Ferry slowing down to save fuel

Stena Line hopes the move will save money

Ferry operator Stena Line has announced it is slowing down its high speed ferry between Belfast and Stranraer route to save money on fuel.

The company has already slowed down the ferry it operates between the Welsh port of Holyhead and Dun Laoghaire, near Dublin.

The crossing will now take 14 minutes longer than its previous 105 minutes.

Nigel Tilson from Stena said passengers seemed to understand the issues about increased fuel prices.

"Compared to a conventional ferry, it's still very fast," said Mr Tilson.

"As far as we're concerned it's all part of a package - we think we have a quality product and we know from repeat business that people do appreciate the service we provide."

Stena withdrew its high-speed service between England and the Netherlands last year, when the company warned if would have to consider all such services if oil prices reached $100 a barrel.