French owner Brittany Ferries has revealed its new $223m LNG-fueled ro-pax has been delayed at Germany's Flensburger (FSG) shipyard.
It was responding to media reports citing "financial setbacks" at the yard, according to a statement.
Brittany said FSG has made clear that these setbacks are a consequence of financial penalties imposed for late delivery of Irish Ferries' newest vessel, WB Yeats.
"Regrettably, it is now clear that Brittany Ferries' Honfleur will not be delivered in time for the 2019 summer season, as scheduled. Everyone is disappointed by this news," it added.
The company is awaiting a "concrete proposal" from FSG to "secure the contract" to deliver the 42,000-gt Honfleur.
"The company hopes this will come in the very near future and will communicate in more detail at that time," it said.
Passengers who have booked travel on Honfleur from 9 July will automatically be transferred to a sistership.
The vessel was ordered in 2016 and was reported in 2017 to be due to enter service in June this year.
