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#1

Stena Line defends free travel home for Christmas promotion aimed at Irish students in the UK
https://www.independent.ie/news/8c369/39760156.ece/AUTOCROP/w1000/Stena%20Line.jpg

by Luke Byrne 
November 17 2020 10:39 PM

FERRY company Stena Line is defending a promotion allowing students to travel home for free at the beginning of December - saying it is a means to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Under the promotional heading ?students sail home for free this Christmas with Stena Line?, the company is offering free passage across the Irish Sea on its economy or flexi motorist ticket, when travelling with another adult.

It comes despite a call from T?nasite Leo Varadkar to Irish people abroad not to book trips home for Christmas yet, to prevent Covid-19 cases being brought back into the country.

The British government?s handling of the pandemic has been criticised after the number of virus cases there soared to more than 20,000 a day in recent weeks.

?We?re not in the position at this point to advise people that it?s safe to come home for Christmas,? Mr Varadkar told the D?il last Thursday.

?I know that?s a tough message to hear but that is the case at the moment,? he said.

A spokesman for Stena Line told Independent.ie the dates of travel for its promotion, from December 3-9 only, coincide with the UK?s university evacuation plan.

?They?ve identified that week as when they are going to evacuate all the universities. It?s to stop the spread of Covid.

?The goal is to get students home before Christmas, not at Christmas.

?If you go to halls of residence, you usually pay for the term. They?re returning to their home residences so it?s essential travel,? the spokesman said.

?In the UK they?ve identified a week when they are gong to evacuate all the universities.?

He said both the UK and Ireland are scheduled to be out of lockdown by December 3, after which the traffic light system for travel is in operation.

The company?s promotion said ?now more than ever people are looking forward to Christmas and spending time with family and friends after months apart due to the global pandemic?.

It said ?travel windows? were being introduced by the UK to help students make it home.

?Family members can travel across the Irish Sea to pick up students and help take them home whilst availing of this offer.?

The company said it has continued to invest in various safety measures aimed at ?ensuring ferry travel is the safest form of transport?.

Online Editors

Source: Irish Independent online edition
https://www.independent.ie/news/stena-line-defends-free-travel-home-for-christmas-promotion-aimed-at-irish-students-in-the-uk-39760157.html
#2
Dublin Port and Stena clash over Brexit border checks 'in the wrong place'

Swedish shipping chief criticises traffic management plan in State's busiest port
by Simon Carswell Public Affairs Editor

https://www.irishtimes.com/polopoly_fs/1.4410903.1605554180!/image/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/box_620_330/image.jpg
Concerns have been raised about "the whole traffic management" in the port and how State authorities were only now testing how the traffic would flow through the system less than 50 days until the end of the transition period when post-Brexit border checks come into effect. Photograph: Stephen Collins/Collins

One of the largest Irish Sea ferry companies has criticised Dublin Port?s Brexit border checks and request for daily timetable changes saying that congestion could delay ferries.

Niclas Martensson, chief executive of Swedish shipping company Stena Line, said border checkpoints close to its terminal at the port are ?in the wrong place? and could lead to congestion from cars and lorries disembarking its ferries arriving four times a day from Holyhead.

He raised concerns about ?the whole traffic management? in the port and how State authorities were only now testing how the traffic would flow through the system less than 50 days until the end of the transition period when post-Brexit border checks come into effect.

'We are very concerned over how that has been handled where we see that the facilities are placed in the wrong place and we have said it for 24 months but nothing has happened,' he told The Irish Times.

Border checks will come into effect, regardless of ongoing EU-UK talks to find a trade deal.

'Running out of time'
As a crucial week of talks begins, Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney said on Monday: "We're running out of time. We have to get a deal this week."

Dublin Port's management has asked shipping companies to space out the eight ferries from Holyhead to three-hour intervals to avoid delays after Brexit comes into effect on January 1st.

Brexit: Some Irish firms have not thought through implications
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Fintan O?Toole: Collapse of Vote Leave gang comes too late to save Brexit-addled Britain
"The problem potentially is that we cannot turn the ships in time and the timetable is set by our customers and the production industry both in Ireland and the UK. I don?t see that we should change timetable because there is a lack of planning in the Port of Dublin" said Mr Martensson.

He said that it was a "worry" for the company that it might have to reduce the number of freight units on board its ferries in response to congestion at the country's busiest port.

There are currently eight roll on/roll off ferry arrivals from Holyhead, four each daily with Stena and Irish Ferries arriving roughly around the same time.

