The Rosslare-Zeebrugge route was established last summer when Finnlines put its MS Finnwave ship to work for freight customers and the company has announced that it's adding a second roll on-roll off vessel to the service.

According to the port and the shipping company, the expansion is being put in place to meet the "increased capacity and frequency demand from customers".

The MS Finnpulp will join the route from February 23rd and the company's two ships will make three return journeys between them, between Rosslare Europort and the Belgian hub each week.

"We are adding an additional departure from both ports on our Ireland–Belgium service," Finnlines line manager Antonio Raimo said. "We have seen increased demand and are pleased to be able to offer additional capacity. By adding a second vessel and expanding our service, we strengthen our product to better serve our Irish and European markets."

Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units with Iarnród Éireann's port authority at Rosslare Europort said the increase in services and the addition of a second vessel will create further frequency and capacity on the Rosslare to Zeebrugge route for the country's exporters and importers.

MS Finnpulp has a capacity for 3,259 lane metres of cargo, equivalent to around 225 trailers.

MS Finnwave has a capacity for 4,192 lane metres, equivalent to around 300 trailers. Both vessels can also accommodate 12 drivers.