WEC Lines launches fast & direct service between Ireland, France & Belgium

WEC Lines is excited to announce the immediate launch of a direct, weekly service between Ireland, Belgium and France in one seamless, fully controlled operation.

Increased flexibility & efficiency

The new weekly service will be performed by a 612-TEU owned vessel in a fixed 7-day rotation, departing Zeebrugge on Thursdays, arriving in Dublin on Sundays, providing clients with a heightened level of flexibility and efficiency, such as rapid end-mile delivery.

30-year presence in Irish market

Dublin will now be called three times a week, as it is also a port of call in the existing Spanish and Portuguese services. Overall, WEC Lines’ commitment to the Irish Sea network will ensure a premium service to its clients.

As Roger Megann, Managing Director WEC Lines UK, pointed out: “WEC Lines has been active in the Irish market for over 30 years from Portugal. In 2024, we launched a dedicated Bilbao call connecting Dublin, facilitating onward linkages to and from inland Spain and the Canaries. Megann adds: “2025 will see the launch of this new service connecting Dublin to Zeebrugge and will also extend our reach to the surrounding European hinterland, further demonstrating WEC Lines’ commitment to Ireland as we grow the wider network that will see our range eventually extend to the Baltics and beyond whilst continuing to develop our markets of Portugal, Spain, Morocco and East Africa.

Transcending the traditional network

Traditionally connecting the Northwest Continent with Southern Europe, the Dutch carrier continues to expand its trade with linkages that transcend WEC Lines’ conventional shipping network. The new Northwest Continent – Ireland (“NWC – IE”) service is the latest example as demanded by clients in both the dry and reefer markets to offer increased frequency, faster transits, and deliver reliability.

By calling Le Havre, WEC Lines offers a sustainable alternative to trucking. WEC Lines now calls Le Havre twice a week, offers a fixed weekly Montoir call, and with its local Nantes office, it is further establishing its position in France. What’s more, the Zeebrugge-Dublin connection provides a reliable opportunity in avoiding the congested ports of Antwerp and Rotterdam for westbound shipments.

Philip Collet, General Manager WEC Belgium, adds: “Zeebrugge offers an easy port approach, multimodal hinterland connectivity opportunities, a short transit time to Ireland, and, above all, a valuable addition to our network to meet the needs of our customers.

Reliable and secure equipment

The fully owned service connecting the Northwest Continent with Ireland safeguards complete and real-time information, thorough monitoring, and immediate operational actions throughout the entire transportation process which is particularly relevant when shipping temperature-sensitive, food-grade, or dangerous cargo. As usual, an extensive container range will be available.