Irish Ferries wants to stick with its existing schedule too, increasing the chances for congestion.

Dublin Port Company chief executive Eamonn O'Reilly said the port was "stuck by geography" and "physical constraints" meant this was the only place where checks could be built.

"Everybody is fearful of the additional checks but they are coming and they are completely outside our control. They might lead to congestion" he said.

Mr O'Reilly said the port had asked for staggered arrivals to "flatten the demand curve" and reduce the risk of congestion by running ferries every three hours instead of two every six hours but he stressed that he was not trying to force this.

Clarity
Mr Martensson, speaking ahead of the 25th anniversary of Stena's Dublin-Holyhead route, called for greater clarity from governments, urging all sides not to "over-complicate things."

He pointed to free-flowing Common Transit Convention arrangements across EU borders in Norway and Switzerland as examples that could be followed between Ireland and Britain.

Stena had increased capacity on Irish Sea routes by 30 per cent and its Ireland-France route by 17 per cent and could increase capacity further with larger ships and more frequent sailings.

He ruled out new direct routes into mainland Europe, saying customers wanted increased capacity on existing routes. "Low interest does not support a new route" he said.

The company hopes to redeploy its Horizon ferry, anchored off Holyhead, to its Rosslare-Cherbourg route from this weekend after seven crew members tested positive for Covid-19.

Mr Martensson said the remaining crew members had tested negative and were self-isolating on board. The 43 crew members tested negative again on Monday, leaving the company hopeful that the health authorities in Ireland and the UK would approve the return of the vessel to service.

Source: The Irish Times online edition
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/dublin-port-and-stena-clash-over-brexit-border-checks-in-the-wrong-place-1.4410904

More articles on BREXIT here:
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/brexit
#3
Following a major announcement made by Brittany Ferries yesterday regarding it's route network between Ireland & France and Ireland & Spain for 2021 one would wonder whether the other major carriers using ports across Ireland are planning similar changes. Of course, some of the changes may relate to the post COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions on non-essential travel to key markets outside Ireland during the current trading year 2020 and there is also likely to be a BREXIT factor - (i.e.) end of transition coming by end of December.

Will we see ICG owned Irish Ferries introduce any changes to frequency, additional routes, examination of it's ports of origin/destination in it's network?

How will STENA Line react to a Rosslare Cherbourg route run by competitor operator, Brittany Ferries out of Rosslare Europort where it also serves?

Meanwhile, if the UK fails to agree a new trade treaty with the European Union and adopts WTO rules, we may see a return to Duty Free Shopping which could stimulate a new strategy on all air & sea routes to/from UK going forward from next January. Will the "Booze Cruise" make a return in 2021 which is now only a few months away!

Brittany Ferries has already revealed it's plans for 2021
https://brittanyferriesnewsroom.com/brittany-ferries-to-launch-new-rosslare-cherbourg-route-in-2021-while-also-increasing-capacity-on-cork-roscoff-route/

Irish Ferries (ICG) - any changes planned for 2021 ?

STENA Line - any changes planned for 2021 ?

P&O Ferries - any changes planned for 2021 ?

Seatruck Ferries - any changes planned for 2021 ?

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company - changes for 2021 ?

Manx Ferries - changes for 2021 ?

Interesting times ahead for the travel industry with so many Irish/British/European citizens not travelling this summer - Will next year be much busier than a typical summer following such prolonged restrictions on movement during 2020?   
#4
Brittany Ferries announces increased sailings from Cork and new route from Rosslare
THURSDAY, JULY 23, 2020 - 13:49 PM
DENISE O'DONOGHUE

A new ferry route to France will start sailing next spring, with additional sailings being added to another route.

Brittany Ferries will launch a new Rosslare to Cherbourg route in 2021 while also increasing capacity on its Cork to Roscoff route in response to demand from Irish and continental hauliers.

The new route connecting Rosslare with Cherbourg is in addition to the Rosslare to Bilbao sailings which began earlier this year.

An extra mid-week sailing will be added from Cork to Roscoff.

The new sailings will also see the utilisation of the Connemara from Rosslare and the Armorique from Cork. The Armorique is new to Ireland.

Roscoff-Cork will now be served by flagship Pont-Aven at the weekend and with this new rotation by the Armorique during the week, significantly increasing capacity out of and into Cork.

The announcement comes in the same week the company launches its schedules for 2021 sailings connecting the UK and Ireland with Spain.

Reservations for all 2021 routes are now open.

Earlier this year, Brittany Ferries opened a service connecting Rosslare with Bilbao and Roscoff and the twice-weekly Spanish rotations proved popular.

