Hibernia Line launches Cork-Boulogne ferry service

Hibernia Line has launched a year-round ferry service linking Ringaskiddy in Cork with Boulogne-sur-Mer in France, marking the start of a new direct route between Ireland and mainland Europe.

The company said the first sailings took place on June 13, 2026, with the St Patrick departing Cork and MV Akka sailing from Boulogne-sur-Mer in the opposite direction.

Aidan Coffey, Hibernia Line chief executive, described the launch as an “important and proud milestone” and said the route strengthens connectivity between Ireland and continental Europe.

New route

The service is being pitched as a year-round link for both passengers and freight. Hibernia Line says the route is intended to support tourism, trade and wider regional economic activity.

The company has also said the service could create up to 250 jobs across Ireland and France.

Earlier reporting on the route said Hibernia Line planned six weekly sailings each way from mid-June 2026, using the St Patrick and MV Akka. The ships were also reported to have more than 600 passenger capacity each, with the crossing taking about 21.5 hours.

Economic hopes

Boulogne-sur-Mer is being used as the French mainland endpoint for the new service, giving Cork a direct ferry connection to continental Europe.

The route is being promoted not just as a travel option for holidaymakers, but also as a freight link for operators moving goods between Ireland and France.

The launch comes after the route was announced in May, when bookings were opened for mid-June sailings. The June 13 start now makes the service operational as planned, according to the available reporting.