Freight-only Volumes Boost Seatruck Third Vessel Success

Freight ferry operator Seatruck Ferries has seen a significant 45 percent year-on-year increase in volume on its Heysham – Warrenpoint service since the introduction of a third vessel in July 2005. The Challenge joined the Seatruck fleet on a two-year charter in July, allowing an additional 25,000 units per year to take advantage of the specialist freight route. The Challenge joined ferries Moondance and Riverdance to increase schedule frequency from 2 to 3 sailings per day in each direction. Seatruck expects volumes to reach 85,000 units per year. The extra sailings accommodate demand while Seatruck is awaiting its two new purpose-built larger ro-ros, due to enter service in 2007. The new 22-knot, 20-unit vessels are now building in Spain and are expected to boost Seatruck Ferries' capacity to 130,000 units per year.