Brittany Ferries considers running ferry service to Portugal from UK

Tourists may soon be able to sail from Portsmouth to Portugal as, according to the Portsmouth News, Brittany Ferries looks to capitalise on the country’s green light travel status – although Portugal won’t allow visitors from the UK until at least May 30.

The company is reportedly exploring the possibility of launching a service to Porto from Portsmouth or Plymouth. It already runs services to France and Spain from Portsmouth – but these have been temporarily halted.

Portugal is one of 12 green list countries which the UK currently considers safer. Travellers do not need to isolate on their return.

Brittany Ferries has not made an official statement but a source said the company was keen to start services, using either the Pont-Aven or Cap Finistere.

Seemingly Portsmouth and Plymouth are being considered, however a lot of work needs to be done to get the services operational.

“We are seriously looking into running a UK-Porto route by the end of this month to tap into Portugal’s status as a green traffic light country,” a source told the Portsmouth News.

“We would happily support Brittany Ferries as we are in great position to welcome passengers,” Mike Sellers, Portsmouth International Port’s director, told the paper.

“We were the first port to have our health protocols verified and install a thermal camera, and are concentrating our efforts on creating a safe and pleasant environment for when holidays can return.”

But, according to The Sun, it is likely that the ferry would operate from Plymouth. The paper also says foot passengers would be missed off, as it would be for vehicle drivers only.

Company insiders say the sailings would have to start this month to make it viable and catch enough summer holiday traffic. Plymouth is also seen as the most likely option for the route by Business Live. Either way, it would be the first time the company has sailed to Portugal.