IRELAND – UK – The initial sailing of Fastnet Lines new service between Cork and Swansea is now scheduled for Friday 5th March. The sailing has been put back because of technical difficulties but the company are confident the first vessel will be shipping out to add another route between the two countries. Freight vehicles will be subject to a 4.3 metre height restriction and the service has limited deck space. Company spokesman Paul Tyrell told the Handy Shipping Guide:
“We have been encouraged by the extremely positive reaction both locally and from further afield. We have a good proportion of bookings extending into the Summer”
The company boasts that the overnight service can save drivers a 600 kilometre round trip drive cross country and emphasise this will enable freight truck drivers to save on hours and arrive fresh and ready for work. The service was previously operated by Swansea Cork ferries but terminated in 2006 after 19 years of continuous service.
A vessel MV Julia was purchased last year after serving throughout the Baltic using a combination of public money and over £3 million raised from the local Irish and Welsh business communities. She was built in 1982 and her ten decks have been refitted to accommodate over 400 cars and 40 commercial freight trucks. Booking details can be obtained from the Fastnet Line company website.
