On the southern corridor, Irish Ferries has warned its freight customers of a potential new surcharge in 2027 on the route linking Rosslare–Pembroke Dock, Wales.
The possible development across follows proposals by Rosslare Europort (operated by Irish Rail/Iarnród Éireann) to substantially increase freight-related port charges at the Wexford Harbour.
The ferry firm issued a notice to customers on 21 October to confirm that negotiations are continuing with the port authority over the proposed increases.
Such surcharges could add approximately €13 per unaccompanied freight unit and €5 for those freight units accompanied by drivers.
Irish Ferries says it is challenging the scale of the increases and is engaging with Irish Rail, the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), and other stakeholders in efforts to secure a more proportionate outcome on the only route the company use through the southeastern port.
However, the ferry operator (which competes with Stena Line serving Fishguard) has made it clear that significant increases in port operating costs cannot be absorbed indefinitely. As such, costs incurred will ultimately have to be recovered through increased freight rates.
Irish Ferries has also confirmed its intention to introduce a separately identified freight charge on invoices, to be known as the Southern Corridor Ports Surcharge. For more HGV Ireland reports on the story.
In the meantime the southern corridor is currently maintained solely by the ropax Stena Nordica, as Irish Ferries cruise the ferry Isle of Innisfree, Afloat, tracked to a dry-dock at Dunkirk, northern France.
According to the Irish Ferries website, passengers are advised that their sailings will now be on the Stena Line sailing to/from Fishguard instead of your pre-booked crossing on Isle of Innisfree.
