Stena high speed Belfast to Stranraer service to end

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It was disclosed earlier this week that the days are numbered for the Stena high speed ferry service on the Belfast to Stranraer route.

The twin-hulled Stena Voyager, introduced on the route in 1996, will likely be replaced by a more conventional fast ferry within a couple of years.

Another indication of the impending end of the service is that no provision was made at the proposed £70 million ferry terminal at Loch Ryan port for high-speed ferry docking. The new terminal is scheduled to be opened in 2011.

The primary reason cited for the discontinuation of the service is the high cost of fuel. In 1996, when the high-speed service was launched, oil prices were soaring price of fuel in recent years. When the HSS was launched, oil was priced at $25 per barrel, but last year prices soared to $147, although currently the price is running around $65.

It has been said that the breakeven oil price for the high-speed line is approximately $45 per barrel.

Speed restrictions in both Belfast Lough and Loch Ryan are a problem for the service as well, because of the bow wave created.

Nigel Tilson, the Stena Line communications manager for the UK, said: “The plan for now is to continue to operate the HSS Stena Voyager and the conventional ferry, Stena Caledonia, on their present schedules while we review options.”

Thanks to www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk for the above quotes, for more information on this article please visit their website.

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