A new ferry service linking Cork with northern France has been launched by Irish operator Hibernia Line, with bookings now open ahead of the first sailings in mid-June. The year-round route will connect Ringaskiddy with Boulogne-sur-Mer six times per week in each direction using the vessels St Patrick and MV Akka.
The company says the overnight service is aimed at both freight and passenger traffic, offering direct access between Ireland and mainland Europe at a time of growing demand for alternatives to UK landbridge routes. Sailings will depart Cork at 9pm and Boulogne-sur-Mer at 10pm local time, with crossing times of around 21½ hours.
Hibernia Line, headquartered in Cork, expects the route to carry more than 250,000 passengers annually and says the operation will create up to 250 jobs across Ireland and France, including crew positions and cadet placements linked to the National Maritime College of Ireland in Ringaskiddy. The project is backed by the Goodman Group.
The St Patrick offers around 2,200 lane metres of freight capacity, while MV Akka can accommodate approximately 2,500 lane metres. Both ships feature cabins, lounges, dining facilities and space for more than 600 passengers per sailing.
The launch was welcomed by Minister of State for Transport Seán Canney, who described the route as an important addition to Ireland’s direct European connectivity and freight capacity. French ambassador to Ireland Céline Place also said the service would strengthen growing maritime links between Ireland and France.
Photo: Hibernia Line
