Most of the major ferry operators in the UK, including Stena Line and P&O Ferries, enjoyed a healthy surge in business last year. Predominantly due to the Icelandic ash cloud in April and the adverse weather conditions in January, February and December 2010, ferry companies welcomed thousands of additional passengers who had been failed by the aviation industry. Among the operators to thrive last year, Stena Line is reported to have accepted an extra 60,000 travellers on its Irish Sea routes in 2010.

Michael McGrath, Stena Line’s Irish Sea Area Director, claimed that the additional business had given the operator “an excellent platform to show how much ferry travel has changed over the years.” Mr McGrath added: “There is no doubt that we have been one of the few benefactors from the air travel disruptions caused by the ash cloud and the winter weather during 2010. Thousands of people have travelled with us who would not have done so or have not done so for many years.”

Mr McGrath stated further that the problems affecting the aviation industry last year may result in long-term travel changes as “more families seek the relative certainty provided by ferry travel.”

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