Finnlines is expanding its Rosslare Europort to Zeebrügge freight service with the addition of a second ro-ro vessel from the end of May.
The move will increase sailing frequency and freight capacity on the direct Ireland–Belgium route as demand for mainland European connections continues to grow.
The chartered vessel, M/s Lismore, will join M/s Finnwave on the service in week 22, departing Zeebrügge on May 28. The expansion gives Finnlines three weekly departures in each direction between Rosslare and Belgium.
The route has become an increasingly important direct trade corridor between Ireland and continental Europe since Brexit, linking Irish exporters and importers to wider European supply chains.
Finnlines says the service also provides onward connections through Zeebrügge to Finland, Poland, Spain, the UK and the wider Grimaldi Group network.
“We have seen steadily increasing demand on our Ireland–Belgium service and are pleased to offer our customers greater capacity and flexibility,” said Umberto Raimo, Deputy Line Manager at Finnlines.
“By adding a second vessel and increasing the frequency, we are further strengthening our service for both the Irish and European markets,” he added.
Juha Anjala, Traffic Manager at Finnlines, said the additional vessel would strengthen operational flexibility and reliability.
“This development has been made possible through close cooperation with the terminals in Rosslare and Zeebrügge, as well as the support of our customers,” he said.
Rosslare Europort said the additional sailings reinforce the port’s growing role as a European freight gateway.
“The expansion of Finnlines’s Rosslare to Zeebrügge service further strengthens Rosslare Europort’s status as Ireland’s Gateway to Europe,” said Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort.
Philip O’Brien, General Manager of Rosslare Europort, said the addition of a second vessel reflected strong demand for direct continental connections.
“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,” he said.
P&O Ferries Fleet Director Stewart Hayes said the arrangement would help maximise utilisation of M/s Lismore while maintaining existing weekday schedules.
M/s Lismore offers 4,076 lane metres of cargo capacity, while M/s Finnwave provides 4,192 lane metres. Both vessels can carry around 260 trailers and accommodate up to 12 drivers.
Schedule
Zeebrügge to Rosslare
Tuesday 23:30 – Thursday 04:30
Thursday 20:30 – Saturday 04:30
Saturday 15:00 – Sunday 20:00
Rosslare to Zeebrügge
Monday 03:00 – Tuesday 11:30
Thursday 22:00 – Saturday 06:00
Saturday 14:00 – Sunday 23:59
