Seatruck, the Irish Sea freight-only operator announced the return of shared cabins following removal of social distancing rules introduced during the Covid pandemic that required drivers instead to use single cabin occupancy, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The relevant authorities have now removed these restrictions and Seatruck have taken the decision along with their ship management and H&S departments to reintroduce shared cabins.

As of next Monday, 2 May, all 12 driver (accompanied trailers) on their 150 freight trailer unit capacity FSG class ro-ro vessels must be prepared to share cabins.

According to Seatruck they will of course accommodate a single cabin occupancy where available.

The FSG class vessels are currently deployed on the following routes, Warrenpoint - Heysham and Dublin - Liverpool (morning and evening vessels).

The company also operate a third route, Dublin-Heysham in which Afloat conducted an on board interview with the Captain of the P-class ro-ro freighter Seatruck Pace.   

Last year, Seatruck which is the only dedicated freight operator on the Irish Sea, celebrated their 25th anniversary when its launched its first route to meet the transportation needs of the haulage industry.

Across the Seatruck route network, 350,000 trailers a year ranging from tippers, tanks, flats, refrigerated and hazardous units are handled by the operator.