If you were planning to sail from Normandy to the green of Ireland at the end of 2025, enjoying the comfort of Stena Line ferries, you’re going to have to rethink your plans. The famous Swedish shipping line has just announced the abrupt discontinuation of its Cherbourg-Rosslare service from the end of September 2025. A blow for passengers, carriers and the local economy… but also a sign of the rapid evolution of shipping in the region. Here’s a full explanation of this change of direction, and why it’s of direct concern to you if you like to travel smart.
Since December 2020, Stena Line had won over a varied public thanks to its direct route linking Cherbourg to Rosslare, in the south-east of Ireland. With its daily crossings and Scandinavian comfort, the company had found its place alongside long-established players such as Irish Ferries and Brittany Ferries.
But after four years of service, the verdict is in: the line will close at the end of June. The reason given? A significant drop in demand in recent months. In an official press release, Stena Line’s management refers to “a strategic adjustment of its Irish network to better meet actual demand and customer expectations”.
Behind these choice words, the reality is more pragmatic: increased competition on this maritime corridor and a decline in overall traffic have forced the company to review its ambitions.
The market for sea crossings between France and Ireland experienced an unexpected boom after the Brexit. Transport companies massively sought “direct” routes to bypass the land border in Northern Ireland and avoid customs complications in the UK. The result: an explosion in ferry services between France and the Emerald Isle.
Cherbourg, Roscoff, Le Havre and even Dunkirk have seen their quays teeming with new ships. But this initial enthusiasm now seems to be waning. According to operator figures, demand from road hauliers has declined, and private travelers have not been enough to fill the holds.
Against this backdrop, Stena Line, which also operates between Belfast and Liverpool, or Rosslare and Fishguard, has opted to consolidate its most profitable routes and lighten its load on those that have become loss-making.
The disappearance of this line will have a direct impact on passengers wishing to travel from Cherbourg to Ireland. Of course, there are alternatives: Brittany Ferries will continue to connect Cherbourg with Rosslare several times a week, and Irish Ferries also offers regular services. But the closure of Stena Line still means less flexibility and potentially higher fares on the remaining crossings, in the absence of direct competition.
For Cherbourg and the Normandy region, this announcement is also bad news. The port had relied on route diversification to boost its post-Brexit attractiveness. Losing a major operator like Stena Line, even if Brittany Ferries remains in place, reduces the prospects for growth in maritime traffic in the area.
On the Irish side, the port of Rosslare Express is also concerned. This route accounted for a significant proportion of French freight and passenger traffic to Ireland. The closure could redistribute the cards in favor of other ports such as Dublin or Cork… or even see new projects appear in the years to come.
The company has indicated that it is contacting directly all customers who have booked a crossing beyond June 30, 2025. You will receive a full refund or be reassigned to another crossing if you wish. A word of advice: don’t delay in checking your e-mails or calling their customer service department to adjust your plans as quickly as possible.
Good news: France remains largely connected to Ireland by sea! Here’s a small table summarizing the options for reaching the island without stress:
| Departure | Arrival | Company | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherbourg | Rosslare | Brittany Ferries | Several times a week |
| Roscoff | Cork | Brittany Ferries | 1 to 2 times a week |
| Le Havre | Rosslare | Irish Ferries | Several times a week |
| Dunkerque | Rosslare | DFDS (via partner agreements) | Several times a week |
And don’t forget to book in advance for the best prices, especially in high season.
Stena Line’s withdrawal clearly illustrates the volatility of the European shipping market. Between the upheavals linked to Brexit, the war in Ukraine, rising fuel costs and ecological changes in the sector, companies must constantly adapt.
For travelers, it’s an opportunity to rethink their journeys, perhaps even opting for combined ferry + rail packages, or discovering other less-frequented ports.
Even without Stena Line on the Channel, Irish adventure remains accessible and charming. With a little organization and an eye for new offers, your Celtic escapade will continue to rhyme with a change of scenery, wild nature and cosy pubs.
Pack your bags, shipmates, and set sail for a different Ireland!
More news
