Stena Line has been selected by Dublin Port Company to operate a new Dublin-Birkenhead (Liverpool) service at Terminal 5 in Dublin Port.
As part of this new shared freight terminal agreement, Stena Line will operate the new Dublin-Birkenhead (Liverpool) service while Seatruck Ferries and parent company CLdN will further develop their Dublin-UK services.
Seatruck Ferries
In September 2023, Dublin Port Company called for proposals from interested ferry lines to service west-coast English or Welsh ports (excluding Dublin-Holyhead) out of Dublin, following confirmation that P&O (which operated from Terminal 5 in Dublin Port) would exit the Dublin-Liverpool route by year end.
Stena Line’s new freight service between Dublin and Birkenhead (Liverpool) commences in mid-February 2024, while Seatruck Ferries will move its Dublin-Heysham freight service within Dublin Port to Terminal 5 in January 2024.
Extra Capacity
Dublin Port Company claimed that the decision to award a shared licence to both Stena Line and Seatruck Ferries at Terminal 5 maximises the port’s existing infrastructure by pushing more truck and container freight through the terminal.
The move further aims to support the company’s objective of adding capacity where possible, given the ongoing constraints on port lands, with Dublin Port already running close to capacity.
Direct Shipping Routes
“It’s essential for Ireland’s economy that we have strong availability and competition on direct shipping routes between Dublin Port and the UK,” said Barry O’Connell, CEO, Dublin Port Company.
“We are pleased to welcome Stena Line’s new Dublin-Birkenhead route, which brings choice to the market, and to continue working with Seatruck Ferries and CLdN on growing its Dublin-Heysham service.”
