Preparations continue for the Fastnet Line

Posted on 16 February 2010

The ship which will cover the new car, passenger and freight service between Swansea and Cork – the Fastnet Line’s M.V. Julia – is now berthed at Harris Pye dry-docks in Swansea , where it will remain for most of February in readiness for its inaugural sailing from Cork on March 1st.

As with all passenger ships, this vessel has to undergo an annual dry-docking for inspection by flag state and classification society in order to renew its passenger and other certificates. A host of examinations will be conducted including the inspection, cleaning and anti-fouling of the ship’s hull, overhauling of the overboard discharge valves and checking of the propellers and propeller shafts. All main and auxiliary engines will be overhauled, examined and tested.

The M.V. Julia will also undergo work to enhance the vessel’s public areas, ensuring safety and comfort for its passengers and crew. A new children’s play area will be built and four new deluxe cabins will be added (bringing a total of 14 deluxe cabins).

The President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, presented an award to the instigators (West Cork Co-Operative) of the new Fastnet Line route last week in recognition of their important initiative and The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Dara Murphy has today expressed his strong support for the route and all those in Ireland and Wales who have been so supportive of the initiative. ‘This is a development of considerable importance for Cork, Munster and Ireland as well as for our counterparts in Swansea Bay, Mumbles & Gower and the UK and Ireland’s tourism industry generally. We are looking forward to forging lasting links with all those organisations and investors who have shown a keen interest in developing this route and will welcome any delegations from Wales who wish to visit Cork and county during this period of extraordinary co-operation between our two countries. ‘

According to Tom Barrett (Chief Executive of Fastnet Line), bookings are now topping 3,000 and every effort is being made to ensure that the traffic goes both ways. ‘We have a strong campaign in place to achieve results in this regard and the level of support for the route is gaining momentum daily. Investor interest, as well as interest from groups and individuals booking holidays in Wales, is encouraging and augurs well for the future. We would like to issue a sincere thank you to the many organisations in Wales and its environs who have shown such a keen interest and support in the success of this venture’.

The Swansea to Cork Route by Fastnet Line is an all year round service, which will carry passengers, cars, commercial freight, campers/caravans, bikes and pets and will run 6 nights a week, with additional sailings in the high-season, i.e. July and August. www.fastnetline.com