A fourth freight-ferry DFDS is to be added to the Rosslare Europort-Dunkirk route on 1st April, the direct Ireland-mainland Europe service via France, that avoids the UK had only began just after Brexit, on 2nd January.

The Danish operator DFDS will introduce their freight-ferry Ark Dania (2014/33,333grt). Capacity is for 188 truck units (including 12 driver accompanied units and 176 unaccompanied units/trailers). Sailing time is approximately 23 hours 45 minutes.

Since the UK left the EU, the direct service has been favoured by haulage companies and industry alike, as it avoids the delays, border checks and complicated paperwork that come with using the UK as a land-bridge.

Upon arrival in Dunkirk or Rosslare, the drivers are fully rested and can continue driving immediately to reach many major destinations within the rules for driving limits.

Currently three ferries, (Afloat adds ropax Kerry and also chartered fast-ropax pair Drotten and Visby), offer a cost-efficient alternative for trade between Ireland and continental Europe. The additional capacity by Ark Dania, also gives customers an opportunity to grow their business post Brexit.

Aidan Coffey, Route Director, says: “Ark Dania is an important addition to the route. It’s a very versatile ferry capable of carrying diverse types of cargo. It will also free up capacity on our three other ferries for more driver accompanied freight units”.

“We have strong demand from all sectors of industry looking to use the direct route to North Central Europe, as more and more realise the benefits of using the direct route compared to the UK land-bridge”.

The inaugural sailing earlier this year, Afloat highlights involved another DFDS owned ship, ropax Optima Seaways. Deployment of Ark Dania, will see this much larger freight ferry which is scheduled to make it’s maiden call in Dunkirk on 1st April.