Stena forecasts Irish Sea profits
Stena Line expects a return to profitability on the Fishguard-Rosslare route for the first time since the abolition of duty free six years ago.
The ferry company predicts it will carry 154,000 cars and coaches, 620,000 passengers and 43,000 freight vehicles on the Irish Sea crossing this year.
Route director Vic Goodwin said: “We have worked hard to turn things around. The expected return to a reasonable level of profitability is very pleasing bearing in mind that the route has not been profitabel since the abolition of duty free in 1998.”
Stena is considering a long-term operating commitment for its vessels into Rosslare and is discussing future port charges with the habrour authorities.
The line started operating a fast craft on the route in April in addition to a traditional ferry. Timetable changes are planned for the fast craft for 2005.
Stena also revaled that its Holyhead-Dublin service would also achieve its profit targets this year.
Report by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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