#dublinport - Celine, otherwise dubbed the Brexit-Buster following the giant ro-ro ship's christening ceremony almost a year ago in Dublin Port, is to be bolstered with additional sailings linking Ireland directly with mainland Europe.

The operator of Celine, CLdN Ro-Ro SA, based in Luxembourg, which had previously published a fleet development programme, has announced the expansion of its Irish service due to newbuilds entering service.

According to the short-sea operator this week, dedicated vessels were to be deployed to operate on the direct Dublin-Rotterdam trade route. This will offer an increase from three to four sailings in each direction, whilst improving the spread of the sailings and increasing capacity, at a time when Brexit uncertainty is a major feature in clients planning.

Three of the sailings will use Ro-Ro vessels, departing from Rotterdam on a Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and from Dublin Thursday, Saturday and Monday. In addition one Lo-Lo vessel (Afloat adds, the Arx) will sail ex Rotterdam on Saturday and ex Dublin on Tuesday.

The expansion enables customers to maximize equipment turnaround without having to rely on land-bridge solutions going forwards, thus strengthening the direct Irish Continental trade.

The Dublin-Zeebrugge service will for the present time remain to the existing schedule, but the intention of the operator is also to develop this route also, as additional tonnage comes on line.

A spokesperson for CLdN Ro-Ro SA stated: “These further developments are in line CLdN’s long- term strategy, supported by substantial investments in both terminals and fleet, guaranteeing our customers continuity and a solid service on the Irish corridor for many years to come. It also shows the company’s ability to adapt to challenging market conditions, and our customers’ demands, in a very flexible and rapid way.”