The 203-metre vessel, capable of speeds in excess of 27 knots thanks to her four Wärtsilä main engines, has been positioned for a rapid handover following her recent operations on Tallink's Paldiski–Kapellskär route in the Baltic. The charter agreement runs for three years, with an option to extend for a further two years and a purchase option also included. Before entering Hibernia Line service, ST PATRICK is being repainted in the operator's livery.

Hibernia Line has also confirmed the second unit for the route. The company has chartered the AKKA from TT-Line, with the German operator's RoPax due to transfer to the new Irish carrier shortly. The vessel, formerly known as NILS HOLGERSSON and built at the SSW yard in Bremerhaven, is expected to be renamed ST KILLIAN once she joins the fleet.

The Cork (Ringaskiddy)–Boulogne-sur-Mer service will operate six evening sailings per week in each direction, offering both passenger and freight capacity. The route marks a strategic new direct link between southern Ireland and northern France, bypassing the UK land bridge and reviving ferry activity at Boulogne, which has been without a regular ferry service since LD Lines withdrew in 2010.

© Shippax