Emeraude Lines was founded in 1904 and ceased operations in November 2005. The ferry company was originally called “”Bateaux de la Cote D’Emeraude”" (BCE). It started its life by carrying freight and passengers along the Brittany coast, stopping at Dinard, St Malo, Dian and Cap Frehel.The first car ferry service was between St Malo and Dinard, however this ceased in 1966 when a road was opened linking St Malo with Dinard.

In 2003, Emeraude Lines became Emeraude Jersey Ferries after the ferry company was bought by the French company Sogestran. However two years later, the ferry company ceased ferry operations between Jersey and Guernsey to St Malo because Sogestran, the parent company were unable to fund the ferry service for the following year 2006.

When Emeraude Lines were in service, they had an excellent reputation for service and departing on time. They offered three ferry crossings a day from Guernsey to St Malo and five times a day from Jersey to St Malo. The ferry crossing took 4 hours, 10 minutes from Guernsey and just two hours, 30 minutes from Jersey.

The Emeraude Lines fleet included HSC Solidor 4 and HSC Solidor 5. The former could carry up to 302 passengers and 32 vehicles while the larger Solidor 5 could accommodate up to 450 passengers and 50 vehicles.

The ferries provide comfortable seating in air-conditioned lounges. There was a café on board selling light snacks and refreshments. For passengers who liked a little more comfort in their journey, Emeraude Lines also offered a first class lounge. Duty free items such as alcohol, tobacco, and perfumes were available for sale on board.

For passengers today wishing to take a ferry between St Malo and the Channel Islands, Condor Ferries operate a regular ferry service on these routes.

Tags: Cap Frehel, Channel Islands, Condor Ferries, Dian, Dinard, Emeraude Lines, Guernsey, St Malo