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The M/V Cotentin is a freight ferry currently on order by Brittany Ferries from Aker Finnyards in Finland. Delivery is expected in September 2007 when she will replace the MV Coutances. Cotentin is named after the Cotentin Peninsula of France of which Cherbourg is its largest town. Cotentin was also the name of one of the original Truckline vessels to sail between Poole and Cherbourg.

Cotentin will sail under the French flag and be registered in Cherbourg.

When the order for the Cotentin in 2005 was announced it was not made clear which route the vessel would be placed on. The French press released stated that she would be for the Portsmouth-Cherbourg and run to Santander at the weekends route while the English press release simply stated that she would be used in the Cherbourg route and to Spain at the weekend.

An October 2006 article in International Freighting Weekly [1] included comments from a Brittany Ferries executive which suggested that the ship would be placed on the Poole-Cherbourg route and that the timetable currently operated by the Coutances would be amended to give more "social" departure times, specifically changing the 02:00 summer time departure from Cherbourg.

With the current Brittany Ferries Freight timetable showing a two ship service on Poole-Cherbourg after the delivery of the Cotentin ,and no Portsmouth-Cherbourg sailings, it seems, at present, that the ship will be placed on the Poole-Cherbourg route alongside the Barfleur.

• Gross Tonnage: 22,000
• Length: 168m
• Beam: 26.8m
• Vehicle Capacity: 120 freight vehicles.
• Passengers: 160
• Service Speed: 23 knots

• Self-Service Restaurant
• Bar Lounge
• TV Lounge
• 120 Cabins

Cotentin will be unique in the Brittany Ferries fleet in that each driver will have their own cabin. On other ships drivers share a 4-berth cabin.

• Brittany Ferries Freight official site
• Brittany Ferries Enthusiasts - Unofficial Guide to the Western Channel ferry company.