Major global container shipping operator the MSC Group is to launch a new direct 'feeder' service connecting Dublin Port and the Port of Cork to mainland Europe, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The new weekly service to Dublin and Cork is to link to two key transshipment hubs of Le Havre in France and Antwerp in Belgium.

The MSC Group which includes cruise line and passenger ferry operations, say the new feeder route linking between Ireland and Europe will offer competitive transit times and flexibility for their customers.

The rotation of the feeder route service will be as follows: Antwerp -Dublin-Cork-Le Havre- Antwerp.

Operating the route will be the MV Cara-Liv which is scheduled to make an inaugural call to Dublin on 28th February.

The containership Afloat adds has a 1,726 TEU capacity and after the call to the capital will head to Cork on 3rd March.