However Irish and French hauliers have asked Brittany Ferries to move the weekly French rotation from Roscoff to the transport hub of Cherbourg.

Brittany Ferries has agreed to their request and has now confirmed that Connemara, which operates as a no-frills economie service, will serve two weekly rotations from Rosslare to Bilbao, as well as a single Rosslare-Cherbourg rotation as of March next near.

Source courtesy of the Irish Examiner & EchoLive.ie
https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/3783/1891907_3_articlelarge_Armorique_20at_20Sea.jpg
The Armorique will serve Roscoff-Cork during the week.
https://www.irishexaminer.com/business/arid-40020779.html
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/Cork-set-for-increased-ferry-frequency-to-France-cc5ebb79-cd1b-4d66-ae4f-9152954f8335-ds
#5


https://www.echolive.ie/portalsuite/image//feae5425-1653-49d8-97cf-220592950284/mainMediaSize=537x291_type=image_publish=true__image.jpg
ICL container ship Independent Vision arrives in Cork Harbour on her inaugural sailing to collect cargo bound for the US. ICL vessels will sail from the Port of Cork every Saturday, arriving on the east coast of the USA 10 days later. Picture: David Creedon/Anzenberger

'Fantastic strategic development' New service connecting Port of Cork and US begins'
by Mary Corcoran

A new weekly cargo service from Cork to the US has commenced operations.

ICL's Independent Vision arrived into Ringaskiddy on Saturday to begin thenew service, which is the first direct container service to the US in many years.

As part of the new service, ICL vessels will sail from the Port of Cork every Saturday, arriving on the East Coast of the USA 10 days later, offering Irish exporters fast delivery times for their supply chains.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Port of Cork CEO Brendan Keating said the Port of Cork is delighted with the opportunity to work with ICL and support this new direct route to the US.

"The timing is perfect with the opening of our new €80m Cork Container Terminal in Ringaskiddy on the horizon, and has the potential to grow cargo volumes from and to Ireland," he said.

"This is a fantastic strategic development for the Port of Cork as we look to develop Ringaskiddy as a modern logistics hub."

CEO of ICL John Kirkland said that Ireland had been a market which the company has been keen to develop for a while.

"We sincerely hope the Irish trade support this commitment by ICL, to bring Ireland its first direct weekly service to the USA East Coast. We look forward to working with the Port of Cork with their exciting expansion plans," he said.

ICL has been serving the North Atlantic trade for 35 years.

Its USA headquarters is located in Richmond, Virginia since 1985, while its European headquarters is located in Antwerp, Belgium.

Source:
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/Fantastic-strategic-development-New-service-connecting-Port-of-Cork-and-US-begins-0141fd80-adcc-41ca-bd2b-c5c52cc0a103-ds
#6

According to EchoLive.ie

"Cork Port welcomes new service linking Cork directly to the 'heart of Europe"
Report by Sarah O'Dwyer

A new weekly freight service which begins operating between the Port of Cork and Belgium this week will help keep supply chains moving during the current crisis.

The Port of Cork has warmly welcomed the announcement by CLdN Ro-Ro SA of the new service between Cork and Zeebrugge.

"This announcement by CLdN will greatly support our efforts in the Port of Cork to keep supply chains moving during the current Covid-19 pandemic," CEO of Port of Cork, Brendan Keating said. "The Port has been actively looking at ways to bolster its freight activity and is delighted to partner with a company that enjoys such a great reputation in the shipping industry.

"Introducing this new connectivity to Zeebrugge not only helps Port of Cork to protect supply chains during the current crisis, but also adds a direct freight-only link with the heart of Europe."

The service begins on Friday and is part of a significant expansion by CLdN of its freight services between Belgium and the Republic of Ireland.

The Ro-Ro service will leave Zeebrugge on every Friday to arrive in Cork on Sunday.

She will return on Tuesday, arriving in Zeebrugge again every Thursday.

Port of Cork Chairman, John Mullins, said: "This is a very exciting development for both the Port of Cork and CLdN.
"In these unprecedented times this direct freight link with Europe from Ireland's primary southern gateway will reinforce the Port's commitment to supporting businesses in the region and preparing for any eventuality Brexit may still bring."

The Port of Cork has implemented a contingency plan to ensure freight operations continue as normal during the COVID-19 pandemic, and is a key facilitator of trade in the Munster region.

Vital deliveries will continue to several sectors in the weeks ahead.

