The owner of Irish Ferries is selling high speed craft Jonathan Swift to a Spanish company for €15.5 million.
The vessel which was commissioned by and delivered to Irish Continental Group in 1999 and has since operated on the Dublin-Holyhead route.
The Jonathan Swift will be replaced by high speed craft Westpac Express, which recently returned to the fleet after almost two years away on external charter.
Built in 2001, the vessel is undergoing refurbishment to bring it up to Irish Ferries passenger service standards, the company said.
Jonathan Swift as been acquired by Balearia Eurolineas Maritimas S.A. and will be delivered by the end of April.
Irish Continental Group said the disposal will generate a book profit of approximately €14 million.
The proceeds will be used for “general corporate purposes”.