Silence, reliability, and performance: Vedettes de Bréhat Choose MAN Engines with Nanni

Let’s head to the tip of Arcouest, facing the island of Bréhat. This is where our story begins, alongside Christophe, Chief Mechanic of Vedettes de Bréhat, and Jérôme Ordoqui, Sales Representative for France & Export at Nanni. A story of the sea, mechanics, and strategic choices for sustainable and efficient maritime transport.

Bréhat: A Breton gem and a technical challenge

Vedettes de Bréhat operates year-round ferry crossings to the island, along with scenic cruises around the archipelago and trips to the offshore wind farm from various ports. Each year, 380,000 passengers rely on the reliability and comfort of these shuttles to enjoy an unforgettable experience.

But modernizing a fleet in such a demanding environment as Brittany’s northern coast means tackling several challenges at once: shallow draft constraints, answer a need for precise docking in low-depth areas, minimizing noise for both wildlife and passengers, optimizing fuel consumption, and complying with environmental regulations.

A thoughtful choice: MAN + Nanni + Méca Diesel

To equip its two new vessels, Vedettes de Bréhat worked with a naval engineering firm, the Piriou shipyard, and Méca Diesel, authorized MAN engine distributor for Brittany. A perfect alignment of maritime professionals working together to find the best solution.

Jérôme Ordoqui, Sales Representative at Nanni, explains:

“MAN’s SCR after-treatment system offers a compact and lightweight engine, ideal for shallow-draft passenger boats that must navigate close to rocky areas.”

The company selected the latest-generation MAN V8 and V12 engines, meeting the performance, comfort, and environmental standards of Vedettes de Bréhat.

“Engines are so quiet, you can’t hear them start”

One of the most surprising pieces of feedback from the crew was:

“We asked ourselves several times whether the engines were actually running, there was neither noise nor vibration,” says Christophe.

This remarkable silence is thanks to wet exhaust systems, which inject seawater at the engine’s outlet to reduce noise. Combined with the SCR system, the water-cooled exhausts further enhance onboard comfort, while meeting sustainable navigation standards.

Efficiency and technology in the name of performance

Beyond comfort, the Vedettes de Bréhat team observed a significant reduction in fuel consumption. Thanks to MAN’s electronically controlled injection system, fuel is delivered with precision, just the right amount at the right moment:

“No excess injection, no smoke. Just pure performance,” Christophe adds.

An economic and ecological advantage that supports a long-term vision.

Fast and local after-sales service

The partnership goes far beyond installation. With Méca Diesel and support from Nanni, Vedettes de Bréhat benefit from a fast, local, and skilled after-sales service.

“Whether it’s for routine maintenance or small issues, the team responds quickly. That’s reassuring for our captains and crucial for our operations,” Christophe emphasizes.

Expertise that extends beyond Bréhat

This collaborative model, combining a shipyard, a local operator, an engine manufacturer, and a regional distributor, is now being replicated in the Gulf of Morbihan, Brest, and even Corsica, where Nanni equips many passenger vessels.

Want to experience Bréhat differently?

Step aboard a MAN-powered boat equipped by Nanni and rediscover the crossing: silent, smooth, and safe.

From afar, relive Christophe’s experience aboard Vedettes de Bréhat in this exclusive behind-the-scenes feature.