This article was published on EchoLive.ie on Wednesday 22.04.2020 10:19
#7
The News Board / Cork Cruise Liner 2020 Schedules
February 29, 2020, 01:02:58 AM
Last Updated : Sunday, 05 July 2020 11:15PM

August 2020:

Vessel   Pax   Arrives   Berth   Departs


MSC SPLENDIDA   3959   Aug 20th at 08:00   Cobh Cruise Terminal   Aug 20th at 16:00

September 2020:

Vessel   Pax   Arrives   Berth   Departs

MARCO POLO   922   Sep 3rd at 11:00   Ringaskiddy DWB   Sep 3rd at 19:00
SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY   990   Sep 8th at 07:00   Ringaskiddy DWB   Sep 8th at 17:00
MSC SPLENDIDA   3959   Sep 13th at 07:00   Cobh Cruise Terminal   Sep 13th at 16:00
MAGELLAN   1794   Sep 16th at 09:00   Marino Point   Sep 16th at 19:00
MAGELLAN   1794   Sep 22nd at 11:00   Marino Point   Sep 22nd at 18:30
SIRENA   824   Sep 27th at 08:00   Ringaskiddy DWB   Sep 27th at 18:00

October 2020:

Vessel   Pax   Arrives   Berth   Departs

MAGELLAN   1794   Oct 6th at 10:00   Cobh Cruise Terminal   Oct 6th at 19:00
MAGELLAN   1794   Oct 22nd at 11:00   Cobh Cruise Terminal   Oct 22nd at 20:00

December 2020:

Vessel   Pax   Arrives   Berth   Departs

MARCO POLO   922   Dec 7th at 13:00   Cobh Cruise Terminal   Dec 7th at 21:00
MARCO POLO   922   Dec 21st at 13:00   Cobh Cruise Terminal   Dec 21st at 21:00

***********************************************************************************************


Bantry Bay Port Company dac
Cruise liner Details Bantry 2020


Date   Cruise Vessel Name   Time In/Out   Anchorage

15th April 2020   Astoria   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
26th April 2020   Deutschland   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
22nd May 2020   Le Boreal   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
23rd May 2020   Marco Polo   CANCELLED   Whiddy NE
08th June 2020   Vasco Da Gama   CANCELLED   Whiddy NE
02nd July 2020   Europa   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
05th July 2020   Nautica   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
16th July 2020   Nautica   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
26th July 2020   Seabourn Quest   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
03rd August 2020   Artaina   CANCELLED   Whiddy NE
25th August 2020   Europa   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
05th September 2020   Azmara Journey   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
09th September 2020   Spirit of Discovery   07.00 - 18.00   Bantry Inner
15th September 2020   Insignia   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner
17th September 2020   Vasco Da Gama   08.30 - 20.30   Whiddy NE
01st October 2020   Nautica   CANCELLED   Bantry Inner

#8
New Cork-Spain ferry route close to final green light

The "Brexit Buster" ferry route will link Cork with Plymouth in the UK and Vigo in Spain


https://i2-prod.corkbeo.ie/incoming/article17735269.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/1_Port-of-Corkjpeg.jpg
The delegation from Cork and their Spanish counterparts in Vigo this week.

A new year-round ferry route linking Cork with Vigo in northern Spain - via Plymouth - has taken a big step towards launching this Spring or early Summer.

A delegation of Port of Cork officials travelled to Vigo this week to meet with port officials and ferry operators to finalise arrangements for the new service, which would replace the Cork-Santander service which stops operating at the end of this month.

The loss of the Brittany Ferries operated Cork-Santander route had been met with dismay in Cork, from local businesses, exporters and holiday-makers.

However this new ferry service - as first reported by CorkBeo in October - should provide a much needed transport and trade route in the post-Brexit environment, travelling between Cork, Plymouth and Spain.

The planned joint venture involving one of Europe's biggest ferry operators along with shipping companies in Spain will operate a three-times a week, year round service between Spain, the UK and Ireland.

It would serve tourism as well as being a so-called "Brexit Buster" that provides a new link between Ireland and the continent for imports and exports.

As major new port facilities come online in Cork Harbour, this new route would underline just how important the port of Cork could become in a post-Brexit environment.

Chief Executive of the Port of Cork Brendan Keating was among those to travel to Vigo this week to meet with their Spanish counterparts and discuss the proposed line which is seen as a priority for our two historic port cities.

The Port Authority of Vigo had sent a delegation to Cork before Christmas to discuss the new route, even as Brittany Ferries was making plans to end the Cork-Santander route and instead operate their Spanish link from Rosslare.

