New Cork to France ferry set for June launch

A direct ferry from Ringaskiddy to France, offering six departures per week from this summer, is set to be officially announced next week.

The new ferry service, which will link Cork to the north-east French port of Boulogne-sur-Mer, near Calais, is expected to offer the first direct ‘RoPax’ — roll-on roll-off passenger — service between the two ports, with both passenger and freight services to commence in mid-June this year.

Hibernia Line plans to operate six evening departures per week in both directions between Ringaskiddy and Boulogne-sur-Mer, providing year-round direct access between Ireland and France.

Boulgne-sur-Mer is a leading European agri-food hub, and is France’s largest fishing port.

Hibernia Line said it intends the service — which it said has been secured as an exclusive route — to act as an alternative to the UK landbridge for freight, while offering a new option for passengers.

ABP GROUP

Hibernia Line has been reported to be backed by Laurence Goodman, the chair of APB Group and the son of Larry Goodman. He has, for six decades, been one of the major figures in the meat-processing industry, with an estimated net worth of €3bn.

An APB spokesperson said the matter had nothing to do with the company.

Hibernia Line’s chief executive is freight industry veteran Aidan Coffey, who last year announced plans for a new €80m zero-emissions passenger ferry service for Cork Harbour.

Mr Coffey played a pivotal role in launching the DFDS ferry route between Rosslare and Dunkirk in 2021 in the days after Brexit.

Asked this week about the new Hibernia Line service, Mr Coffey declined to comment, saying details of the route will be announced at an event in Ringaskiddy on Thursday.