Ferry News Archive
Larne passenger numbers up by nearly 10 per cent
Date: 18 Jan 2008 00:00 Source: News LetterIncreased tourism helped Larne enjoy a bumper year, figures released by the harbour have revealed.
Total passenger numbers grew by almost 10 per cent over 2006 to 943,000, including 70,000 more passengers and an increase in tourist vehicles of 17 per cent.
“The range of ferry routes provided in Larne makes it an ideal option for tourists,” said the harbour’s managing director Keith Millar.
“Whether it’s tourists visiting Northern Ireland, people holidaying on the mainland or for short business trips, Larne’s location is ideal.”
Ro-ro freight traffic through the port also grew by 3.2 per cent last year as the port handled a total of almost 440,000 units, much of it Just-In-Time traffic, servicing the retail sector in Northern Ireland and providing the route for much of the country’s business exports.
“Sometimes the ro-ro freight business isn’t seen as glamorous by the public, but it is the lifeblood of our economy,” said Mr Millar.
“All our major supermarkets and retail businesses rely almost entirely on ro-ro traffic.”
The harbour is owned and operated by P&O Ferries whose Cairnryan service built on 2006’s record performance carrying 253,000 loads, while Stena’s service to Fleetwood grew by four per cent to 155,000.
Looking ahead, Mr Millar referred to the plans to upgrade the remaining section of the A8, Larne-Belfast road to dual carriageway standard, following the announcement of funding from the Republic of Ireland’s government for infrastructure improvements in the Province.
“Since the announcement, we have had confirmation from the Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, that the route corridor study of the last length of the A8 from Belfast to Larne is under way,” he said.
“Business and tourists have demonstrated that they want to use Larne. It is vital, therefore, that these improvements happen sooner rather than later. The importance of completing the Trans European Route and creating dual carriageway all the way to Larne can’t be over-emphasised. The port, the town and Northern Ireland want it and, more importantly, need it.”
Mr Millar also expressed satisfaction at the development within the Port of Larne Business Park which also continued its development with two new logistics hubs opened in 2007. Plans have also been submitted for a food, retail and leisure development.
“The value of setting up so close to the port with its 24/7 choice of ferry routes has been quickly recognised by many businesses and we are already receiving further significant interest,” he said.
“We fully support the supermarket proposal as Larne desperately needs a new convenience food retail offer. This site is ideally situated to make best use of existing infrastructure and capture some of those almost one million passengers, many of whom drive on without stopping.
“We feel this site is perfect for the people of Larne and servicing the traffic that uses the port.”
To book a ferry to or from the port, please click on the following links:
- Larne Ferry
- Ferry to Larne
More Ferry News from directferries.co.uk
Date: 18 May 2012 Source: Brittany Ferries
Travel to France this Summer with Brittany Ferries by car with an additional passenger from just £175 return or from £87.50 return if you travel by motorbike (rider and pillion).
Date: 14 May 2012 Source: Grandi Navi Veloci
Italian ferry giant Grandi Navi Veloci have opened 2 new services connecting France with Morocco.
Date: 08 May 2012 Source: Brittany Ferries
Spend up to 2 days in France from just £99 return when you travel with Brittany Ferries by car and take an additional passenger or from £49.50 if you travel by motorbike (rider and pillion).
Date: 05 May 2012 Source: Corsica Sardinia Ferries
If you're planning on travelling to Corsica, Sardinia or Elba this Summer with Corsica Sardinia Ferries then take a look at our new ship guides and find out what it's like onboard before you travel!
Date: 01 May 2012 Source: DFDS Seaways
Take your car by ferry to France with DFDS Seaways from Dover to Dunkirk or Calais from just £19 return.
Date: 01 May 2012 Source: P&O Ferries
Spend up to 5 days abroad and pay just £49 return when you travel from Dover to Calais with P&O Ferries.
Date: 30 April 2012 Source: Toremar
Italian ferry operator Toremar is now available to be booked online across the direct ferries network.
Date: 25 April 2012 Source: P&O Irish Sea
Take your car on the ferry between Scotland and Northern Ireland with P&O Ferries and take a second passenger for FREE – a saving of up to £50 on a return crossing!
Date: 18 April 2012 Source: Stena Line
Take your car on any ferry to Northern Ireland or Ireland with Stena Line and take a second passenger for FREE – a saving of up to £50 on a return crossing!
Date: 16 April 2012 Source: Irish Ferries
You can now save up to 30% when you take the ferry to Ireland between Monday and Thursday in April and May with Irish Ferries.