The vessel for the resurrected Swansea-Cork ferry service has arrived in Swansea, in preparation for its inaugural crossing on 1 March.

The ro-pax Julia, which has capacity for 40 lorries, will go into Swansea's Harris Pye dry dock in a week's time for inspection by a flag-state and classification society.

The all-year Swansea-Cork service, operated by Fastnet Line, will sail six nights a week, with additional sailings in the summer.

Fastnet is targeting truckers travelling between south-west Ireland and southern UK, but also those going to mainland Europe.

It would appeal to hauliers currently using the Dublin or Rosslare crossings by reducing the distance lorries needed to travel by 320km, Fastnet said.

The service had been due to launch at the end of May last year, but the start date was put back because of delays purchasing the vessel.

The Swansea-Cork route was covered for many years between March and early January by the ro-ro vessel, Superferry.

However, the service was cancelled in October 2006 when Superferry was sold by its owner.