Luxembourg-based CLdN (formerly known as Cobelfret) have announced the will be adding a new route to Ireland from tomorrow. The new service will link Zeebrugge with Cork once a week. Shippax reports that a 2,307 lane metre ‘Kawasaki Class’ Ro-Ro ferry will operate the link. According to Port of Cork, the ship will depart Zeebrugge on Fridays, arriving in Cork on Sundays. A return trip will then leave Cork on Tuesdays with arrival in Zeebrugge on Thursdays. Unlike many other Ro-Ro operators, CLdN services are totally unaccompanied.
CEO of Port of Cork, Brendan Keating, said; “This announcement by CLdN will greatly support our efforts in the Port of Cork to keep supply chains moving during the current Covid-19 pandemic. The Port has been actively looking at ways to bolster its freight activity and is delighted to partner with a company that enjoys such a great reputation in the shipping industry. Introducing this new connectivity to Zeebrugge not only helps Port of Cork to protect supply chains during the current crisis, but also adds a direct freight-only link with the heart of Europe.”
Port of Cork Chairman, John Mullins, said; “This is a very exciting development for both the Port of Cork and CLdN. In these unprecedented times this direct freight link with Europe from Ireland’s primary southern gateway will reinforce the Port’s commitment to supporting businesses in the region and preparing for any eventuality Brexit may still bring.”
In addition it is understood that CLdN also intend to add an additional round-trip to their Zeebrugge – Dublin schedule in the near future. This will mean the company will offer three round trips per week between Dublin and both Rotterdam and Zeebrugge in addition to the new Cork route. According to the port they have implemented a contingency plan to ensure freight operations continue as normal during the COVID-19 pandemic.
