Business, Freight News, Logistics, Road, Sea

Second new ship for Seatruck

[ October 28, 2011   //   Chris ]

Irish Sea ro-ro freight operator Seatruck launched the second in a series of four new vessels at FSG Flensburg Yard, Germany, on 28 October. The new ferry was named Seatruck Power by Niamh McManus, wife of Surefreight’s Brian McManus, a long-established supporter of Seatruck’s unaccompanied freight service.

Meanwhile, preparations are progressing for the entry into service of the first of the four newbuildings. Seatruck Progress was launched in August and will enter service on the Liverpool-Dublin route in December to be joined in mid-February by Seatruck Power. The remaining new vessels are scheduled for delivery during the first half of 2012 and are likely to be deployed on Seatruck’s key Irish routes.

Seatruck’s managing director for the Irish Sea, Alistair Eagles, said that volumes on Seatruck’s services, which cater for the unaccompanied market, have risen by 425% in 2004-2011, despite an overall decline in the market. He said the new ships would reduce crossing time, thanks to a service speed of 21 knots, and offer more trailer capacity.