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I believe the ship just launched is yard no 770 and Irish Ferries yard no is 771 so it looks like the ferry is next . If they built three Ro Ro,s  before it they would never meet the May2018 delivery date .

Gardenia Seaways which was launched today is 772. As I understand 773 will be next followed by 771. The latter is scheduled for delivery in May 2018.

Regarding brexit how will that impact on the central corridor routes?

Which brings us nicely back to whether Stena and Irish Ferries would be best merging their operation (again).  It could be said there is a strong argument that one ship (Inishmore for example) would be ample in all but the busiest periods of the year.

Well, lets say Inishmore provides a one ship service year round as part of a joint venture, I'm sure Stena could find something to provide extra capacity for the summer months (and use it for refit cover in the winter). Wait, why didn't I think of that sooner?!?

First of all would IF and Stena be prepared to enter into such an agreement. Also Rosslare and Fishguard need to be upgraded. Fishguard would require a 2 tier linkspan installed. Also new foot passenger gangways would need to be installed at both ports. Then there are the peak periods when a second ship would be required. Are we looking at a RoRo vessel or a RoPax ship. Another thing to bare in mind is the management of Rosslare harbour.

Such a service probably wouldn't use 2 separate ports at the Welsh end, though neither port is perfect.  I'd imagine a second vessel would need to be a RoPax as the peak demand is on the passenger side (Ireland v Wales rugby internationals spring to mind), though in a few years time will that demand still be there with more and more people using the airlines?  Foot passenger gangways are not a necessity, and as for two tier loading it would depend on the vessel involved and the turnaround times.  Of course, this is all speculation and it would need both companies to be willing to make such an arrangement work (or for one agree to step aside - perhaps in exchange for some form of compensation).

I suppose logic would success that Stena would step away from Fishguard and allow IF to operate the route with the Inishmore. My guess is nothing will happen for a few years until around 2025 when Stena Europe is expected to finish her career with Stena.

Which brings us nicely back to whether Stena and Irish Ferries would be best merging their operation (again).  It could be said there is a strong argument that one ship (Inishmore for example) would be ample in all but the busiest periods of the year.

Well, lets say Inishmore provides a one ship service year round as part of a joint venture, I'm sure Stena could find something to provide extra capacity for the summer months (and use it for refit cover in the winter). Wait, why didn't I think of that sooner?!?

First of all would IF and Stena be prepared to enter into such an agreement. Also Rosslare and Fishguard need to be upgraded. Fishguard would require a 2 tier linkspan installed. Also new foot passenger gangways would need to be installed at both ports. Then there are the peak periods when a second ship would be required. Are we looking at a RoRo vessel or a RoPax ship. Another thing to bare in mind is the management of Rosslare harbour.

I'm all for discussion, on a peer to peer basis, not to be spoken down to by the same 2 or 3 posters here who seem to know it all.

Then back up what your saying, don't argue (and say "not true"), debate and discuss.

As I think I said before Fastnet's problem (passenger pricing wise at least) was that the market didn't properly value the night onboard which meant that the cheaper prices elsewhere created a perception that Swansea - Cork was overpriced.  In reality it was probably similar value for money all things factored in but the public didn't see it that way and 6 years on I find it hard to see how this conundrum will be any easier.

True, I think from a passanger point of view, it looked more expensive than it was. As I said, the crossing length skews everything here.

Fastnet also focused heavily on passanger traffic (wright or wrong, that's another debate), but the Julia lacked the freight space to make the route work year round...but hey, hindsight is a great thing!

Please delete my profile/account, I've had enough of the groupthink from ye lot.

Steven has vast experience working in the ferry industry and is very familiar with the operations and economics of ferry operations out of Ireland.

A major problem with Swansea was with tidal restrictions. Transport links to Ringaskiddy are pretty limited also.

Regarding the future of Rosslare it is my view once it's properly managed with a port masterplan to bring it up to 21 century standards the port will boom. It is vital that a the France services be maintained and developed. Stena are committed long term to Rosslare so that's a good thing. I am sure Irish Ferries will want to keep a strong presence at the port as well. One thing I'd like to see are the wales services streamlined.

No she is delayed until friday week.

If that's the case it'll hit Stena extremely hard.

Not true. Inishmore due back in Rosslare on Sat. Swift will be back in Dublin on Monday.

She is delayed leaving Liverpool due to bad weather. Should be back in service on Monday.

No she hasn't been back to Cherbourg since P&O times.

I was told this by a man living in Rosslare Harbour and who has contacts on board the ship.

Passenger facilities at Rosslare are pretty appalling these days. Haven't been in Terminal building in years but I understand it needs a refurb.

Stena Europe is set to remain on the Fishguard run for another 8-10 years. She'll be going to Poland for a major refurbishment next year.