Rosslaore Europort says it has been inctonact with shipping operators to replace the ferry service from Rosslare to Cherbourg which Stena Lins say it is to end after 11 years from the end of September following a strategic route review.
The Stena Vision currently operates a 3w service on the route having been withdrawn and replaced by the Stena Horizon last October but returned to the route in spring.
In a ststement, the company said it intends to strengthen its investment in the Irish Sea while utilising resources more efficiently and has plans for upgrading its terminals.
Customer service teams will assist those who have booked travel on the affected route after September, amid concerns about potential job losses.
lRosslare Europort reports record demand, with freight volume up 14pc and passenger numbers up 10pc in 2025 compared to 2024. As well as Stena and Irish Ferries Wesh routes, the port has direct sailings to Bilbao, Cherbourg, Zeebrugge and Dunkirk, with Brittany Ferries, DFDS, Finn Lines and Neptune Lines.
Glenn Carr of Rosslare port sstated that Iarnród Éireann will engage with other operators to maintain the frequency of up to 36 weekly European sailings despite Stena Line’s withdrawal.
Johan Edelman, Trade Director of Stena Line shared, “Our priority is, as always, the care of our people and customers. 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.
“Stena Line will continue to strengthen its Irish Sea network. We have recently announced investments of almost £40m in our Liverpool and Belfast terminals, as well as the upgrading of the Fishguard port infrastructure. We will also be increasing capacity across the Irish Sea with two new freight vessels planned for the Belfast – Heysham route and an additional freight vessel for the Dublin – Liverpool route.
“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.”
Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann, Port Authority for Rosslare Europort shared “while we are sorry to see Stena Line withdraw from the Rosslare Europort to Cherbourg route, we understand its decision relates to its own strategic priorities to focus on Irish Sea routes. Stena Line has been and remains a valued partner of Rosslare Europort on both European and Welsh routes, and port management look forward to continuing the partnership with them on the Cherbourg route over its remaining months, and on an ongoing basis on the Rosslare to Fishguard route.
Rosslare Europort continues to see record demand and volumes overall, up 14pc in freight volume and up 10pc in passenger numbers in 2025 year to date, over a previous record year in 2024.
“We have already received queries and will immediately engage with other operators to ensure our record European frequency of up to 36 sailings per week is maintained, and we are confident we will continue to offer frequency and choice to trade and tourism customers alike.”
Edelman“With ongoing investment under the port Masterplan and, with the OPW in the T7 Border Control Point facilities, our focus remains on expanding and improving services and facilities through Ireland’s Gateway to Europe. In addition, we will soon be submitting a planning application for the onshore hub facilities to support Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy developments in the Celtic and Irish Seas.”
