Stena adds to Liverpool-Belfast freight capacity

Stena Line said it will add a third ship to its Liverpool-Belfast service from next month in response to "recovering demand".

The Stena Hibernia, with a capacity of 118 lorries, will be introduced onto the route from Tuesday 5 November and will initially operate eight sailings each week. The extra sailings departing from Liverpool from Tuesday to Friday will be at 0300hrs and will depart Belfast, Tuesday to Friday, at 1500hrs.

Stena Line acquired the Liverpool-Belfast and Heysham-Belfast services in July 2011 and since then have undertaken an investment programme to increase capacity and improve service levels.

Paul Grant, Stena Line's route manager Irish Sea North, said: "The freight market is showing signs of recovery and it's important that Stena Line adds capacity to accommodate the expected growth. Belfast continues to develop as a key freight hub for Stena Line with 11 daily departures to Cairnryan, Heysham and Liverpool and we are confident our customers will react positively to our expanded service."