Finnlines is significantly expanding its freight service between Rosslare, Ireland and Zeebrügge, Belgium, by adding a second ro-ro vessel to the route. The expansion will provide customers with increased capacity and more frequent departures between Ireland and mainland Europe.
To meet growing customer demand, Finnlines is strengthening the service with the addition of M/s Lismore, which will join M/s Finnwave on the route in week 22, departing from Zeebrügge on 28th of May. The enhanced schedule will substantially increase freight capacity on the direct connection between Ireland and continental Europe.
Finnlines’ Rosslare–Zeebrügge service has proven highly successful and serves as an important trade link for Irish industry. Through transhipment in Zeebrügge, the service also connects Ireland with Finland, Poland, the UK, Spain and the wider Grimaldi Group network.
M/s Lismore will operate on a charter agreement and complements Finnlines’ existing fleet deployed on the route. The addition of the vessel enables Finnlines to respond quickly to increasing market demand while further strengthening service reliability and schedule flexibility for customers.
“We have seen steadily increasing demand on our Ireland–Belgium service and are pleased to offer our customers greater capacity and flexibility. By adding a second vessel and increasing the frequency, we are further strengthening our service for both the Irish and European markets,” says Umberto Raimo, Deputy Line Manager at Finnlines.
“This development has been made possible through close cooperation with the terminals in Rosslare and Zeebrügge, as well as the support of our customers. The efficiency of our operations will certainly be extended to our third call in each port,” adds Juha Anjala, Traffic Manager at Finnlines.
“The expansion of Finnlines’ Rosslare to Zeebrügge service further strengthens Rosslare Europort’s status as Ireland’s Gateway to Europe, and the strong partnership we enjoy with Finnlines. Continuing investment in the port will ensure we continue to attract new services and operators, for the benefit of supply chains to and from Ireland,” says Glenn Carr, Director, Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Eireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort.
“I am delighted to welcome the expansion of Finnlines’ Rosslare to Zeebrügge service. The introduction of a second vessel reflects the strong and growing demand for direct connections between Rosslare and mainland Europe. We thank Finnlines for their continued trust in Rosslare Europort and are proud to support this important enhancement in both capacity and frequency on a key strategic route,” adds Philip O’Brien, General Manager for Rosslare Europort.
“We’re pleased to be working with Finnlines on this weekend charter, which allows us to maximise the utilisation of M/s Lismore while maintaining our core weekday schedule. It’s a flexible arrangement that benefits both companies and our customers,” says Stewart Hayes, P&O Ferries Fleet Director.
M/s Lismore has a cargo capacity for 4,076 lane metres, while M/s Finnwave offers 4,192 lane metres. Both vessels can carry approximately 260 trailers and accommodate up to 12 drivers.