A statement from Port of Vigo said the visit by the Cork delegation had been a success and the new Cork-Plymouth-Vigo route was "highly sought after by the fishing and transport logistics sectors - potential customers have exceeded initial forecasts".

Source courtesy: CorkBeo.ie
https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/new-cork-spain-ferry-route-17735299
https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/new-cork-spain-ferry-route-17652516
#9
Discussion Board / Investment at the Port of Cork
February 13, 2020, 05:32:05 PM
Massive new ship-to-shore cranes being installed in Port of Cork

The Port of Cork has commenced the assembly of two ship-to-shore cranes for the Cork Container Terminal (CCT).

Two Liebherr post-panamax size STS container gantry cranes have been delivered.

The cranes will have an outreach of 45m, a back reach of 15m and a lift height over rail of 32m, which means they will be able to cater for large container vessels that come to Cork.

The cranes are in the process of being assembled, and are due to be completed in the coming weeks.

They were built in Killarney, and are being assembled by local crane erection specialists William O'Brien Group, under the supervision of Liebherr engineers.

Construction on the Cork Container Terminal initially began in June 2019 and is expected to finish this year. The project, which is estimated to cost in the region of €80m, will initially offer a 360-metre-long quay with a 13-metre depth alongside.

The development also includes the construction of a 13.5-hectare terminal.

The Port of Cork is the second largest port in the Republic of Ireland in terms of turnover. Total container traffic in the Port of Cork is expected to increase from 240,000 TEU (or twenty-foot equivalent unit) in 2019, by 37% to 330,000 TEU over the next decade at the CCT, in part thanks to these new cranes.

Full article is via below web link here:
https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/Massive-new-ship-to-shore-cranes-being-installed-in-Port-of-Cork-aa1e3aaa-9f1c-4115-8a8a-6c7909a31403-ds

https://www.portofcork.ie/index.cfm/page/currentnews/id/242

https://www.portofcork.ie/contentFiles/images/new_liebherr_cranes_for_cct.jpg
Cranes at Cork Container Terminal. Photo: Port of Cork.

Courtesy: EchoLive.ie and Port of Cork
#10
Major Cork ferry route cancelled

The Brittany Ferries Cork to Santander route has been replaced by a route from Rosslare to Bilbao, as the key freight route to Europe.

The company has said the change is in response to demand from Irish and continental hauliers.

The first sailing is due to take place on February 28.

Brittany Ferries have, however, confirmed their ongoing commitment to the Cork to Roscoff route, which will continue to be a primary tourism route.

The decision comes following detailed discussions between the company and the Ports of Cork and Rosslare.

"This was not a decision we took lightly and follows extensive consultation with our freight customers who sought better road connections and reduced driving distances," Christophe Mathieu, Brittany Ferries CEO, said.

"We opened the route in 2018 with a two-year trial window. While passenger numbers have been encouraging, the reality is that freight numbers, which are key to route viability, were not sufficiently robust.

"However I want to make it clear that we remain committed to Cork, with our flagship Pont-Aven cruise-ferry service to Roscoff. We're also committed to an Ireland-Spain route, now via Rosslare, and we'll look after existing passengers whose future travel will be affected by this change," he added.

Customers already booked on affected sailings from Cork will be given the option to transfer their booking to sailing between Rosslare and Bilbao/Roscoff and an allowance will be given to cover additional transfers.

Alternatively, a full refund will be provided to those who choose to cancel.

The Cork-Santander route which was launched in 2018 was primarily aimed at the freight market into Europe although it also carried holidaymakers. The new route out of Rosslare will be similar.

Brittany Ferries have said that Rosslare is a preferred option among hauliers, with its proximity to Dublin and the east coast road network. Hauliers operating on the European mainland have said that Bilbao is more attuned to freight traffic and has easier transport links into Europe.

Courtesy of: IrishExaminer.com and EchoLive.ie

https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/ireland/brittany-ferries-moves-ireland-to-spain-departure-port-from-cork-to-rosslare-978456.html

https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/Major-Cork-ferry-route-cancelled-4055dc59-d23f-404a-bc04-3cc3ab6f0f0b-ds
#11
Cork-Santander ferry route may move to Rosslare as company eyes options

It's believed Brittany Ferries are looking at moving the route as two year trial period comes to an end.

The future of the Cork-Santander ferry route is in doubt this morning as Brittany Ferries is believed to be looking at moving the operation to Rosslare.

