Cork-headquartered ferry operator launches new France route following €20m investment

Hibernia Line, backed by the Goodman Group, will sail Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer six times a week from June

 Pictured in Ringaskiddy, Cork at the announcement of Hibernia Line is Helen Rogers, Head of Onboarding; Chief Executive Officer Aidan Coffey and Captain Paul Roche.

A more than €20m investment into Ireland's newest ferry operator by a company backed by Larry Goodman's family will see a new direct line from Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer in France.

Cork-headquartered Hibernia Line officially announced the new route on Friday, with CEO Aiden Coffey saying the launch is coming at the perfect time, despite the ongoing fuel crisis. 

Asked if he was concerned about the timing of the new line, given the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Mr Coffey said: "As a matter of fact, I think it is actually better. One shipping company has said that because of the current airline situation, their numbers are up by around 40%. 

"So Ferry travel is very much on the rise. You don't have any luggage constraints, and you don't need to hire a car as you can bring your own one with you."

The chief executive also noted that ferry fuel is not the same as airline fuel, adding that Hibernia Line was assured that there was "no issue with supply."

"We are that viable substitute option. People can travel with their family, book a cabin and relax on board," Mr Coffey said.

Starting on June 12, two new ships, one named St Patrick, which Hibernia Line CEO Aidan Coffey says is a tribute to the saint's birthplace in Boulogne-sur-Mer, and MV Akka, will run six days a week throughout the year, carrying both freight and passengers. 

The two ships offer capacity for approximately 600 passengers per sailing, alongside onboard cabins, dining and lounge facilities.

Targeting around 250,000 passengers in its first year, Hibernia Line said the scheduling from Ringaskiddy is centred around late evening departures at 9 pm, with journeys taking just over 21 hours. 

250 new jobs

Hibernia Line, which is backed by the Goodman Group, said the new line will create 250 immediate jobs in Ireland and France, including approximately 200 crew positions. Some of these will be cadets from the National Maritime College of Ireland, based in Ringaskiddy. 

Mr Coffey, a minority shareholder in the company, is also a co-founder of DFDS Seaways Ireland, which launched the Rosslare-Dunkirk ferry service five years ago.

A freight veteran, Mr Coffey announced plans last year for a new €80m zero-emissions passenger ferry service for Cork Harbour.

"This line takes you right over to Eastern France," says Mr Coffey. "You're two and a half hours to Paris, two and a half hours to Brussels, two hours to Bruges, so there is a lot of places you can go, in addition to the beautiful city of Boulogne-sur-Mer."

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, said, “Hibernia Line’s new route represents a significant enhancement in Ireland’s connectivity with mainland Europe, strengthening both passenger travel and freight capacity. 

"Improved direct routes of this kind support more resilient supply chains, reduce pressure on existing ports and provide greater choice for businesses and passengers. 

"I welcome investment that contributes to regional development, job creation and more efficient, reliable transport links between Ireland and mainland Europe.”