On Tuesday 20 May 2025, the first train dedicated to carrying semi-trailers left the French port of Cherbourg, located on the English Channel, bound for Bayonne. From early June to early July, there will be three weekly departures scheduled from the Normandy city, with frequency increasing to five as the service reaches full operational capacity. The train, still labelled as “experimental” by its promoters Brittany Ferries, Ports de Normandie and SNCF Réseau, transported eight freight-loaded semi-trailers during this inaugural phase, with the goal of reaching a capacity of 44 units by 2026.
The operational plan foresees a gradual increase in frequency. Until 1 June, only one round trip per week will be operated (arrival in Cherbourg at 11:10 am on Tuesday and departure at 7:15 pm). From that date until early July, there will be three weekly departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays and during the weekend. Starting in July, additional rotations on Wednesdays and Fridays will be introduced, with Mondays added from September. Urban-level crossings will be closed to road traffic for only three to five minutes per passage.
The direct rail link between Cherbourg-en-Cotentin and the Mouguerre European Freight Centre, near Bayonne, is among the most advanced intermodal projects within France’s Atlantic corridor. Contrary to initial plans, there will be no intermediate stop in Nantes. However, the project has had a long and complex development.
It was first announced by Brittany Ferries in February 2020, with operations initially scheduled to begin in April 2021, but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A turning point came on 21 April 2022 with the agreement between Brittany Ferries and SNCF Réseau to guarantee circulation for the first five years of operation. Another delay was set for September 2024, and only one trial train was operated on 10 December 2024 to confirm the correct functioning of the rail infrastructure between the Cherbourg station and port. This led to the actual launch on 20 May.
Total investment exceeds thirty million euros. Ports de Normandie allocated thirteen million euros to the Cherbourg terminal, supported by the Normandy Region (1.7 million), the Manche Department (850,000 euros), and the Cotentin Agglomeration Community (285,000 euros). Brittany Ferries financed the construction of the Mouguerre terminal and the purchase of specialised rail wagons.
The rail line, stretching between 970 and 1,000 kilometres, is equipped with Lohr (Modalohr) technology, which enables horizontal transshipment of semi-trailers, including non-craneable units. In February 2023, Brittany Ferries ordered 47 Lohr wagons, capable of forming trains up to 750 metres long with a maximum capacity of 42 semi-trailers.
Brittany Ferries estimates that each semi-trailer transported by train between Cherbourg and Bayonne avoids the emission of one tonne of CO2 compared to road transport. At full capacity, the service is expected to remove around 25,000 heavy vehicles per year from French roads, originating from or bound for the United Kingdom and Ireland. The estimated annual volume ranges between 25,000 and 30,000 trailers, equivalent to the regular “British” traffic handled at Cherbourg, resulting in a reduction of approximately 30,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.
The Cherbourg terminal, built by Ports de Normandie, will be operated by Cherbourg Port under a public service delegation. In Mouguerre, the platform was developed by Brittany Ferries with support from the regional authorities of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Train traction is provided by Captrain, a subsidiary of the SNCF group. A key component of the project was the public consultation process, held from 20 June to 15 July 2022 in accordance with the French Urban Planning Code. Ports de Normandie, SNCF Réseau and Brittany Ferries engaged with local entities such as the Manche Department and the Cotentin Agglomeration.
The main concerns raised during the consultation included the management of the terminal and railway line, the absence of alternative solutions, the environmental impact in Mouguerre and potential noise and vibration nuisances for residents. However, the outcome of the consultation confirmed local support for the terminal and a positive view of the new rail technologies, regarded as less harmful to the environment and quality of life.