The route has only been in operation since May 2018 and was initially set up for a two year "trial period". A spokesperson for the company - which has had a strong connection with Cork for over four decades - told CorkBeo this morning that options are being looked at but "no firm decision has been taken".

CorkBeo understands that the end of the trial period has led the ferry company to look closely at moving the service to Rosslare and contingency plans to relocate have been made ahead of a final decision.

However, those already booked to travel from Ringaskiddy to Santander this year should not be affected by the move, which may not happen until early 2021.

The first ever direct ferry route between Ireland and Spain has proved to be very popular with holidaymakers and businesses - but has been hit by problems caused by the weather and by the loss of ships due to serious technical problems.

In mid-September last, the chartered ferry Connemara, the main ship on the Cork-Santander route, had to be taken out of service due to engine problems and some 300 passengers had their trips cancelled just hours before they were due to sail. Passengers were offered a full refund or alternative sailings on the well-established Cork-Roscoff route.

The Brittany Ferries flagship the Pont-Aven, which serves the Cork-Roscoff route, also had to be taken out of service for several weeks last summer when major engine failure put her in dry-dock for urgent repairs.

Source courtesy: Cork Beo
https://www.corkbeo.ie/news/local-news/cork-santander-ferry-route-move-17642356
#12
I was listening to a report on radio on Friday 04th October which mentioned a delegation has just visited the Port of Le Havre in France regarding the possibility of opening a Rosslare - Le Havre link to ease congestion problems at Dublin Port particularly in the event of a No Deal Brexit on the horizon. The interview raised issues highlighted in an Online article published on WexfordToday.com
   
"Le Havre to discuss opening shipping route to Rosslare"
POSTED BY: DAN WALSH OCTOBER 3, 2019
Opening a shipping route between Rosslare Europort and Le Havre in France would be a game-changer for Wexford and the entire South East region, a Fine Gael by-election candidate has said. Verona Murphy, who is Managing Director of DruMur Transport Limited and President of the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA), is leading a delegation to Le Havre today (Friday) where she will meet with officials from the port with representatives of the French Government. The Wexford by election candidate said: "Linking Rosslare Europort with Le Havre with a new route would be beneficial to the wider haulage industry in Ireland and will have a hugely positive economic impact on the entire South East region.

"Le Havre is classified as a Tier One corridor port entitled to Ten-T funding and Rosslare Europort will also have access to Ten-T funding if aligned with it. Such funding could fund major upgrades to the port's infrastructure.

"With Brexit on the horizon we need to maximise the capacity on direct route sailings so we can accommodate customers who want to avoid the land-bridge so they have certainty about their timelines.

"I know hauliers are looking for a viable alternative to Dublin Port and recent investment in the road network means hauliers can now bypass Enniscorthy and New Ross. Rosslare is easily accessible and well connected to the rest of the country.

"The linking of Le Havre and Rosslare Europort makes sense irrespective of the outcome of Brexit and will serve to protect the long-term economic interests of the port, as well as facilitating its growth.

"Such a partnership would be a strategic boost for Rosslare Europort and would lead to the necessary investment and commercial support secured to protect its position as one of the country's most important shipping ports.

"It would provide improved access to the Benelux countries, a key export market for Ireland," she said.

"It will allow us to minimise the disruption of Brexit and avoid the land-bridge. We should be ambitious for Rosslare and this trip will work towards realising that ambition.

Source:
https://wexfordtoday.com/2019/10/03/le-havre-to-discuss-opening-shipping-route-to-rosslare/

https://www.wexfordpeople.ie/is-rosslare-ready-for-brexit-38356302.html

Archive film footage from RTÉ television archives is below here:

https://www.rte.ie/archives/2018/0109/931954-rosslare-gateway-to-europe/

https://www.rte.ie/archives/2018/0605/968269-rosslare-le-havre-ferry/

https://www.rte.ie/archives/2019/0508/1048229-rosslare-wants-free-port-status/
#13
According to an article published in the Irish Examiner online edition dated: 07/01/2019:

Plans to launch nine new passenger ferries on UK and Ireland routes shows the industry is "continuing to thrive", a trade body has claimed.

Irish Ferries, Brittany Ferries and Stena Line are among the operators expanding their fleets.

More than 38 million passenger journeys were made by ferry on UK domestic, Irish and Continental services in 2017, according to industry data.

The new ships include ferries for passengers and vehicles, as well as the largest catamaran to operate in London.

