Dublin owner Irish Continental Group (ICG) is trying to win European Investment Bank (EIB) backing for a new ferry.
The company wants EUR 75m ($80.6m) to finance part of the cost of the EUR 154m vessel ordered last year at Flensburger in Germany, Irish media said.
ICG, which owns Irish Ferries and feeder containerships, has already applied for the financing and the bid is under appraisal.
The new 50,000-gt cruise ferry will carry 1,885 passengers and crew, as well as 165 freight vehicles and 300 cars.
It is due in 2018.
