Stena Line, a leading ferry operator in Sweden, has officially launched its latest freight service between Dublin and Liverpool (Birkenhead).
According to a statement, this addition is anticipated to bolster the company’s freight volumes following a successful year in 2023.
The inaugural sailing departed from Dublin Port’s Terminal 5 at 6:30 am on 15 February 2024. The return service will operate daily from Dublin in the morning, with an evening return journey from the 12 Quays terminal in Birkenhead.
“We are excited to launch our much-anticipated new freight route between Dublin and Liverpool, securing a key trading route across the Irish Sea. With two services now operating from both Dublin Port and 12 Quays in Birkenhead, we’re expanding our logistics 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,” stated Paul Grant, trade director (Irish Sea) of Stena Line.
This new service marks Stena Line’s seventh route in the Irish Sea region, complementing existing services such as Belfast – Cairnryan, Belfast – Heysham, Belfast – Liverpool, Dublin – Holyhead, Rosslare – Fishguard, and Rosslare – Cherbourg.
Furthermore, Stena Horizon is currently operating temporarily on the Dublin-Liverpool route, while the company is assessing ship deployment options for a permanent freight-only vessel. This expansion offers freight customers on both sides of the Irish Sea increased flexibility and reliability in their transportation between Ireland and Britain.
“We are pleased to welcome Stena Line’s new Dublin-Liverpool route, which 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,” stated Barry O’Connell, CEO, of Dublin Port Company.
