Ferry operator Stena Line is adding an additional vessel between Ireland and France next year to boost its level of service post-Brexit.
The new freight only vessel will run between Rosslare and Cherbourg from 4th January, doubling the number of weekly sailings on that route from three to six as well as doubling the freight capacity. The development means that next year there will be up to 15 direct each way services between Rosslare and continental Europe every week.
The new craft, the Stena Foreteller, will offer an additional 3,000 lane metres of freight capacity per trip and can accommodate both accompanied and unaccompanied traffic. It will also have on board facilities for up to 12 drivers.
"We warmly welcome Stena Line's decision to double its Rosslare to Cherbourg services from the beginning of 2021," said Rosslare Europort General Manager Glenn Carr. "It reflects the strength of the partnership between Rosslare Europort and Stena Line in providing shipping solutions to Irish industry."
"We have been listening carefully to feedback from our customers and it has become clear that there is demand for increased frequency on the Rosslare-Cherbourg service, the shortest direct crossing between Ireland and France," said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line.
It follows the recent announcement by DFDS of a new six-times-weekly each way direct service between Rosslare and Dunkirk.