Rosslare Europort
Template:Short description Template:EngvarB Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox port
Rosslare Europort (Template:Langx) is a modern seaport located at Rosslare Harbour in County Wexford, Ireland, near the southeasternmost point of the island of Ireland. The port is the primary Irish port serving the European Continent with 36 direct services to the Continent weekly.[1] It handles passenger and freight ferries to and from Cherbourg, Dunkirk, St Malo and Roscoff, in France, Bilbao in Spain and Fishguard and Pembroke Dock in the United Kingdom. Since July 2022, a new freight route between Rosslare and Zeebrugge, Belgium was introduced by Finnlines (Grimaldi Group) for a twice weekly ro-ro service between the two ports.
As a result of Brexit, the port is expanding rapidly, providing new or increased direct sailings with extra capacity from Ireland to mainland Europe.[2] The direct routes between Ireland and the continent allow freight transport firms to bypass the UK land bridge, in case there is severe congestion at British ports.[3]
The port, formerly called Rosslare Harbour, is operated by Iarnród Éireann, Ireland's national railway operator. Wexford politicians Verona Murphy and James Browne maintain that if Rosslare is to take advantage of its new market opportunities and undergo radical expansion to handle container traffic, this will require large-scale investment.[4][5][6]
Rosslare Europort has direct sailings into Cherbourg, Dunkirk, St Malo/Roscoff and Bilbao ports.[2][7] As a result of new routes or increased frequency and capacity on existing routes, there are 36 direct services (freight and passenger) to and from Rosslare to continental Europe weekly, a six-fold increase on the 3 weekly sailings to mainland Europe in 2019.[8][9] Template:Citation needed span
Current services
| Ferry company | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Irish Ferries | Pembroke Dock | |
| Brittany Ferries | Cherbourg | |
| Brittany Ferries | Bilbao | |
| DFDS Seaways | Dunkirk | |
| Finnlines | Zeebrugge | Freight only |
| Stena Line | Fishguard, Cherbourg |
The port predominantly handles RORO (roll-on/roll-off) cargo ships and ROPAX (roll-on/roll-off) passenger and freight vessels. The harbour has four cargo berths and a fishing vessel berth.[10] Passenger ferries operate to and from Fishguard (Stena Line) and Pembroke Dock (Irish Ferries) in Wales, and to Cherbourg (Stena Line and Brittany Ferries) in France. Brittany Ferries also operate from Rosslare to Bilbao in Spain.[11][12] DFDS operates a freight-only service from Rosslare to Dunkirk with six sailings a week in each direction,[13][14] On 4 March 2021, DFDS announced that the Dunkirk-Rosslare freight-only service would be increased to eight times a week from 1 April 2021.[15][16] In February 2021, Brittany Ferries announced additional (freight-only) sailings one-way only from Roscoff to Rosslare Europort and from Rosslare to St Malo.[17] From 7 April 2021, Irish Ferries is introducing a new twice-daily ship on the Rosslare–Pembroke route, which will be the fastest RORO vessel between Ireland and the UK (4 hours 01 minute), with capacity for 1,500 passengers, 100 freight vehicles and 700 cars depending on freight volume.[18] From July 2022, a new freight route between Rosslare and Zeebrugge, Belgium was introduced by Finnlines, part of the Grimaldi Group, for a twice weekly ro-ro service between the two ports.[19]
Rosslare Europort has a Border Inspection Post since 2019, crucial for the importation of agri-food, fish or live animal products. It is the only one in Ireland outside Dublin Port. It is currently based in a 16-acre site 2 km from the port.[20] Uniquely for Ireland, the new Border Inspection Post will offer a one-stop service for hauliers, as all necessary checks will be conducted on the same site (customs, agricultural and health inspections), so inspectors come to the hauliers rather than vice versa, saving them time and money.
