Stena Line has officially commenced its new Dublin to Birkenhead freight service which it says is expected to further boost freight volumes following a record year on its Irish Sea services in 2023.
The new service is the Swedish ferry operator’s seventh route in the Irish Sea, which includes Belfast-Cairnryan, Belfast -Heysham and Belfast-Liverpool.
With Stena Horizon temporarily operating on the new Dublin-Liverpool route, the company is currently assessing ship deployment options for a permanent freight-only vessel.
Paul Grant, trade director (Irish Sea) at Stena Line, said: “We’re excited to launch this much-anticipated new freight route, securing a key trading link across the Irish Sea.
“With two services now operating from both Dublin Port and 12 Quays in Birkenhead, we’re expanding our operational hubs in both ports creating more efficiencies for our customers.
“Currently, we have deployed the Stena Horizon temporarily, but we hope to be able to confirm a permanent solution soon that will help to maximise freight capacity and boost trade volumes.”
Dublin Port Company chief executive Barry O’Connell added: “Stena Line’s new Dublin-Liverpool route will provide freight customers with a choice of routes across the Irish Sea.
“It is essential to the Irish economy that we have strong, reliable connections to Great Britain and this dedicated freight service helps to secure a key trading corridor.”
In 2023, Stena Line signed an agreement with Peel Ports to operate at the 12 Quays Terminal until the year 2100, underlining its long-term commitment to the region.
As one of Europe’s leading ferry companies, Stena Line transports 6.5 million passengers with 38 vessels across 18 routes in Northern Europe operating 26,000 sailings each year.