Emma Batchelor, director of trade body Discover Ferries, said:
"The introduction of these nine new passenger ferries is great news, not only for the shipping sector but also for the millions of holidaymakers who value comfort and space when they travel. These ships, which are set to enter service from this year, clearly demonstrate the confidence that the industry has in the future of ferry travel and its popularity. This also sends a clear message that ferry travel is continuing to thrive and passengers should book their ferry travel for 2019 with confidence, whether they are sailing across the Irish Sea, around London, the British Isles or into mainland Europe."

Irish Ferries' latest cruise ferry W.B. Yeats was launched last month, with another due to start sailing between the UK and Ireland in 2020.

Brittany Ferries' €195m state-of-the-art ship Honfleur will enter service on the Portsmouth-Caen route in July.

The vessel has been designed to provide a smoother ride for passengers due to reduced vibrations, as well as having free wi-fi and quiet lounges.

Three new vessels are currently being built in China for Stena Line, with the first due to begin operating Dublin-Holyhead services in early 2020.

The firm claims they will be among the most energy efficient ferries in the world.

DFDS will introduce its largest ferry – featuring a shopping mall – on the English Channel in 2021.

MBNA Thames Clippers will launch its biggest-ever boat, Venus Clipper, by the end of March.

The catamaran will have a capacity of 222 passengers with 50 more seats than vessels introduced in summer 2017.

It emerged last month that the UK Department for Transport has signed contracts with Brittany Ferries, DFDS and Seaborne to charter extra ferries to ease potential problems in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

Documents outlining the £107.7 million agreements say increased border checks in UK ports after Brexit could "cause delivery of critical goods to be delayed" in the event of no deal.

The UK Government has faced criticism for its agreement with Seaborne as the firm has not previously operated a service.

Source:
https://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/business/plans-to-launch-nine-new-passenger-ferries-on-uk-and-ireland-routes-896035.html
#14

Proposals for developing the maritime links between Ireland and continental Europe have been drawn up by the European Commission as part of contingency plans for a possible 'no deal' Brexit outcome. Among the proposals is a plan to design a new maritime route to link Ireland and the continental part of the North Sea-Mediterranean corridor....

Full news article courtesy of RTE via below web link:
https://www.rte.ie/news/brexit/2018/0614/970482-maritime-links/

Existing Irish ports could see major investments if these proposals are delivered which could see deep water ports like Rosslare Europort and the Port of Cork becoming much busier if they are to handle additional freight as there is the likelihood that Dublin Port would become too congested in the event of a hard Brexit.   
#15

THE 40th anniversary of Cork's ferry link with France was marked yesterday. In May 1978 Brittany Ferries launched their Cork-Roscoff ferry route from Cork City Quays with their flagship MV 'Armorique'. At the time, all ferries departing Cork used the passenger terminal at Tivoli, before being transferred downriver to the dedicated Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal which opened in 1982. Since then the passenger and freight route linking Ireland and France has gone from strength to strength and yesterday the Port of Cork acknowledged this service by wishing Brittany Ferries a Happy 40th Anniversary linking the two countries. Port of Cork chairman, John Mullins said:

"It is with great pleasure that today we wish our long-term customer, Brittany Ferries, a very happy 40th anniversary linking Ireland and France. This company has shown true dedication in providing a reliable and attractive ferry service for both passengers and freight. On behalf of the Port of Cork, I would like to congratulate Brittany Ferries on the last the 40 years' service and wish them every success for the next 40 years."

This year Brittany Ferries announced the first ever ferry service linking Ireland and Spain, with the new twice-weekly service from Cork to Santander. As well as serving Cork to Santander, this route also delivers an additional weekly return-sailing from Cork to Roscoff. The new ferry service was welcomed by the Port of Cork which has brought an increase in Spanish tourism to Cork and provides a very useful connection for exporting freight from Ireland to mainland Europe. This new service, the first direct service from Ireland to Spain, will offer the option for freight carriers and passengers to bypass the UK and French land-bridge to Spain as Brexit uncertainty continues.

The Port of Cork hinterland is the key primary pharma, agriculture and food and drink output region in the country.

The Port of Cork said this more efficient supply chain will offer freight customers a direct route to market enabling them to get their produce to market quicker than if they travel through traditional ports.

In 2017, Brittany Ferries carried more than 87,000 passengers, which was an increase of 4% on the previous season and contributing to the national economy. Almost 45,000 French people used the route last year, representing 52% of all passengers carried.