An advantage for Rosslare is that direct sailings allow drivers to take their rest periods during the crossing, rather than when they land in France or Spain. It appears that there is substantial demand from industry (manufacturers and producers) to use direct sailings to avoid the practical difficulties of using the landbridge such as documentation, redtape, inspections, and the need to use several IT systems.[21] The same holds true for French business intent on avoiding Brexit-related delays and formalities by using the direct routes.[22][23]
In March 2020 Brittany Ferries commenced the Rosslare-Bilbao service which runs twice weekly, this effectively replaced their Cork Santander service.[24] Brittany Ferries also offer a seasonal service with Roscoff/St Malo in France.[25][26]
Neptune lines include Rosslare in a loop service which includes Santander, Bristol, Le Havre, Southampton and Zeebrugge, which is used to import motor vehicles.[27][28]
Facilities
Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Existing facilities in the terminal building include a cafe with shop, ferry company desks, car rental, and self-service left-luggage lockers. A viewing balcony and foot passenger lounge are to be found on the first floor. Railway services to Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin Connolly are located at Rosslare Europort railway station around a seven-minute walk in the open air along a specially marked path. Bus services to Wexford, and Waterford leave from just outside. Bus and rail connections to Cork, County Kerry, and Limerick, and bus connections to County Clare and Galway are available from Waterford whereas connections to Dublin are available at Wexford.
Port details
At Rosslare, Iarnród Éireann is an infrastructure provider and operator, providing port facilities and related services, including stevedoring, to shipping lines. Rosslare Europort is operated as a Common User Terminal, meaning that the port authority carries out all stevedoring activities on a common user basis for all shipping lines using the port.
The import and export of motor vehicles (trade cars) is one of the most important trades of the port.[29] In excess of 25,000 vehicles are handled per annum. The importer depot is in Rosslare Harbour Village.
The port can accommodate cruise liners. Rosslare Europort was included in the 2020 schedule of the Phoenix Reisen-owned liner MS Deutschland.[30]
An all-weather RNLI lifeboat is on station, and the Irish Coast Guard helicopter at Waterford Airport provides air-sea rescue cover.[31][32] An automatic weather station is maintained adjacent to the port by Met Éireann.[33]
The port area is largely on reclaimed land. Reclamation work continued to the late 1990s when the northwest part of the port was constructed using a dragline. Modernisation of facilities has continued to encourage the increase in cars carried on the ferries despite a drop in foot passengers.
Rosslare has also handled rolltrailer traffic in the recent past, when Cobelfret operated a service from Rosslare to Zeebrugge/Rotterdam (October 2008 to September 2009). Rolltrailers enable the carriage of lift-on lift-off (LoLo) traffic on roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ships.
Rosslare Europort is the second most strategically important seaport in the state after Dublin. It is the second-busiest port in terms of ship visits and gross tonnage, and handles more unitised freight than any other Irish seaport except Dublin – in fact, Rosslare handles more unitised freight than all other seaports in the state, excluding Dublin, put together. Unitised freight is important because all of the high added-value exports on which Ireland's economic recovery depends are exported as unitised freight.Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
Rosslare Europort 2020 yearly figures are as follows: 810,000 passengers, 130,000 freight units and 515,710 tonnes of freight.[34]
SailRail
Script error: No such module "Unsubst". The Rosslare Europort ferry connection using Stena Line to Fishguard Harbour and then by train operated by Transport for Wales to Carmarthen, Swansea and Cardiff links into Great Western Railway services to Bristol Parkway, Reading and London Paddington. This is popular with Rugby fans going to the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff or the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Train and ferry connections across the Irish Sea are promoted as an alternative to air.
Irish Rail and ferry connections
Script error: No such module "Labelled list hatnote". Trains connect the port on the Rosslare Line via Template:Stnlnk, Template:Stnlnk, Gorey, Template:Stnlnk, Template:Stnlnk, Template:Stnlnk to Dublin Connolly. Connecting routes from Dublin Connolly include the Sligo Line and the Belfast Line.[35]
Template:S-rail- ↑ "Rosslare Port Breathes Maritime Atmosphere & Will Have 36 Ferry Services Next Month" Template:Webarchive www.Afloat.ie 21 March 2021
- ↑ a b c Stena Line adding extra vessel between Ireland and France Template:Webarchive www.rte.ie, 10 December 2020.
- ↑ Brexit: The Irish port of Rosslare is hoping to benefit Template:Webarchive www.bbc.com, 26 December 2020.
- ↑ a b Brexit: The Irish port of Rosslare is hoping to benefit Template:Webarchive www.bbc.com, 26 December 2020.
