A new custom-built livestock carrier boat is set to be launched in spring 2025, capable of transporting 5,000 calves at a time to Europe. Owned by an Irish company and a Dutch firm, the boat will initially focus on transporting calves from Ireland to the Netherlands, then later in the year, it will carry adult cattle to various market destinations. The boat, equipped with milk-feeding stations and group pens for the calves, will sail from Waterford Port to the Netherlands. Despite being more expensive than the truck and ferry method, it offers the advantage of feeding the calves during the journey, adhering to the new Dutch 'Veal Forward' Plan market requirements. However, there are concerns about the feasibility of the new transport method, with the number of Irish calves exported to key EU markets expected to increase.