An improved performance by Irish Ferries in the first half of the year was attributed to “continued normalisation” of post-Covid passenger numbers.
Passenger carryings were up by 22% to more than one million year-on-year, with car volumes rising by 7% to 229,100.
Earnings [ebitda] attributed to Irish Ferries by parent company Irish Continental Group for the six months rose to €33.3 million from €29.8 million in the same period last year as revenues increased to €179.8 million from €167.9 million.
The company said: “The performance of the ferries operations in HY 2023 was significantly improved on half year 2022 as travel patterns continued to return towards pre-pandemic levels after the disruption caused by Covid-19 across 2020 and 2021.
“The impact of the Dover–Calais operations can also be seen in the result for the period as the service operated with three vessels in half year 2023.”
Chairman John McGuckian said: “We have benefited from the continued normalisation in passenger travel levels post pandemic in all our markets.
“This continued return of passenger travel alongside the continued support of our freight customers on both our old and new routes resulted in the highest ever revenue levels in the ferries division.
“In May of this year, the group took delivery of the Oscar Wilde (pictured). The group signed a long term charter agreement for a firm period of 20 months with the opportunity to extend the charter by 2 + 2 years. The agreement also gives the Group purchase options over the vessel.
“The vessel entered service on the Rosslare–Pembroke route for the summer season. With the largest duty-free shopping space for any cruise ferry on the Irish Sea of 17,000 square feet, it is ideally suited to allow the group to benefit from the return of duty-free shopping on the Irish Sea.”
He added: “While the strong revenue performance in the ferries division has continued year to date, we remain cautious over the timing of a recovery in container shipping volumes and the impact of potential cost increases arising out of environmental levies.
“Nevertheless, given the strength of our business model, our balance sheet and the diversity of our income flows we remain confident about our future prospects.’’
The comments came as Irish Ferries introduced a loyalty scheme offering green, silver and gold tiers, where members can build up a bank of points that can later be redeemed as a discount on their next booking.