- ↑ "Port business boost means investment ‘urgently needed in Rosslare’ – Murphy" Template:Webarchive www.agriland.ie 11 December 2020
- ↑ a b "Confusion over ownership may have hit investment in Rosslare, says TD" Template:Webarchive www.independent.ie 9 February 2019
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ New extra Stena Line Cherbourg sailings make Rosslare Ireland's leading port connecting industry to Europe Template:Webarchive www.fleet.ie
- ↑ DFDS introduced fourth ferry from Rosslare to Dunkirk Europort News 4 March 2021
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Rosslare Bilbao Ferry Template:Webarchive www.rte.ie, 28 February 2020.
- ↑ Brittany Ferries Template:Webarchive Official Website.
- ↑ Rosslare Dunkirk Ferry Template:Webarchive www.rte.ie, 27 November 2020.
- ↑ DFDS Template:Webarchive Official Website.
- ↑ Fourth ferry added to Rosslare-Dunkirk route Template:Webarchive www.rte.ie 4 March 2021
- ↑ "Fourth freight ferry DFDS is to be added to the Rosslare-Dunkirk route on April 1st" Template:Webarchive www.Breakingnews.ie 4 March 2021
- ↑ Brittany Ferries unveil new post-Brexit direct ferries to mainland EU: Three new ferry routes with France launched to meet business demand to avoid Britain Template:Webarchive Irish Times, 2 February 2021.
- ↑ "Irish Ferries announces faster service between Ireland and the UK" Template:Webarchive www.independent.ie 26 March 2021
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b "Rosslare approved as border control post Europort will be one of two ports with facilities for border control checks in Ireland ahead of Brexit" Template:Webarchive www.independent.ie 13 April 2019
- ↑ Brexit: Truckers arrive 'fresh and well-fed' after first Rosslare-Dunkirk sailing Template:Webarchive www.IrishTimes.com, 3 January 2021.
- ↑ "Vu du Royaume-Uni.Dans les ports français et irlandais, un 'boom lié au Brexit'" Template:Webarchive Courrier International 15 February 2021
- ↑ "Malgré le Brexit, «Dunkerque est plus que jamais le port des îles Britanniques»" Template:Webarchive La Voix du Nord 8 March 2021
- ↑ New Rosslare to Bilbao ferry service sets sail Template:Webarchive by Conor O'Kane, RTE News, 28 February 2020.
- ↑ Brittany Ferries announces new services to Spain and France from Rosslare Template:Webarchive Irish Times, 29 January 2020.
- ↑ "Rosslare gives berth to two new routes Brittany Ferries sets sail for Bilbao from Rosslare for the first time with route to Roscoff to follow on later this month" Template:Webarchive www.independent.ie 7 March 2020
- ↑ Atlantic Loop Template:Webarchive Neptune Lines
- ↑ "New Weekly Car Import Service to Rosslare Europort Operated by Neptune Lines" Template:Webarchive www.afloat.ie 4 April 2017
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Lifeboat Station : Rosslare Harbour Template:Webarchive
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Inside the 'Brexit Bypass' as Rosslare Europort prepares to be gateway to Europe and Irish 'invasion of Dunkirk' Template:Webarchive www.irishmirror.ie, 30 November 2020.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b "Remote working blamed for delay in Rosslare - Oylegate motorway" Template:Webarchive www.IrishIndependent.ie 20 March 2021
- ↑ a b IRHA deems call for movement of Dublin Port activities to Rosslare as logical Template:Webarchive www.fleet.ie
- ↑ Stena Line brings forward doubling of Ireland-France freight route Template:Webarchive www.reuters.com, 21 December 2020.
- ↑ Stena Line introducing second vessel on French route Template:Webarchive www.rte.ie, 21 December 2020.
- ↑ Dublin Port warns of potential delays due to Brexit Template:Webarchive www.rte.ie, 30 December 2020.
- ↑ Brexit begins to bite as range of firms warn of trade issues. Issues with food items, parcel delays and extra costs flagged by businesses Template:Webarchive www.independent.ie 10 January 2021
- ↑ Demand for post-Brexit direct sailings to Europe surges Template:Webarchive www.IrishTimes.com, 30 December 2020.
