DFDS Seaways, a major European ferry operator based in Denmark, has announced plans to end its loss-making Irish Sea crossings. In a statement released by the company, it was revealed that routes to Dublin from Birkenhead and Heysham would close on financial grounds.

The move to end crossings between Lancashire and Ireland is set to cost around 200 jobs in total, with 50 positions affected in Dublin and a further 140 redundancies expected among crew members.

DFDS Seaways CEO, Niels Smedegaard, stated: “This [the route closure] is a result of a sharp decline in demand since 2008 and a lack of adjustment of capacity in the market. Against this background it has not been possible to develop a business plan that would lead to a significant result improvement within a reasonable period of time.”

Mr Smedegaard added: “Likewise, it has not been possible to achieve a sale of the activities. We are exploring a range of options for our three ships deployed on the routes and their crews, including a sale, charter or alternative deployment on DFDS’ route network. The market conditions in the area are quite simply too difficult and, unfortunately, we do not envisage any improvement in the near future.” The routes are expected to close before February.

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