Ferries in place for DFDS’ new Ireland – France freight route

The ferries Visby, Kerry, and Optima Seaways are ready to welcome lorries and their drivers on the new Rosslare – Dunkerque freight route. From 2 January, the route will enable customers to keep their freight transport within the EU and avoid the customs formalities that will apply to transport passing via the UK.

DFDS is now ready to welcome our freight customers’ lorries and their drivers on the new Rosslare – Dunkerque freight route on 2 January.

“I am extremely pleased to present the three freight ferries that will soon be welcoming our customers on board the route. The three ships are Visby, Kerry and Optima Seaways,” says Aidan Coffey, Route Director.

“Visby and Kerry are chartered ships, including crews, and Optima Seaways is our own ferry, which currently operates between Sweden and Lithuania. They are all proven and efficient freight ferries with capacity for up to 120 trucks and trailers plus drivers. The drivers will all be comfortably accommodated in their own COVID-19 safe cabins during the crossing.”

There will be six weekly departures from each port. The first departure will be on Saturday 2 January from Rosslare. Sailing time will be just under 24 hours.

“I am very grateful for the positive response to the news about the route, and the interest we have experienced among our customers who appreciate the opportunity to avoid the customs procedures, extra costs and waiting time that will be necessary for transport via the UK land bridge. Also, upon arrival in Dunkerque or Rosslare, the drivers will be fully rested and can continue driving immediately and be able to reach many major destinations within their legal driving limit.”

Rosslare Dunkirk

For further information please contact:

DFDS Ireland, Aidan Coffey (+44 7884 123123)

DFDS Group, Gert Jakobsen (+45 24 40 00 43)

Learn more about the new route, schedule and booking here

MV KERRY Built 2001 at Cantiere Navale Visentini, Italian flag Length 186.50 m Breadth 25.60 m Draft 6.50 m Speed 23 knots Cargo capacity: 2,030 lane metres 80 cabins with 288 beds, all with private facilities Max. cargo height 5.10 m

M/S VISBY Built 2003 at the Guangzhou Shipyard Int. in China Length 196.00 m Breadth 25.67 m Draught 6.40 m Speed 26 Cargo capacity: 1,800 lane metres 92 cabins, all with private facilities Cargo height up to 5 metres

Optima Seaways Built 1999, Italy, Lithuanian flag Length 186 m Breadth 25.60 m Draught 6.50 m Speed 22 Cargo capacity 2,115 m lane metres 80 passenger cabins, all with private facilities Cargo height up to 5.00 m

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