Finnlines expands Ireland–Belgium freight service with a second vessel
Finnlines Plc, Press release, 19 May 2026
Finnlines is significantly expanding its freight service between Rosslare, Ireland and Zeebrügge, Belgium, by adding a second ro-ro vessel to the route. The expansion will provide customers with increased capacity and more frequent departures between Ireland and mainland Europe.
M/s Lismore.
To meet growing customer demand, Finnlines is strengthening the service with the addition of M/s Lismore, which will join M/s Finnwave on the route in week 22, departing from Zeebrügge on 28th of May. The enhanced schedule will substantially increase freight capacity on the direct connection between Ireland and continental Europe.
Finnlines’ Rosslare–Zeebrügge service has proven highly successful and serves as an important trade link for Irish industry. Through transhipment in Zeebrügge, the service also connects Ireland with Finland, Poland, the UK, Spain and the wider Grimaldi Group network.
M/s Lismore will operate on a charter agreement and complements Finnlines’ existing fleet deployed on the route. The addition of the vessel enables Finnlines to respond quickly to increasing market demand while further strengthening service reliability and schedule flexibility for customers.
“We have seen steadily increasing demand on our Ireland–Belgium service and are pleased to offer our customers greater capacity and flexibility. By adding a second vessel and increasing the frequency, we are further strengthening our service for both the Irish and European markets,” says Umberto Raimo, Deputy Line Manager at Finnlines.
“This development has been made possible through close cooperation with the terminals in Rosslare and Zeebrügge, as well as the support of our customers. The efficiency of our operations will certainly be extended to our third call in each port,” adds Juha Anjala, Traffic Manager at Finnlines.
“The expansion of Finnlines’ Rosslare to Zeebrügge service further strengthens Rosslare Europort’s status as Ireland’s Gateway to Europe, and the strong partnership we enjoy with Finnlines. Continuing investment in the port will ensure we continue to attract new services and operators, for the benefit of supply chains to and from Ireland,” says Glenn Carr, Director, Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Eireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort.
“I am delighted to welcome the expansion of Finnlines’ Rosslare to Zeebrügge service. The introduction of a second vessel reflects the strong and growing demand for direct connections between Rosslare and mainland Europe. We thank Finnlines for their continued trust in Rosslare Europort and are proud to support this important enhancement in both capacity and frequency on a key strategic route,” adds Philip O’Brien, General Manager for Rosslare Europort.
“We’re pleased to be working with Finnlines on this weekend charter, which allows us to maximise the utilisation of M/s Lismore while maintaining our core weekday schedule. It’s a flexible arrangement that benefits both companies and our customers,” says Stewart Hayes, P&O Ferries Fleet Director.
M/s Lismore has a cargo capacity for 4,076 lane metres, while M/s Finnwave offers 4,192 lane metres. Both vessels can carry approximately 260 trailers and accommodate up to 12 drivers.
Finnlines specialises in freight transport and its extensive line network provides European industry with regular and reliable sea connections. The company also plays a key role in securing the supply of essential goods across Europe.
Departures
Zeebrugge Tue 23:30 – Rosslare Thu 04:30
Zeebrugge Thu 20:30 – Rosslare Sat 04:30
Zeebrugge Sat 15:00 – Rosslare Sun 20:00
Rosslare Mon 03:00 – Zeebrugge Tue 11:30
Rosslare Thu 22:00 – Zeebrugge Sat 06:00
Rosslare Sat 14:00 – Zeebrugge Sun 23:59
More information:
Antonio Raimo, Line Manager, Finnlines Plc
[email protected], +46 707250380
Umberto Raimo, Deputy Line Manager, Finnlines Plc
[email protected], +39 320 03 78547
Juha Anjala, Traffic Manager, Finnlines Plc
[email protected], +353 505655297
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Finnlines Plc
Finnlines is a leading shipping operator of freight and passenger services in the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, and the Bay of Biscay. The company is a part of the Grimaldi Group, one of the world’s largest operators of ro-ro vessels and the largest operator of the Motorways of the Sea in Europe for both passengers and freight. This affiliation enables Finnlines to offer liner services to and from several destinations in the Mediterranean, West Africa, Atlantic coasts of both North and South America as well as Asia and Australia.