the vessel was ultimately cancelled, leaving a void in the company’s plans. Enter Baleària’s Rusadir, a chartered vessel from Morocco that has stepped in to fill the gap left by Honfleur’s absence. In this special feature, we’ll explore the unique features of Rusadir and what it means for Brittany Ferries and the English Channel crossing.


In June 2017, Brittany Ferries announced the replacement of NORMANDIE with a new vessel called HONFLEUR, which would accommodate 1,680 passengers and 2,600 lane meters of vehicle traffic. The vessel was supposed to be built at the FSG yard in Flensburg, which was constructing Irish Ferries’ WB YEATS. However, the construction of the vessel was delayed, and the yard went bankrupt due to penalties incurred for the late delivery of Irish Ferries’ WB YEATS. Therefore, Brittany Ferries terminated the contract in June 2020. The partially constructed HONFLEUR was completed at the Fosen yard in Norway and later renamed Rusadir. Baleària acquired the vessel and added its logo and livery to it. The design of Rusadir includes two main, drive-through vehicle decks, with a full-width mezzanine on the upper level. With a lack of LNG infrastructure in its intended ports, Rusadir has a bespoke fuelling system with a crane, tanks, and LNG container storage located at the aft end. The passenger facilities of Rusadir include reclining seat lounges, promenades, cinemas, a prayer room, a reception desk, a family lounge area, outdoor deck areas, and a self-service restaurant, among others.


In conclusion, the cancelled Honfleur may have been a disappointment for Brittany Ferries, but it has opened up a new opportunity for Baleària’s Rusadir. With its impressive features and accommodations, the Rusadir is poised to become a new favorite for European travelers. The cancellation of Honfleur may have been a setback, but it has paved the way for a new and exciting era for the ferry industry. As always, Brittany Ferries and Baleària are dedicated to providing their passengers with the best possible experience, and the Rusadir is just one example of their commitment to excellence. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for these two companies and their passengers.