Freight News, Sea


Stena to end Rosslare-Cherbourg route

[ June 30, 2025   //   ]

Stena Line is to end its three-days-a-week Rosslare – Cherbourg service from 30 September, following a review of its Irish Sea operations. It follows its decision in October 2024 to reduce the route to a one-ship service.

Trade director Johan Edelman, said: “We’ve already met with our colleagues and over this period of consultation we will be working with any individual affected to consider all options, including redeployment opportunities. As we work through this change we will continue to support our colleagues at every stage.

“Our customer service team will be helping customers who have booked travel after September to keep any inconvenience to a minimum.”

He added that Stena Line was continuing to strengthen its other Irish Sea services with  investments of almost £40 million its Liverpool and Belfast terminals, as well as the upgrading of Fishguard port infrastructure. It is also increasing capacity across the Irish Sea with two new freight vessels planned for the Belfast/Heysham route and an additional freight vessel for Dublin/Liverpool.

Edelman added: “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank our employees, customers and delivery partners over the past 11 years. Our Rosslare – Cherbourg service is one that we will always be proud of, and we will continue to deliver the same high-quality service over the coming months.”

Direct services between Ireland and Continental Europe enjoyed a boom immediately after Brexit as they were perceived as a trouble-free way to move freight between Ireland and the EU without the need for transit documents. However, in recent years hauliers and forwarders have got to grips with paperwork resulting in a drift back to ‘landbridge’ services via the UK. With their shorter total crossing times and more frequent departures, such services can enjoy a time advantage over Ireland/Continent sailings, which typically take 24 hours or more.

Some operators have however remained loyal to direct sailings and Brittany Ferries continues to offer regular sailings between Cherbourg and Rosslare.

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