Calf trade setback as vessel taken off Rosslare-Cherbourg route
Irish-based calf traders supplying calves to markets in mainland Europe were informed on Friday (March 7) that Stena Line would be taking its vessel - the Stena Horizon - off the Rosslare-Cherbourg route.
The move has been described as "a major setback" to the calf trade by calf exporters as it will result in a drop in the volumes of calves that can be transported to markets in mainland Europe at a time of the year when calf export numbers tend to peak.
While Brittany Ferries has confirmed it will be adding a vessel to the Rosslare-Cherbourg route that is approved to transport livestock, it has not yet commenced sailing and has a lower gross tonnage capacity than the Stena Horizon.
With larger numbers of other types of livestock such as weanlings and heavier cattle leaving the country, the move by Stena Line will see a reduced number of spaces available for calf lorries travelling to mainland Europe.
A message circulated to Irish-based calf exporters from Stena Line read: "Unfortunately the Stena Horizon will now be temporarily acting as cover during our dry dock period from March 13 - April 14.
"While we will have a cover vessel in its place, we will not be in a position to take livestock or bloodstock on this vessel during this period."
The message continued: "The last sailing of the Stena Horizon [from] Rosslare will be on Tuesday, March 11, and the first scheduled sailing after dry dock will be Tuesday, April 15."
A number of calf exporters have told Agriland that while the estimated time that the boat will be off the route is estimated at one month, past experiences would suggest it may well be off the route for longer.
While Stena Line is taking its livestock-approved vessel off the route, last week, Brittany Ferries confirmed to Agriland that it is planning to transport livestock from Rosslare Port, Co. Wexford, to Cherbourg Port in France from this month onwards.
The ferry is called the Cotentin and the announcement came ahead of peak spring-calving season on Irish farms and a subsequent increase in the numbers of Irish calves being sold to customers located in countries in mainland Europe.
The statement from Brittany Ferries read: “Brittany Ferries can confirm that the company is planning to transport livestock on board the Cotentin ferry between Rosslare and Cherbourg from March 2025.
“This decision follows 18 months of close engagement with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) and relevant authorities to ensure that the highest animal welfare standards are prioritised at every stage of the journey.
“Animal welfare is of paramount importance to Brittany Ferries. The Cotentin has been specifically selected for this service, as it is oriented towards freight transport and equipped to provide the best possible care for animals during transit.
“It is important to note that Brittany Ferries will not transport animals destined for slaughter. All livestock carried on board will be transported in accordance with strict regulatory guidelines, ensuring their health and wellbeing are protected.
“We remain committed to working closely with relevant authorities and our partners to uphold the highest animal welfare standards, reflecting our deep-rooted agricultural heritage and dedication to responsible transport practices,” the statement said.
