Brittany Ferries has succumbed to the attractions of the low-cost travel market by announcing a new 'no-frills' channel ferry service for 2014.

The new service will operate passenger return crossings five times a week between Portsmouth and Le Havre, with a journey time of under 4 hours.

There will also be a weekend service between Portsmouth and Santander in northern Spain, a route equally used by those seeking to avoid the onward car journey to South West France.

Branded 'Brittany Ferries économie', this new product is designed to appeal to those who wish to travel to France or Spain at a very reasonable fare without the cruise-style experience normally provided by Brittany Ferries.

One way fares for a car plus two this spring will start at just £79 to France and £169 (including reclining seats) to Spain, which is up to 25% cheaper than standard rates.

However, the new service is a re-packaging of an existing route operated by DFDS, for the vessel to be used will be on charter from Stena Line, currently operated by DFDS as 'Norman Voyager' between Portsmouth and Le Havre. The ship has a capacity of 900 passengers and 280 vehicles.

In a letter to Brittany Club Members, the company stated that "I must emphasise that Brittany Ferries économie will not provide the same high level of service and facilities with which we have become associated but it will offer something altogether simpler and with exceptional value."

Customers have been told they can expect good quality French catering on board (but with a limited choice) served by bilingual French crew.

The cabins will all have en-suite facilities, but without carpets, and there will be a lounge where seats can be reserved on overnight crossings.

Pet owners will be able to make use of 12 'pet-friendly' cabins and there will be two specially equipped cabins for disabled passengers.

Entertainment will be restricted to a movie lounge.

Matt Davies, Managing Director of the leading on-line ferry ticket agency Direct Ferries says, “Brittany Ferries have always offered a great service across the Channel and this new product will now broaden the range of their offer for those whose choice is primarily price driven."