#EnterEpsilon – Irish Ferries chartered ro-pax ferry Cartour Epsilon completed her commercial maiden voyage this morning, sailing between Holyhead and Dublin Port, writes Jehan Ashmore.

As previously reported, the delays of the Italian flagged ferry on entering Irish Sea service were due to 'operational reasons'.

Epsilon built in 2011, the 500 passenger and crew ferry brings an increase in capacity to cater for the seasonal boost in traffic as thousands of passengers return home for Christmas.

The 26,375 tonnes ro-pax offers two sailings in each direction each day, increasing to a maximum of 12 sailings daily, though currently high-speed craft sailings operated by Jonathan Swift are cancelled today due to the adverse weather conditions.

These Dublin Swift sailings operated by the fast-ferry are also cancelled for tomorrow. Alternative arrangements to transfer Jonathan Swift 'foot' passengers and motorists customers on different ships and information on sailing updates see this link.

Epsilon provides economy-style facilities featuring a bar, cafeteria, self-service restaurant, two and four berth cabins, free wi-fi service and 2,860 lane metres of vehicle deck parking space.

In addition to serving sailings to Wales, the 24-knot Epsilon will also launch a second route based from Dublin Port to Cherbourg on a year-round weekend-only service starting on 18 January 2014