By
Rebecca Gibson |
Stena Line has axed its seasonal ferry service between Dun Laoghaire in Ireland to Holyhead in Anglesey, Wales.
Unable to secure a suitable vessel to continue the service, Stena has decided to withdraw from the route, and focus on expanding its existing ferry service at Dublin Port.
“With two services operating around 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,” said Ian Davies, Stena Line’s route manager for Irish Sea South.
Stena Line has transported passengers, cars and coaches onboard Stena Explorer into Dun Laoghaire since 1995. Initially successful, the service reached its peak in 1998 when it carried more than 1.7 million passengers. However, after duty free shopping was withdrawn, passenger and car volumes declined and by 2014, less than 200,000 ferry passengers travelled through Dun Laoghaire Harbour. This represented a decline of more than 90% in volume, making the route unsustainable.
At the same time, passenger and car volumes have continued to grow at Dublin Port.
“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," said Davies. “Dublin continues to grow in importance, not only as the core freight port for Ireland but also as the key tourism gateway into Ireland.”
Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company (DLHC) has already issued tenders for operators wanting to offer a seasonal service on the route and hopes to find a replacement passenger service for 2016.
“While it is disappointing that a service will not be resuming for this forthcoming summer season, DLHC is now seeking alternative providers to operate a seasonal service on the route,” said Gerry Dunne, CEO of DLHC, adding that the company would consider future services with Stena. “In recent months, the harbour company has received a number of informal approaches to operate the route, and we hope that these inquiries can now be advanced through a competitive tendering process.”
Dun Laoghaire is set to attract 100,000 cruise passengers and crew in 2015, with similar numbers expected in 2016 and 2017. These passengers are expected to spend around €7 million while visiting the region, accounting for any loss of revenue from the ferry industry, which generated €800,000 last year.
DHLC will also submit a planning application for a new cruise berth for next generation cruise ships in the coming weeks, as well as a proposal to host the International Diaspora Centre in the vacant ferry terminal building.
“It makes enormous commercial sense to locate the International Diaspora Centre in the Ferry Terminal Building,” said Dunne, “Due to Stena’s decision, this building is available immediately.”