Fuel costs hit ferries crossing

The HSS Stena Explorer currently sails twice a day

Two ferry companies operating between Wales and Ireland say fuel costs have forced them to cut high-speed services.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries are reducing their Holyhead fast crossings from twice a day to one.

The firms say that the annual dip in winter traffic combined with operating costs means more fast crossings are not financially viable.

It comes as Stena Line prepares to introduce a new traditional passenger and freight ferry service at the port.

Vic Goodwin, Stena's route director, said the decision to reduce the Stena HSS Explorer sailings was down to simple economics.

"Everyone is aware of the negative impact of high fuel prices and the economic downturn on the transport industry," he explained.

"Whilst the HSS Stena Explorer is extremely popular with all our customers on the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire route, unfortunately the operating costs of the craft remain very high."

The high cost of fuel means that Irish Ferries has reviewed the schedule for the winter season Irish Ferries spokesperson

Stena said the change in services would come into effect on 10 November, however it would operate two fast sailings a day over the Christmas period.

The company said the decision would impact on the core staff on the fast ferry, but it hoped to avoid any redundancies.

New ferry

The change to the timetables came as Stena announced it would also be replacing its daily freight service from Anglesey with a new ship, the 400-passenger Stena Nordica.

The company said the ferry would provide a faster traditional crossing, with extra freight capacity.

It is expected to come into service on 12 November this year.

Mr Goodwin added: "Whilst the business remains under constant pressure from high fuel costs, we believe the unique combination of the HSS Stena Explorer, the Stena Adventurer and the Stena Nordica is the best solution for all our customers.

"The fleet changes also provide the company with the greatest flexibility to meet any future challenges ahead."

The cut in fast sailings by Stena has been mirrored by the operator Irish Ferries, which also operates between Holyhead and Ireland.

Its Dublin Swift ship will cut back crossing to one-a-day on 3 November.

However, a spokesperson for the company insisted that this would only be for the winter timetable.

"The high cost of fuel means that Irish Ferries has reviewed the schedule for the winter season," said the spokesperson.

"There's no point in running the Dublin Swift half empty at this time of year, while with one fast crossing we can run at maximum capacity."