About Irish Ferries

Irish Continental Group

The Ferries division of the Irish Continental Group comprises of Irish Ferries, the leading ferry operator to and from the Republic of Ireland, and the Group’s ship chartering activities. Irish Ferries operates four ferries on international routes between Ireland and the UK and between Ireland and France.

Our Fleet

Over the last number of years, we have invested over €450 million in new fleet and port facilities. We now have the most modern fleet in Europe including Ulysses, the World’s Largest Car Ferry, the Dublin Swift on the Dublin – Holyhead route and the Isle of Inishmore on the Pembrok - Rosslare route. In addition, we are very proud to have introduced a new addition to the fleet on the Ireland France service – the luxurious Oscar Wilde.

Competitive

Today, with three modern vessels and one fast craft, we have put ourselves in a strong position on the Irish Sea, not only to compete with our shipping rivals, but also to compete with the cheap airlines between Ireland and the UK.

An important move for us was the positioning of Irish Ferries as the “The Low Fares Ferry Company”, reflecting our determination to offer customers the very best in ferry fares value.

Passenger Revenue

2008 was challenging year for tourism and transport. Turnover in the passenger division was down 7.5% at €183.1 million while profit from operations was €34.9 million compared with €40.9 million in 2007.

The results achieved represent a solid performance given the circumstances, a combination of sustained high world oil prices together with a weakening economic backdrop.

Freight Revenue

For the first time in over twenty years, the Republic of Ireland Roll on Roll Off freight market did not exhibit growth. Total market volumes were down by 8.7% in the twelve months.

Notwithstanding record carryings by Irish Ferries in the previous year when we did benefit from some competitor disruption, the economic slowdown and increased capacity by some of our competitors and our carryings were down by 9% to 241,000 freight vehicles.

Irish Continental Group recognises that all forms of transport, including ships, have an unavoidable impact on the environment. We are committed to reducing negative impacts through:

• Consistent compliance with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships (MARPOL 73/78)
• Minimising the consumption of non-renewable fossil fuels, including, for example, using electricity to power our cranes
• Using an oil recovery system to collect all waste oil from our ships. This oil is then recycled.
• Bulk purchasing to reduce the number of deliveries and packaging, and segregation of all waste cardboard packaging for recycling.
• Minimising wave generation, thus minimising disturbance of coastal habitats.
• Painting the hulls of all our ferries with tin-free non-toxic paints to avoid the release of harmful agents into the sea
• Promoting customer awareness of the marine environment
• Recycling paper at our Head Office in Dublin
• Reducing the sulphur content in marine fuels used on all of our vessels in compliance with the requirements of European Directive 2005/33/EC

Irish Continental Group continues to take an active interest in the communities within which it operates. Each separate business unit assists in local initiatives through sponsorship and organised events. We recognise the important role played by charities and community organisations within our communities and we are happy to help these organisations achieve their goals.