Hibernia Line Launches Direct Cork-France Ferry Service

Key facts

• Hibernia Line launches direct ferry service from Ringaskiddy, Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
• Service begins mid-June with prices starting at €500 return for a car and two passengers.
• Two ships, St Patrick and Akka, will operate six days a week year-round.
• The journey duration is approximately 21.5 hours.
• The company expects to carry over 250,000 passengers annually.
• Up to 250 jobs will be created by the new service.
• Hibernia Line is backed by The Goodman Group.

New Ferry Operator Connects Ireland and France

Ireland's newest ferry operator, Hibernia Line, has officially launched direct sailings between Ringaskiddy in Cork and Boulogne-sur-Mer in France. This new route promises to offer a significant alternative for both holidaymakers and freight operators seeking a dependable link to continental Europe. The service, set to commence in mid-June, will operate year-round, six days a week, aiming to establish a consistent presence on the Irish Sea and English Channel. Bookings for the new route are now live on the company's website, hibernia-line.com. The establishment of this direct connection marks a significant development in Irish ferry operations, providing a fresh option in a market often dominated by established players. The company highlights the appeal of a direct, uninterrupted journey as a key differentiator.

Details of the Cork to Boulogne Service

The new route will utilize two vessels, the St Patrick and the Akka. The St Patrick has capacity for 662 passengers and 193 cabins, while the Akka can accommodate 744 passengers and 227 cabins. Sailings will depart from Ringaskiddy every evening from Monday to Saturday at 9 pm, arriving in Boulogne-sur-Mer the following evening at 7:30 pm CET. The return journey from France will depart at 10 pm CET, with arrivals in Cork scheduled for 6:30 pm from Tuesday to Saturday, and slightly later on Sundays. The total journey time is expected to be around 21.5 hours, offering a more leisurely pace compared to some existing routes. This duration positions the service as a viable option for those who prefer a longer, more comfortable crossing. The company emphasizes the onboard experience, promising "an extensive array of cabins, great food offerings and extensive lounges for a relaxing experience." Prices for the service start from €500 for a return trip covering a car and two passengers. This pricing structure aims to make the route competitive for families and individuals planning their European travel. The company anticipates carrying upwards of 250,000 passengers annually.

Founding Vision and Investment Backing

Hibernia Line is the brainchild of founder and CEO Aidan Coffey, who also co-founded DFDS Seaways Ireland, responsible for launching the Rosslare-Dunkirk service in 2021. Mr. Coffey remains a minority shareholder in Hibernia Line. The company's significant investment comes from The Goodman Group, which has provided substantial financial backing for the venture. This support underscores the strategic importance and potential perceived in the new ferry operation. Mr. Coffey expressed confidence in the company's ability to secure fuel supplies, a critical factor given current global uncertainties. He stated that Hibernia Line is "assured that there is no problem in relation to supply," providing a degree of stability for its operational planning.

Targeting Holidaymakers and Freight

Hibernia Line anticipates that the new direct route will appeal particularly to holidaymakers concerned about the reliability and cost of air travel, especially in the context of recent global events and fuel price fluctuations. The company highlights the convenience of arriving in Boulogne-sur-Mer, which offers relatively quick road access to popular destinations such as Calais, Paris, Brussels, and Bruges. "People can travel with their family, book a cabin and relax on board," Mr. Coffey stated, emphasizing the stress-free nature of the ferry journey. The ability for passengers to bring their own camper vans and caravans is also seen as a significant draw, particularly for European travelers. This caters to a "huge appetite" among Germans and Dutch for such services. For the freight sector, the new route is presented as a "direct and dependable corridor into continental Europe." This is crucial for businesses seeking efficient and reliable transport of goods, potentially alleviating pressure on existing logistics networks and offering greater choice.

Economic Impact and Strategic Positioning

The launch of Hibernia Line's service is expected to create up to 250 jobs, a welcome development for the region. Some of these positions will be filled by cadets from the National Maritime College of Ireland, located in Ringaskiddy, fostering local talent development. Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, welcomed the initiative, noting that such direct routes "support more resilient supply chains, reduce pressure on existing ports and provide greater choice for businesses and passengers." His endorsement highlights the government's recognition of the strategic benefits of enhanced transport connectivity. The new service offers a longer alternative to established routes, such as Brittany Ferries from Cork to Roscoff (14-15 hours) and Irish Ferries from Dublin to Cherbourg (18-20 hours). While these routes are shorter, Hibernia Line's 21.5-hour journey provides a different proposition, emphasizing comfort and directness to a specific French port.

The bottom line

• Hibernia Line has launched a new direct ferry service connecting Cork, Ireland, to Boulogne-sur-Mer, France.
• The year-round service will operate six days a week, aiming to attract both passengers and freight.
• The company is backed by The Goodman Group and founded by Aidan Coffey, a co-founder of DFDS Seaways Ireland.
• The route is positioned as an alternative to air travel for holidaymakers and a dependable corridor for freight.
• The service is expected to create up to 250 jobs and boost regional connectivity.
• Journey times are approximately 21.5 hours, with prices starting from €500 return for a car and two passengers.