Irish Ferries, a subsidiary of the Dublin based Irish Continental Group plc (ICG), have today added further capacity with the introduction of Isle of Innisfree to their existing short-Straits service of Dover-Calais.

Since Irish Ferries opened the new service out of the Port of Dover in June 2021, significant additional capacity has been added with the Isle of Inishmore, indicating a high level of confidence in the Short Straits. This investment in the Dover-Calais crossing is evidence of the resilience, value and dependability of the route and bolsters Dover's offering of an inbound ferry every 25 minutes.

Following berthing trials Afloat adds, the debut of the Isle of Innisfree today sees Irish Ferries already double their frequency on the Dover-Calais route since June. Moreover, with a third ship (name to revealed) due to join the fleet in January will enable Irish Ferries to offer up to 30 sailings per day on the route, with sailings in each direction approximately every 90 minutes.

Commenting, Doug Bannister, Chief Executive Officer at the Port of Dover, said: “The capacity added by Irish Ferries on the Dover-Calais route today is testament to the ongoing confidence in the Short Straits. The market continues to choose the high pace, frequency and capacity offered by Dover, and in turn, the Port offers customers more choice, moving from two to three operators in 2021.

Together with all our dedicated ferry operators, the Port of Dover is driving resilient supply chains, further enhancing our joint offering to customers. Dover is continuing to serve the market as the busiest and most efficient UK port – keeping people and goods flowing via the shortest and most efficient sea crossing between the UK and mainland Europe.”