Seatruck Ferries, a wholly owned subsidiary of Clipper Group and the Irish Sea freight specialist, added the third vessel on the Dublin-Liverpool route in November 2015. This has already attracted significant flows of new traffic since its introduction. The deployment of a proven P series vessel as the 3rd vessel to run alongside the 2 larger FSG vessels will ensure that Seatruck can deal with the strong and continued growth in the route. Mid-week, Seatruck now offers 3 sailing per day in each direction.
The vessel switch is in direct response to demand and feedback from the Seatruck customer base and the schedule has been tailored to reflect the changing needs of the Irish market. Crucially it will add further capacity during the busy midweek period.
The 110 unit vessel will bring speed, schedule reliability, free height and even faster turnaround times in port. Drivers will appreciate the single berth en-suite cabins and comfortable lounge area. The ship also benefits from a ramp interface to the lower hold in place of a lift.
Driver shortages are causing operators to reassess their traditional accompanied method. Seatruck Ferries believes in a switch to greater volumes of unaccompanied movements from ports, which reduces road mileage compared with the transit through Wales or Scotland. As economic conditions improve, this addition is the next stage in Seatruck Ferries’ strategic development plan.
This positive move will complement the existing Seatruck services from Warrenpoint- Heysham and from Dublin-Heysham. The M6 Link road is nearing completion and will dramatically reduce the transit time to Heysham Port from junction 34 of the M6.
Seatruck CEO Alistair Eagles comments: “Since the introduction of the 3rd vessel on the route volumes for Seatruck have grown quickly and strongly. I have absolutely no doubt that this switch to a larger vessel will allow operators to take further advantage of Seatruck Ferries services. As we approach our 20 year anniversary it seems fitting that we are continuing to listen carefully to the market and then reacting decisively and rapidly to their changing needs. We are all really excited about the extra space that we will soon be able to offer to both existing and new customers. 2016 will be a pivotal year for Seatruck with not only the additional capacity on this route but with the opening of the M6 link which will be a game changer for the development of our routes from the Port of Heysham”
