Brittany Ferries, the popular ferry operator, has announced plans to add a third weekly return-sailing between Rosslare and Cherbourg from April 29th. The move is aimed at boosting connectivity ahead of the company's rail-ferry service launch in 2025. The new service will be operated by Condor's ferry, the Commodore Clipper, which has been chartered by Brittany Ferries.
According to reports, the move is expected to significantly boost hauliers and logistics companies. It will give them more opportunities to bypass the UK entirely, thereby reducing bureaucracy and delays that can occur at the UK border.
Speaking about the development, Glenn Carr, the Director Commercial Business Units at Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail & Port Authority Rosslare Europort, said, "We are delighted to see our shipping partner Brittany Ferries further increase services at Rosslare Europort. As we continue to invest heavily in facilities and infrastructure at the port, it is great to see additional new services being introduced that strengthen our links and connectivity between Ireland and France."
Christophe Mathieu, the CEO of Brittany Ferries, also expressed his enthusiasm for the new service, saying, "The addition of a third weekly rotation from Cherbourg is great news for hauliers and logistics companies. It means even more opportunity for freight operators to bypass the UK entirely, cutting down on bureaucracy and delays that can occur at the UK border."
Rosslare Europort, which is a leading Irish port for direct freight and passenger services to the EU, currently operates over 34 services to and from Rosslare to Bilbao, Cherbourg, Dunkirk, and Zeebrugge. The port has seen significant growth and demand in recent years, with a focus on delivering port infrastructure and services that support Ireland's exporters, importers, tourism, and renewable energy industries.
The largest-ever infrastructure investment is currently under construction at the port, which will see significant upgrades to passenger, freight, security, border control, storage, and future offshore renewable energy facilities.
Brittany Ferries has played a significant role in growing the direct Ireland-France market since 2021 and has reaffirmed its commitment to freight and passenger traffic. In two years, freight volumes on France to Ireland routes have grown by 96%, while passenger traffic has been boosted by 412%.
The new service will leave Cherbourg at 18:20 local time on Monday, arriving at Rosslare at 14:00 on Tuesday. It will then depart Rosslare at 18:00, destined for arrival in Cherbourg on Wednesday at 17:00.