Courtesy:
http://www.eveningecho.ie/corknews/Brittany-Ferries-marks-40-years-of-sailing-from-Cork-to-Roscoff-f7c1b691-5956-4a7e-8eb5-ffe184a6f367-ds
#16
Discussion Board / Ireland-France ferry links
February 01, 2018, 02:22:08 AM
From around 1973-1997 there was a time when Irish Continental Line/Irish Ferries operated a direct passenger car ferry service from Rosslare Europort to Le Havre, France and also a annual summer service from Cork to Le Havre (in addition to their former Cork to Cherbourg annual summer service).

Why did Ireland cease it's direct passenger car ferry & freight services to/from Le Havre all those years ago?

I understand Le Havre is the 5th largest port in France in recent years.

Nowadays we have the following Ireland to France sailing options:

Rosslare to Cherbourg (Irish Ferries),
Rosslare to Cherbourg (STENA Line)
Dublin to Cherbourg (Irish Ferries)
Rosslare to Roscoff (Irish Ferries)
Cork to Roscoff* (Brittany Ferries)

*service to be expanded with chartered vessel "Connemara"
Cherbourg and Roscoff seem to be the current flavours of the month but I'm surprised there is such a lack of choice when you could have other options too including ports like: Le Havre, St. Malo, Saint-Nazaire, Brest or other options.
#17
After the short-lived Ireland-France-Spain ferry service operated by LD Lines on the Rosslare - St. Nazaire - Gijon route ceased services from the Co. Wexford port towards the end of August 2014, what next can be done to boost Tourism & Trade with the Iberian Peninsula? The brief Rosslare - St. Nazaire - Gijon service from LD Lines seemed to be struck down by atrocious weather in it's early days and I'm not sure if it was operational long enough from Ireland for one to come to an informed decision on whether or not it would have ever been a viable proposition going forward.

Previous to LD Lines, there had been much speculation between 2010-2013 that a Cork to Spain ferry service from Cork to Gijon was being considered by the Port of Cork but nothing came of it at the time. However; one would wonder if such a service is economically viable from Cork in the current economic climate either? Brittany Ferries have been operating out of Cork to Roscoff, France (not to mention Cork to St.Malo ferry route circa 1993-'96 period) with various vessels during the months of March to October every year since around 1979 and they operate services from UK to Santander and Bilbao in Spain. If an Ireland to Spain direct or indirect ferry link was ever a sustainable proposition the Port of Cork's Ringaskiddy Ferryport Terminal in County Cork would be an ideal gateway for such a service if the following was to happen:

*a suitable vessel was identified and available,
*an interested ferry operator willing to take a medium to long term view
*any EU funding for launching the only direct ferry service between two EU states which currently do not have a ferry connection by sea
*any necessary investment in port facilities at both ends was put in place in advance of commencement of services
*sales/marketing/promotional budgeting fund was put in place ahead of any future launch to market


Media Sources:
http://www.portofcork.ie/index.cfm/page/currentnews/id/117

http://www.portofcork.ie/index.cfm/page/currentnews/id/4

http://www.politics.ie/forum/transport/128208-new-ferry-route-port-cork-spain.html

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/new-cork-ferry-to-spain-and-france-1.619060
#18
2016 Passenger Ferry Services to/from the island of Ireland (From North to South)


Ferryports in Northern Ireland:

Larne, County Antrim:
Cairnryan to Larne (P&O Ferries)

Belfast, County Antrim:
Cairnryan to Belfast (Stena Line)
Liverpool to Belfast (Stena Line)
Douglas (IoM) to Belfast (Isle of Man Steam Packet Company)


Ferryports in the Republic of Ireland:

Dublin Port, County Dublin:

Douglas (IoM) to Dublin Port (Isle of Man Steam Packet Company)
Liverpool to Dublin Port (P&O Ferries)
Holyhead to Dublin Port (Stena Line)
Holyhead to Dublin Port (Irish Ferries)
Cherbourg to Dublin Port (ICG/Irish Ferries)

Rosslare Europort,(operated by Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail) County Wexford:

Fishguard to Rosslare (Stena Line)
Pembroke Dock to Rosslare (Irish Ferries)
Cherbourg to Rosslare (ICG/Irish Ferries)
Cherbourg to Rosslare (Stena Line)
Roscoff to Rosslare (ICG/Irish Ferries)


Cork (Ringaskiddy Ferry Terminal, County Cork):

Roscoff to Cork (Brittany Ferries) Service usually operates from late March until late October each year.


Notes:
IoM denotes: Isle of Man
P&O Ferries replaces the previous company name: P&O Irish Sea
Larne to Troon ferry route closed by P&O Ferries
Dún Laoghaire - Holyhead ferry route closed by Stena Line after they finally ceased all operations at Dún Laoghaire port.