New cruise ferry for Irish Continental Group

Photo: Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft

The €165m worth vessel to serve the Dublin-Holyhead route, will be built by Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft, delivered in H1 2020.

The transport company has ordered what's said the world's largest cruise ferry in terms of vehicle capacity, having 5,610 lane meters, able to accomodate 330 freight units per voyage, and 1,800 passengers.

"This investment underpins the confidence the Group has in the markets in which we operate. Alongside the recent investment in the W.B. Yeats, it brings our total investment to €315m for these two vessels designed for our operations on the Irish Sea. The construction of a cruise ferry of this size will offer both additional capacity and an enhanced experience for both our tourism and freight customers. This infrastructural investment enhances 'the bridge' to the UK & Continental Europe that is a vital part of the continued success of Ireland's open economy," Eamonn Rothwell, Chief Executive Officer, Irish Continental Group, said.