High speed ferry services between Ireland and Britain have been slowed by 16 minutes to save fuel, it was revealed today.
Soaring oil prices have been blamed for Stena Line’s decision, which increases the crossing time between Dun Laoghaire and Holyhead.
High speed ferry services coming in and out of Dun Laoghaire have been slowed by 16 minutes to save fuel
Journeys between Larne and Stranraer have also been extended by a couple of minutes to cut costs, a company spokesman confirmed.
"In the current circumstances most passengers realise that just as they are making some difficult choices, ourselves who operate in the transport sector have to (as well)," he said.
"Compared to the conventional ferry it is a lot faster and we provide a quality of service and people come back because of that quality."
The crossing to Dun Laoghaire now takes 115 minutes and Stranraer 110.
Stena Line recently opened a new terminal in Belfast which will shorten the distance to be covered, although the slower speeds means that it will have little impact on crossing times.
Managers have introduced a €10 fuel surcharge for vehicles and €2 for foot passengers.
Stena Line's
Voyagerferry is part of a service which links Stranraer and Belfast eight times a day.
The
Explorerin Dun Laoghaire contributes to a four times a day crossing with Holyhead in northern Wales.
PA