PRESS RELEASE - MARCH 10th

Fastnet Line’s MV Julia sets sail for Cork amidst great expectations of increased tourism traffic to and from Ireland and Wales, and pre-bookings topping €1m.

Fastnet Line’s MV Julia has set sail on its inaugural trip from Swansea to Cork  tonight (10th March 2010), commencing its car/passenger and freight service across the Irish Sea.Having completed its dry-docking process successfully and achieved relevant certification and testing of safety systems, the ship has met the strict requirements demanded by the International Safety Management Code (ISM).  
The 1,860 passenger, car and commercial freight-carrying vessel, which has captured the hearts and imagination of the Irish and Welsh nations, has received booking revenues in excess of €1m to date.

The President of University College Cork, Dr. Michael Murphy, has today (9TH February 2010) endorsed the new Cork to Swansea route aboard the M.V. Julia, which is due to commence on March lst next.

The new Swansea to Cork ferry has arrived in Wales for refitting work before it carries its first passengers on the reinstated service in March.

Excitement is building ashore and on board as the launch date (lst March 2010) of the inaugural sailing from Cork to Swansea aboard the impressive MV Julia approaches.

Thousands of people expected to book sailings in the coming weeks

A co-operative behind plans to restore the Swansea to Cork ferry says it has bought a new ship for almost £7m.