Stena Line have announced that they are to cut the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire high-speed ferry service from 13th September until some time in 2012. The company have said that they intend to operate a seasonal service on the route.

Operational costs, including the high cost of fuel, have been cited as the reason for the change which will still leave two conventional ferries operating between the ports year round. Stena said that 73% of the ferry’s turnover was generated between May and September, and that there was little demand from freight traffic.

Michael McGrath, Stena Lines area director for Irish Sea, said the service had been losing money for several years.

We hope that this is just a temporary measure and that demand will return for the service. Passengers can still book Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire conventional ferries as normal.