SHIPPING lines between the Republic to mainland Europe are continuing to expand in response to post-Brexit demand.
Finnlines has announced plans to increase freight capacity between Rosslare and Zeebrugge in Belgium.
The ferry operator said a second roll-on roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel will join the route from next Thursday (February 23).
The new Rosslare to Zeebrugge service was launched by Finnlines in July 2022 in response to a boom in direct crossings from the Republic to continental Europe to avoid new post-Brexit checks on the traditional ‘landbridge’ via Britain.
The Irish Maritime Development Office last year described the increase in shipping volume to the continent as “unprecedented”.
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“We have seen increased demand and are pleased to be able to offer additional capacity,” said Finnlines’ Antonio Raimo.
“By adding a second vessel and expanding our service, we strengthen our product to better serve our Irish and European markets.”
Glenn Carr, director commercial business units, Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail (Port Authority Rosslare Europort), said: “The increase in services and the addition of a second vessel will create further frequency and capacity on the Rosslare to Zeebrugge route for our country’s exporters and importers and demonstrates the confidence in Rosslare Europort as Ireland’s number one port for Ro-Ro services to the EU.”
