A new ferry service, operated by DFDS Shipping and Freight will commence on 21 January from Rosslare to Dunkirk in northern France, but it won’t be carrying livestock.

The Rosslare to Dunkirk service will provide an alternative for Irish exporters for direct access to EU markets, avoiding the UK land bridge but is unsuitable for livestock because it is a 24-hour crossing and frequently experiences high waves.

The route will be served by three ferries, each able to take up to 125 lorries with their drivers. There will be six sailings a week with afternoon and evening departures from each port.

Speaking to the Irish Farmers Journal, route director for DFDS Aidan Coffey explained that while they couldn’t “carry livestock they will be in a position to transport all livestock products direct from Ireland to other UK markets, avoiding any difficulties with the UK land bridge”.

The location of the port close to the Belgian border will make this an attractive option for deliveries into northern Europe as well as France and Germany, all of which are major export destinations for Irish meat and dairy.