Transfennica has decided to increase capacity on its Zeebrugge-Bilbao route. From early January mv Forerunner and mv Forecaster will operate 2 sailings per week in each direction. The vessels, both built in 2003, have a capacity of 3000 lane metres. The previous vessels' capacity was 2700 lane metres. The vessels operate a combination of trailers and double stacked containers. There are 12 cabins available which are mostly used for driver accompanied and special transport. The vessels are also fully fitted for project cargo and can take roll trailers with capacities of up to 60 ft/120 mton.
Transfennica currently operate two sailings a week in each direction. Departures, both from Zeebrugge and Bilbao, take place on Tuesdays and Fridays. Excellent connections are available in Zeebrugge to/from the UK and Scandinavia. Furthermore, Transfennica's Baltic network facilitates connections to Finland, Russia, Estonia and Poland.
Mr. Eric de Wit, Director of Transfennica, comments: "This is a great development for Transfennica and more importantly for our clients. We have seen continued growth during 2013 and we are very confident that these larger vessels will perform extremely well serving the needs of our customers. The Motorways of the Sea development has proven to be a very reliable alternative to road transport. The cost savings also make it financially very attractive for our clients. This results in more shippers and hauliers changing the way they operate, switching from road to sea."
Transfennica is hopeful that the European economy will continue to show signs of structural recovery which will allow for expansion in certain areas of the business.