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DFDS Adds Third Ship On Rosslare Dunkirk Route

31st March 2026
Route Boost — DFDS expands its Rosslare–Dunkirk ferry service with a third vessel, increasing weekly sailings and strengthening freight and passenger links between Ireland and Europe.
Route Boost — DFDS expands its Rosslare–Dunkirk ferry service with a third vessel, increasing weekly sailings and strengthening freight and passenger links between Ireland and Europe

DFDS is to expand capacity on its Rosslare–Dunkirk service with the addition of a third ferry. From mid-September, the route will offer seven weekly round-trips, up from its current number. The new ship will operate alongside Athena Seaways and Victoria Seaways.

The move follows sustained demand for direct freight and passenger links between Ireland and mainland Europe. DFDS said the expanded schedule will provide greater flexibility for hauliers and more travel options for passengers.

Route Director Owen Hides said, “Bringing a third vessel into service will strengthen our offering, providing more capacity, improved schedule choice, and reliability.” The service, launched in 2021, has grown steadily in both freight and passenger volumes.

Rosslare Europort said the expansion reflects the route’s success. Glenn Carr of Iarnród Éireann said, “The expansion to seven services each way weekly underlines the growth of the service and will boost trade and tourism.”

The route allows passengers to travel with vehicles, including cars, caravans and campervans, supporting touring travel across Europe. DFDS said the increased capacity will support demand during the autumn and winter period.

Bookings are now open ahead of the revised schedule.

Published in Rosslare Europort, Ferry
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About Rosslare Europort

2021 sees Rosslare Europort hitting a new record with a total of 36 shipping services a week operating from the port making it one of the premier Irish ports serving the European Continent. Rosslare Europort is a gateway to Europe for the freight and tourist industries. It is strategically located on the sunny south-east coast of Ireland.

Rosslare is within a 90-minute driving radius of major Irish cities; Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Rosslare Europort is a RoRo, RoPax, offshore and bulk port with three RoRo berths with a two-tier linkspan, we also have a dedicated offshore bulk berth.

Exports in Rosslare Europort comprise mainly of fresh products, food, pharmaceuticals, steel, timber and building supplies. While imports are largely in the form of consumer goods such as clothes, furniture, food, trade vehicles, and electronics.

The entire Europort is bar-swept to 7.2 meters, allowing unrestricted access to vessels with draughts up to 6.5 metres. Rosslare Europort offers a comprehensive service including mooring, stevedoring and passenger-car check-in for RoRo shipping lines. It also provides facilities for offshore, dry bulk and general cargo.

The port currently has twice-daily round services to the UK and direct services to the continent each day. Rosslare Europort has a fleet of Tugmasters service, fork-lift trucks, tractors and other handling equipment to cater for non-standard RoRo freight.