Brittany Ferries has launched a new freight service in Le Havre, linking Normandy and the town of Rosslare in Ireland.
Underpinned by the reorganisation of trade between Ireland and the European continent, this service commencing on 12 November, will provide one weekly return trip.
The new service, which offers an additional solution for connecting Ireland with the European Union Single Market via France, is the practical outcome of the efforts made by the two partners in the wake of Brexit.
The Brittany Ferries’ Cotentin can carry 120 driver-accompanied freight units on each trip between Le Havre and Rosslare, according to a statement.
“It had been feeling the lack of a freight line to Ireland until now,” noted Jean-Marc Roué, chair of the Brittany Ferries supervisory board, who went on to add that the establishment of this link between Le Havre and Rosslare is an important milestone for Brittany Ferries, Le Havre and its port.
HAROPA PORT and Le Havre city authority believe that the consolidation of these new trade flows will benefit from the logistics capacity offered by Le Havre’s industrial/port complex and industrial synergies between Ireland and Normandy, especially where fresh produce and medical products are concerned.
Édouard Philippe, Mayor of Le Havre and chair of the Le Havre Seine city and district authority stated that “Cross-channel services have suffered because of Brexit and the creation of this new direct link with Ireland is a marvellous opportunity for the development and competitiveness of the port of Le Havre.”
In addition, Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs of the Republic of Ireland added said that the bookings announced for the maiden voyage were full.
“Confronted with the dual challenge posed by Brexit and the pandemic, these routes, which the media call ‘Brexit Busters’, have turned out to be crucial in maintaining the frequency of flows with the Single Market and the European continent as a whole,” pointed out Byrne.
