asked the Minister for Transport and Power when the ships recently acquired by the B & I line were built; and if any further replacements may be expected.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - B & I Vessels.
8.
The acquisition of vessels to meet the requirements of their trade is the responsibility of the Board of the B & I company. I have received no proposals regarding replacements for or additions to the fleet owned by the company.
As I indicated in reply to a question on 24th May, the company propose to take two unit load vessels on time charter to cater for the growing trade in this category. I understand that these vessels which are newly built were specially designed for unit load transport. The company have informed me that the volume of their unit load service increased by 50 per cent in 1965 and that the rate of growth has since accelerated. The company, therefore, have to charter suitable tonnage if they are not to lose the traffic available to them. This course will also have the advantage that it enables the company to gain first hand experience for the planning of new ships for this particular trade.