Rosslare Europort announces groundbreaking new service – Finnlines to launch twice weekly Rosslare to Zeebrugge service each way

16 Jun 2022

Rosslare Europort management have confirmed that a new freight route between Rosslare and Zeebrugge, Belgium is set to be established next month, as Finnlines – part of the Grimaldi Group – launch a twice weekly service between the two ports.

The groundbreaking new service and operator for Rosslare Europort not only provides a new direct link between Ireland and Continental Europe, but through Zeebrugge – one of Europe’s busiest RoRo ports – it opens up more European and global routes for Irish industry.

On 23 July 2022, Finnlines will commence the new service. The route will be operated by the ro-ro vessel, Finnpulp, which has the capacity to carry 3,259 lane metres of cargo, equivalent to around 225 trailers. There will be two departures per week from each direction, and it is hoped to expand the service further.

General Manager of Rosslare Europort Glenn Carr said: 

“the growth of Rosslare Europort’s direct connections to and from the European continent continues apace. Having established ourselves as Ireland’s leading port for direct European RoRo services in 2021, the announcement by FinnLines will bring to 34 the number of direct services between Rosslare and the continent next month. Finnlines joins our existing customers for European services – Stena Line, Brittany Ferries and DFDS – in taking advantage of our location, our connectivity, our capacity, and our work with Irish industry to provide it with the best possible service.”

“The substantial increase in volume at the port clearly demonstrates the shift in demand for services out of Rosslare from other hubs, we are the closest port to Europe and easily accessible to all major cities and industrial sites throughout Ireland. As major ports such as Dublin grapple with future constraints and congestion, Rosslare Europort will be further developed to help alleviate these challenges and offer real viable, efficient and sustainable alternative services and connectivity for the greater good of the wider economy,” said Carr

Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines, said:

“We are delighted to support the growing post-Brexit Irish trade to the Continent and provide transport operators with an important alternative route, which will greatly benefit all stakeholders and the Irish economy. Finnlines provides cost-efficient and high frequency liner services to its customers with the lowest CO2 emissions per transported cargo unit.”

“Finnlines is proud to expand its route network and upgrade its services to support its customers to grow and develop new businesses,” confirms Tom Pippingsköld, Finnlines President and CEO.

Finnlines specialises in freight transport and the extensive line network provides Finland’s export industry with a regular and reliable way to the European market, while ensuring imports of goods that are important for security of supply.