Freight News, Sea

Stena pulls Irish fast craft

[ February 5, 2015   //   Chris ]

Stena Line is withdrawing its HSS Stena Explorer fast craft service from Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire and will in future concentrate its resources on the service to the main port of Dublin. It has operated the HSS Stena Explorer into Dun Laoghaire since 1995. Although the vessel has capacity for large trucks, freight carryings have latterly been minimal with the switch to a seasonal operation.

Stena said that the withdrawal of duty free shopping had now led to a dramatic decline in passenger and car traffic, making the route unsustainable.

Route manager for Irish Sea South, Ian Davies said: “With two services operating ten miles apart we needed to make a decision in relation to what operation best serves the needs of our customers now and in the years ahead, and that operation is Dublin Port.”

He added: “While we have enjoyed a very professional working relationship with Dun Laoghaire Harbour over many years, the economic realities of the current situation in relation to our business levels have left us with no choice but to close the service. Dublin continues to grow in importance, not only as the core freight port for Ireland but also as the key tourism gateway into Ireland.”

Stena Line recently introduced a new conventional vessel, the Superfast X on the Dublin service.

Tags: Stena