Ferry Company Files Lawsuit Against Rival Over 'Excessive Subsidies'

Brittany Ferries Launches €145m Legal Challenge Over Rival’s State Subsidies

Brittany Ferries has initiated legal proceedings against DFDS, alleging that years of government subsidies granted to the Danish shipping group have distorted competition on cross-Channel routes, causing financial harm estimated at £125 million (€145 million).

The French operator claims that public subsidies supporting DFDS’s Newhaven–Dieppe route have diverted freight and passenger traffic from its own services between Portsmouth and several French ports since 2013. Legal action has been filed with the Commercial Court in Brest, Brittany Ferries confirmed.

Chief Executive Christophe Mathieu described the subsidies as a "significant market distortion," arguing that artificially lowered operating costs at Newhaven have drawn business away from rival routes. “Hauliers and passengers are turning to low-cost Newhaven because of this significant market distortion,” he said.

The financial aid in question is provided by Syndicat Mixte Transmanche, a regional transport consortium in Normandy. Brittany Ferries contends that these subsidies not only impact its bottom line, but also undermine investment and job creation in the regions it serves—particularly around its UK base in Portsmouth.

“This is not just about financial loss,” said Mr. Mathieu. “It’s about protecting the integrity of the market and ensuring a level playing field. These subsidies also ease the burden of decarbonisation—a cost we and others must shoulder alone.”

DFDS declined to comment directly on the claims, citing ongoing legal proceedings. “In light of the ongoing legal proceedings, DFDS will revert before the court and will not for now comment in public,” a spokesperson said.

In addition to the civil lawsuit, Brittany Ferries has submitted a formal complaint to the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition, signalling a potential escalation of the dispute to the EU level.

A court hearing is scheduled for 6 June in Brest.