HJ Lines to start freight-ferry service between Wales, Ireland

HJ Lines to start freight-ferry service between Wales, Ireland

HJ Lines will later this month re-establish a direct link between the Port of Swansea in Wales and the Port of Cork in Ireland with a freight-ferry service.

   The company has chartered the roll-on/roll-off vessel 'Victoria,' which can accommodate 12 drivers and 65 trailers, to operate the three-times-a-week service. The first sailing will be on March 20 and the vessel will depart from South Wales every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

   Late last year, Swansea Cork Ferries ceased its passenger operations.

   'The route between Swansea and Cork is a well-established one, particularly for passenger traffic,' said Hugh Johnson, founder of HJ Lines and managing director for Air Cargo Wales. 'There is, however, growing demand for increased freight capacity on the southern Ireland/United Kingdom freight-market route.

   'There is a fair deal of interest in this service from a number of suppliers and haulage associations in both Ireland and the U.K., and I am keen to exploit and develop this lucrative trade link.'

   John Fitzgerald, port director for Associated British Port's South Wales Ports, said: 'This is great news for Swansea. As South Wales' most easterly ferry port, ABP's Port of Swansea saves hauliers valuable driving time to their markets and crucially cuts road miles, benefiting the environment. The port is equipped with modern ferry facilities and can accommodate regional freight hubs on its estate.'