Ro-Ro row your boat

A new weekly freight service between Belgium and Ireland has been warmly welcomed by the Port of Cork.

The announcement was made yesterday by shipping company CLdN as part of a significant expansion of its freight services between the two countries.

The new roll on/roll off (Ro-Ro) service will begin operation on Friday and will run weekly, arriving in Cork every Sunday. It will then depart Cork every Tuesday, arriving in Zeebrugge in Belgium every Thursday.

Commenting on the announcement, CEO of Port of Cork, Brendan Keating, said that the new service will greatly support efforts to keep supply chains moving during the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Keating said: “The Port has been actively looking at ways to bolster its freight activity and is delighted to partner with a company that enjoys such a great reputation in the shipping industry.

“Introducing this new connectivity to Zeebrugge not only helps Port of Cork to protect supply chains during the current crisis, but also adds a direct freight-only link with the heart of Europe.”

Port of Cork Chairman, John Mullins expressed his excitement about the new service.

“In these unprecedented times, this direct freight link with Europe from Ireland’s primary southern gateway will reinforce the Port’s commitment to supporting businesses in the region and preparing for any eventuality Brexit may still bring,” said Mr Mullins.

Since the breakout of coronavirus, the Port of Cork has implemented a contingency plan to ensure freight operations continue as normal throughout the pandemic.

The Port is a key facilitator of trade in the Munster region, and operators have assured that vital deliveries will continue to several sectors in the weeks ahead.