Stena Line charters Ben-my-Chree for Fishguard to Rosslare sailings

Stena Line has chartered the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's former flagship vessel Ben-my-Chree to operate a temporary route between Fishguard, Wales and Rosslare, Ireland.

It's as the Swedish ferry operator is due to carry out 'essential work' on its ships and Fishguard Port.

The Ben-my-Chree will run the company's Fishguard–Rosslare service from 3 to 20 November whilst the Stena Nordica covers the Dublin–Holyhead route for the Stena Estrid. 

Fishguard Port is then due to close for planned maintenance.

The Ben-my-Chree will then run briefly again before the Stena Nordica returns on 7 December.

A Stena Line spokesperson told The Pembrokeshire Herald: "These temporary arrangements allow us to complete maintenance while keeping passenger and freight services available. Our staff at Fishguard will be on hand to help customers."

Manx Radio has contacted the Steam Packet for comment.

UPDATE: The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has now updated its website, confirming it has secured a charter for the Ben-my-Chree, as reported above. 

It says: "Ben-my-Chree will be on charter to Stena Line between 4th November and 10th December 2025.

"The agreement to charter is compliant with the Sea Services agreement (“SSA”) and includes the ability to recall Ben-my-Chree to IOMSPC service if required at any point.

"Following the charter period, Ben-my-Chree will go into drydock for planned maintenance after which it will provide cover to the IOMSPC over Christmas and New Year.

"Flagship Manxman will operate as usual on the scheduled sailings to Heysham over the winter period, as well the scheduled weekend sailings to Liverpool. 

"Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Managing Director, Brian Thomson commented: ‘I’d like to thank my team for their hard work in securing this charter. The terms of the charter comply with the Sea Services Agreement and put the needs of the lifeline service first, with Ben-my-Chree being able to be called back at any time to service the island as well as providing cover over the busy holiday period.'     

"Arrow remains on charter to DFDS, operating in the Channel Islands. That charter runs until March 2026."