On 6 January 2021, Salamanca's launch ceremony took place at the CMJL shipyard in Weihai, China, where it is under construction. She is the second of the three ships of the E-Flexer class ordered by Brittany Ferries and will join the Galicia sister-ship when it enters service in the spring of 2022.

“In spite of Brexit and Covid which have cost our company several hundred million euros already, I am resolved to remain on our path towards eco-responsibility and energy transition,” commented Jean-Marc Roué, president Brittany Ferries.

One of the pillars of Brittany Ferries' five-year recovery plan is fleet renewal.

Long before the pandemic began, investments in new ships were made, but a trio of cleaner, more efficient and comfortable vessels will help secure the future of the company, ensuring the continuity of passenger and freight services.

In December 2020, Galicia entered service. Salamanca will join her in 2022, followed by Santoña in 2023.

Salamanca and Santoña will both be powered by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) and serve the long-distance routes of the company linking the United Kingdom with Spain.

A significant reduction in air quality and greenhouse gas emissions is promised by every E-Flexer vessel. They are also smoother, quieter and, to the benefit of passengers, profit from less vibration with better sea handling.

Repsol in Spain will supply the facilities for storing LNG. Under the terms of the agreement, in order to ensure uninterrupted supply for Salamanca and Santoña, the fuel company will construct two quay-side LNG bunkering terminals in the ports of Santander and Bilbao, including a 1,000 m3 storage tank.

Aside from fuel, with the environment and efficiency in mind, all E-Flexer vessels have been designed.

Maritime Business World