A vessel which forms part of the Brittany Ferries’ fleet has become the largest ferry to ever enter Poole Harbour.

MV Connemara has taken over the daily cross channel service from the Barfleur while she is in Santander for her winter refit.

MV Connemara.

The 27,000 tonne ferry will be covering the Poole to Cherbourg route from now until the New Year.

Following maritime tradition, and to commemorate the inaugural visit, Harbour Master Captain Brian Murphy exchanged official plaques with the vessel’s Captain, Françios Le Breton, on the ship’s bridge.

Captain Murphy said: “It’s always a pleasure to formally welcome any ship to the Port of Poole and today it was the MV Connemara.

“The exchange of plaques and nautical chat with Commandant Le Breton made for an excellent start to the day. Such a gentleman.”

Although this is the first time the ship has called at the port as the MV Connemara, the 187 metre vessel, which can carry 800 passengers and has capacity for 200 cars, is no stranger to Poole Harbour.

She last called five years ago but under a different name and ownership.

Poole Harbour is Europe’s largest natural harbour and under the jurisdiction of Poole Harbour Commissioners.

It is a trust port with no shareholders or owners.

Any surplus is ploughed back into the harbour and port operations for the benefit of the stakeholders of the trust.