By Adam Evans
Stena Line is buying the two Superfast ferries which run between Belfast and Cairnryan in a deal worth millions of pounds.
Up until now the ships had been chartered from a firm in Estonia.
The vessels have carried more than 6.4 million passengers, 1.4m cars and 1m freight units.
Stena will take over formal ownership of the vessels in December 2017.
Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Trade Director (Irish Sea North) said: “We are delighted to confirm that we have now acquired the highly successful Superfast VII and VIII vessels. Since their arrival the ships have proved to be perfectly suited to our 2hr 15 min service between Belfast and Cairnryan and appeal equally well to our freight and travel customer segments."
Adding, "Belfast is a key European business hub for Stena Line and this latest investment signifies Stena’s commitment to developing the region further in the years ahead.”
Appeal for information about time spent by convicted student rapist in Belfast
Tributes paid to girl who died after being hit by car as she got off school bus
Man murdered in Dungannon named as Adam Krzan
Order for 5,000 missiles for Ukraine hugely significant for Belfast – Robinson