Brittany Ferries has announced that it is introducing three new weekly freight only sailings between Ireland and France.
A new sailing between Rosslare and Saint-Malo will begin on February 4, and the first of two new sailings out of Cork to Roscoff will begin on Saturday February 6. These sailings are in addition to the current Brittany Ferries sailings out of Cork and Rosslare to both France and Spain.
At present, the extra sailings are planned to operate until March 21, when regular Roscoff/Cork sailings are currently scheduled to resume.
Brittany Ferries Ireland General Manager Statement
In a statement published on Brittany Ferries' website, Brittany Ferries Ireland general manager Hugh Bruton said, "It's clear that Brexit has distorted flows of trade between France and Ireland. There's now clear and compelling demand both in Brittany and beyond to boost freight capacity direct from the region to Ireland. And Irish traders too are seeking direct links to western France. We're always listening to our haulier customers in order to best meet their needs, and we look forward to restarting Brittany-Ireland services two months earlier than planned."
Port Of Cork Chief Commercial Officer Statement
Meanwhile, Port of Cork chief commercial officer Conor Mowlds commented, "The decision by Brittany Ferries to operate two freight only services from Cork to Saint-Malo and Roscoff is hugely positive for Cork. Importers and exporters now have further transport options to get their freight direct to the EU and bypass the UK land-bridge. This announcement comes in the same month as we announced a second freight service from Cork to Zeebrugge. These direct freight services from Cork to the EU strengthen the region by offering more flexibility to Irish customers, ensuring supply chains are maintained. Our relationship with Brittany Ferries spans over 40 years and it continues to go from strength to strength. We wish them every success with this freight service."
Rosslare Europort General Manager Statement
Rosslare Europort general manager Glenn Carr added, "The continuing commitment of Brittany Ferries to develop new services linking Irish industry to the European continent is once again demonstrated with this new service connecting to Saint-Malo and Roscoff. We have worked closely with Brittany Ferries to facilitate this new service, which will give further choice and capacity alongside existing Brittany Ferries services between Rosslare Europort and Bilbao and Cherbourg."
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