Stena acquires Ireland-France route

News 2 Mar 2014 by WCN Editorial

Stena Line has acquired the Irish-owned Celtic Link ferry service which operates from Rosslare-Cherbourg

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Celtic Link, set up by private interests in Wexford, has been the fastest-growing ro-pax operation in Europe in the past 12-24 months. The line currently provides a three times weekly service between Ireland and France with the 2006-built CELTIC HORIZON, which can accommodate 1000 passengers, 200 cars and 120 freight units. Final details are currently being concluded around the acquisition and Stena Line hopes to be in a position to take over the running of the service with effect from Monday, 31st March 2014.

The all-year round service currently operates three weekly sailings from Rosslare at 21.30 on Tuesday and Thursday with a Saturday sailing at 16.00. From Cherbourg the schedule is 21.00 on Wednesday and Friday with a Sunday sailing at 16.00 with a journey time of approx 17h.

This is Stena's first direct service between the Irish Republic and the Continent. Ian Davies, Stena Line’s Route Manager (Irish Sea South) said: “The acquisition of the Rosslare-Cherbourg route is a key strategic investment for Stena Line and one which will help stimulate and strengthen new and existing opportunities for trade and tourism between Ireland, France and beyond."

Michael McGrath, Stena Line’s Chief Operating Officer commented: “We believe we can bring significant added value to the route with our wealth of industry experience and award-winning customer service standards, which we are confident will help to stimulate increased traffic volumes in the future.”