- ↑ Stena Line's new Belfast ferry moves to Rosslare in 'Brexit busting move' Template:Webarchive BBC News 13 January 2021 www.bbc.com
- ↑ "After Brexit, Irish port becomes new gateway to EU" Template:Webarchive www.rtl.lu 29 January 2021
- ↑ In post-Brexit UK, quiet ports hide mounting transport chaos Template:Webarchive Aljazeera 8 January 2021 www.aljazeera.com
- ↑ What is ENS and Why is There an ENS Charge? Template:Webarchive www.xeneta.com
- ↑ Export goods from the UK: step by step Template:Webarchive Official UK Government website 30 December 2020 www.gov.uk
- ↑ Pre-Boarding notification (PBN) Template:Webarchive Revenue Irish Tax and Customs official website 30 December 2020 www.revenue.ie
- ↑ "Brexit: Why Irish freight trade is avoiding Britain" Template:Webarchive www.bbc.com 4 March 2021
- ↑ Ireland to bypass post-Brexit Britain with more direct sea routes to Europe Template:Webarchive Saudi Gazette 2 January 2021
- ↑ Brexit delivers record freight for Rosslare on ferries to mainland EU: Southeast port boosted by fivefold increase in freight in January on continental sailings Template:Webarchive Irish Times 31 January 2021 www.irishtimes.com
- ↑ January freight traffic up 45% at Rosslare Europort, European freight up 446% year-on-year Brexit Template:Webarchive RTÉ 1 February 2021 www.rte.ie
- ↑ Irish trucking firms are taking the pricier route around the UK to avoid Brexit red tape Template:Webarchive www.CNBC.com 19 April 2021
- ↑ Most imports passing Dublin and Rosslare checks but full impact of Brexit not yet clear Template:Webarchive www.IrishExaminer.com 12 May 2021
- ↑ Port chiefs poised for post-Brexit disruption to exports Haulage industry group warns of potential shortages due to checks on food imports Template:Webarchive Irish Times 15 February 2021
- ↑ ‘It's a shambles’ – Hauliers warn of food shortages as Brexit causes delays at Dublin Port Template:Webarchive Independent.ie 16 January 2021 www.independent.ie
- ↑ Brexit: Dublin Port 'minefield' leaves trucks stranded Template:Webarchive BBC News 15 January 2021 www.bbc.com
- ↑ "Fear from Hauliers of Full Direct Ferries to EU if Brexit Checks Block UK routes" Template:Webarchive www.afloat.ie 18 December 2020
- ↑ Rosslare Europort is in the midst of an Amazonian influx! Template:Webarchive www.independent.ie 27 February 2021
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Increase in Amazon freight from EU through Rosslare Template:Webarchive www.rte.ie 11 February 2021
- ↑ "Brexit: Why Irish freight trade is avoiding Britain" Template:Webarchive BBC News Reality Check, 4 March 2021
- ↑ Ierse zeehaven Rosslare floreert:'Brexit is goed voor ons' Template:Webarchive NOS 23 February 2021
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Ryan may be the minister to reclaim Rosslare port from Britain The state fears the port's complicated ownership structure will be a barrier to vital upgrades in the wake of Brexit Template:Webarchive Business Post 24 January 2021
- ↑ "Rosslare Europort ownership issues to be examined by the Government" Template:Webarchive www.southeastradio.ie 24 January 2021
- ↑ Ross to talk with UK government about Rosslare Harbour ownership Template:Webarchive Irish Examiner 21 November 2019
- ↑ "Shane Ross urged to act on Rosslare ‘quagmire’" Template:Webarchive Irish Examiner 14 October 2019
- ↑ COVID-19 tests for HGV drivers travelling on the UK Landbridge to France & certain other countries Template:Webarchive www.gov.ie 5 March 2021.
- ↑ "Irish Ferries increases driver capacity on Dublin – Cherbourg route" Template:Webarchive www.niferry.co.uk 5 January 2021
- ↑ "‘Faster, cheaper’ UK landbridge will lure businesses - Irish Ferries boss Despite extra red tape, landbridge will remain preferable, Eamon Rothwell claims" Template:Webarchive Irish Times 2 January 2021
- ↑ "Relocating Dublin Port would cost over €8bn, says company DPC publishes papers setting out various options for delivering additional capacity" Template:Webarchive www.Irish Times.com 23 March 2021
- ↑ "Dublin Port will hit capacity within 20 years DPC calls for planning on development of east coast infrastructure"| Template:Webarchive www.independent.ie 23 March 2021