Stena Line is preparing to deploy a second vessel on its Dublin to Liverpool (Birkenhead) freight route, strengthening one of Ireland’s core trade corridors while defending its decision to shut the Rosslare to Cherbourg service earlier this year. The move follows a strategic review that saw the company refocus operations on the Irish Sea, where it now runs six routes linking Ireland and Britain.

The Dublin Liverpool link, introduced in early 2023, currently operates two daily crossings and has been monitored closely by the operator to assess long term viability. Speaking at Stena Line headquarters in Gothenburg, chief executive Niclas Martensson confirmed that demand from hauliers has been strong enough to justify additional capacity. The company has not yet formally announced the deployment but says the decision reflects confidence in the route’s performance.

As part of this expansion, Dublin will continue to grow as a logistics hub for the company. More routes feeding into a single port allow freight forwarding firms to optimise trailer movements, creating operational efficiencies that have been well received by Irish exporters and transport operators. Stena Line says industry feedback has reinforced its belief that the corridor plays a critical role in supporting high frequency, reliable access between Ireland and the UK.

The closure of the Rosslare Cherbourg route in September followed an evaluation of network demand and resource allocation. While the France service was the company’s only direct Ireland continental link, Stena Line said its long term strategy requires prioritising routes with stronger freight performance and greater alignment with customer needs.

With a second ship set to join the Dublin Liverpool service, freight capacity on the corridor is expected to increase significantly, supporting both trade flows and operational resilience.

Explore the full article for deeper insight into Stena Line’s shifting strategy.