#FerryNews - An alternative livestock export vessel is to replace a Stena Line ferry and is due to be inspected by officials this week.

According to the Independent.ie, the announcement will calm farmer fears that the Stena Horizon's temporary removal would seriously hit vital calf export trade this spring.

Concerns had been raised over the transport of calves in the coming weeks with a large volume from the expanding dairy herd destined for export to Europe.

It comes amid a 'flying' start to the season at the first calf sale of the year at Bandon Co-Op Mart yesterday.

Manager Tom McCarthy described a "very good trade" with farmers and shippers "out of the blocks and raring to go".

Live cattle exports soared 35pc last year to over 196,000 head, while meat exports from the processors hit record levels in 2017 despite uncertainty over Brexit and currency issues.

To read further on this story, click here.

Afloat adds that while the passenger ferry Stena Horizon is temporary away on refit according to the Stena Line website there will be no sailings on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route 20th February – 19th March inclusive.

The last sailing from Rosslare to Cherbourg before refit will be at 16.30 on 17th February.

The first sailing from Rosslare to Cherbourg after refit will be at 21.30 on 20th March.

In addition for the latest 48 hour sailing information updates on the Ireland-France route click HERE.