France's Charente-Maritime Department has ordered a 40-metre Ro-Pax ferry from Gléhen Shipyard in Brittany for the Fouras–Île d'Aix service, with delivery scheduled for 2028.
The ferry will replace the 1992-built Pierre Loti on the 25-minute crossing between Pointe de la Fumée, on the Fouras peninsula, and Île d'Aix.
The investment in the new ferry is estimated to be around €9.5 million (US$11 million).
The ferry will have a beam of about nine metres and a draught of only 1.5 metres, allowing it to operate in the shallow waters of the Pertuis d'Antioche. It will have a steel hull and an aluminium superstructure.
The vessel will be able to carry up to 400 passengers. One possible mixed-load configuration comprises three vehicles in total, including two trucks of up to 19 tonnes each, and 20 bicycles. Vehicles will be loaded and unloaded via side ramps on both sides.
Gléhen has selected Coprexma as naval architect. Design work began in the summer of 2026, and construction at Douarnenez is due to start before the end of the year. Sea trials and delivery are scheduled for the summer of 2028.
Gléhen previously built the 34.3-metre, 300-passenger Île d'Aix II for the same route in 2011.
Keolis has operated the Fouras–Île d'Aix link since January 1, 2025, under a public service delegation that will run until December 31, 2032.
