Stena Line has announced it will discontinue its three-day Rosslare to Cherbourg ferry service at the end of September, reports RTE.
The company said the move follows a “strategic route review” and explained that “these plans have been developed after an extensive review with the intention of strengthening the company’s investment in the Irish Sea, whilst delivering the most efficient use of the company’s resources”.
Stena Line Trade Director Johan Edelman stated that the company has “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”, reports RTE.
“As we work through this change we will continue to support our colleagues at every stage,” he added.
It remains uncertain whether the closure of the route will lead to any job losses.
The ferry company said that its customer service representatives will contact any passengers with bookings on the route scheduled for after September, reports RTE.
Stena Line emphasized that despite ending the Rosslare-Cherbourg service, it will “continue to strengthen its Irish Sea network”.
“We have recently announced investments of almost £40 million in our Liverpool and Belfast terminals, as well as the upgrading of the Fishguard Port infrastructure, reports RTE.
“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.”
In a statement, Rosslare Europort expressed regret over Stena Line’s decision to end the Rosslare to Cherbourg route later this year, reports RTE.
The statement noted that Stena Line has been and continues to be a valued partner at Rosslare Europort on both UK and European services. The port’s management team said they look forward to working with the company during the remaining months of the Cherbourg route and on an ongoing basis on the Rosslare to Fishguard route.
The port also reported that demand remains strong, with overall freight volumes up 14% and passenger numbers up 10% in 2025 so far, compared to a record-breaking year in 2024, reports RTE.
Direct sailings to Europe have increased significantly—from six per week before Brexit to as many as 36 weekly services now, provided by various operators and linked to a range of partner ports, offering flexibility and options to customers.
“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,” said Glenn Carr, Director of Commercial Business Units for Iarnród Éireann – Port Authority for Rosslare Europort, reports RTE.
“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,” said Mr Carr, reports RTE.
“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,” he said, reports RTE.
“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,” he added, reports RTE.
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