Irish Ferries cancels multiple Dublin–Holyhead ‘Swift’ sailings, urges travellers to re-route

Irish Sea traffic was disrupted on Saturday 11 and the early hours of Sunday 12 July after Irish Ferries cancelled a series of high-speed ‘Dublin Swift’ crossings on its flagship Dublin–Holyhead route. Across the peak holiday weekend six sailings (three departures in each direction) scheduled for 11 July, plus the first fast-craft rotation of 12 July, were withdrawn “for operational reasons”. Passengers were automatically moved to conventional car-ferry sailings operated by MV Ulysses or MV James Joyce, all of which left up to 35 minutes earlier than timetabled. The company advised customers to check in 30 minutes before the new departure times and provided dedicated phone lines for both Irish and UK residents. Although Irish Ferries did not specify the cause, maritime sources told DMG Media that unusually warm sea conditions and a technical issue with one of Swift’s water-jet impellers meant the vessel could not maintain advertised service speed. The fast-craft is popular with business travellers because it cuts the Irish Sea crossing time to just over two hours; switching to conventional ships adds roughly 60–90 minutes each way. Corporate mobility managers with tight ‘same-day’ delivery or meeting schedules between Dublin and the North-West of England should plan for longer transits until the fast-craft returns to service. Freight operators using the ‘land-bridge’ to continental Europe via Holyhead also face knock-on delays, with evening sailings now more congested. Industry analysts note that ferry capacity remains critical this summer as airlines struggle with crew shortages and high temperatures potentially limiting aircraft loads. Under EU Regulation 1177/2010 on passenger rights in maritime travel, customers whose sailings are cancelled are entitled to re-routing, reimbursement or, in some cases, compensation if arrival is delayed by more than 90 minutes. Irish Ferries says affected passengers can amend or cancel bookings free of charge but must contact the carrier directly if the alternative sailings are unsuitable.