Finnlines boosts Ireland–Belgium freight service with a second vessel

To meet growing customer demand, Finnlines is strengthening its freight service between Rosslare (Ireland) and Zeebrugge (Belgium), with the addition of a second ro-ro vessel to the route. The Lismore will commence operations alongside the Finnwave on 28 May, increasing the service frequency to three weekly departures in each direction. The enhanced schedule will substantially increase freight capacity on this direct link between Ireland and continental Europe.

The Grimaldi Group company’s Rosslare–Zeebrugge service has proven highly successful and serves as an important trade route for Irish industry. Through transhipment in Zeebrugge, the service also connects Ireland with Finland, Poland, the UK, Spain and the wider Grimaldi Group network.

The Lismore, which will operate under a charter agreement, has a cargo capacity of 4,076 lane metres, while the Finnwave offers 4,192 lane metres. Both can carry approximately 260 trailers and accommodate up to 12 drivers. Deploying two modern ro-ro vessels will enable Finnlines to respond quickly to increasing market demand while further strengthening service reliability and schedule flexibility for customers.

“We’ve seen steadily increasing demand for our Ireland–Belgium service and are pleased to offer customers greater capacity and flexibility,” stated Finnlines Deputy Line Manager Umberto Raimo. “By adding a second ship and increasing the frequency, we’re further strengthening our service for both the Irish and European markets.”

“This development has been made possible through close cooperation with the terminals in Rosslare and Zeebrugge, as well as the support of our customers. The efficiency of our operations will of course also be extended to our third call in each port,” added Traffic Manager Juha Anjala.

Key stakeholders agree on the benefits that this new development will bring to supply chains and operators involved in trade routes to and from Ireland. “The expansion of Finnlines’ Rosslare to Zeebrugge service further strengthens Rosslare Europort’s status as Ireland’s Gateway to Europe as well as the strong partnership we enjoy with Finnlines,” said Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Eireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort. “Continuing investment in the port will ensure we continue to attract new services and operators, for the benefit of supply chains to and from Ireland.”

“I’m delighted to welcome the expansion of Finnlines’ Rosslare to Zeebrugge service. The introduction of a second vessel reflects the strong and growing demand for direct connections between Rosslare and mainland Europe,” added Philip O’Brien, General Manager for Rosslare Europort. “We thank Finnlines for their continued trust in Rosslare Europort and are proud to support this important increase in both capacity and frequency on a key strategic route.”

“We’re pleased to be working with Finnlines on this weekend charter, which allows us to maximise the utilization of the Lismore while maintaining our core weekday schedule. It’s a flexible arrangement that benefits both companies and our customers,” commented P&O Ferries Fleet Director Stewart Hayes.