Stena Line is bringing its flagship Stena Estrid back to the Holyhead – Dublin route in the expectation that restrictions on travel between Wales and Ireland will be removed soon.
The ship moved to direct Ireland - France routes earlier this year due to the dip in passenger numbers, and the Brexit and lockdown hit on Wales to Ireland freight trade.
Now, with lockdown easing in the UK and Ireland and a pick up in freight trade Estrid is returning on May 24.
Trade is currently down around 20% on pre-Brexit figures. But this is compared to more than 50% down in the weeks after transition ended.
It will replace the Stena Horizon, which will return to its former role serving Rosslare – Cherbourg.
Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Trade Director, said: “With huge pent-up demand for travel between Britain and Ireland, and the added bonus of Duty Free, now’s the right time to switch Stena Estrid back.
“Stena Horizon will again operate alongside Stena Foreteller on Rosslare – Cherbourg, offering 12 sailings per week to France.
"We’ve doubled our frequency on our direct services to the continent.”
Stena Estrid will provide two daily return crossings each way between Holyhead and Dublin. It is expected that onboard duty-free sales, now available after Brexit, will become very popular.
