94 James Joyce, which carries over 2,000 passengers, is the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea INTERVIEW Enhancing the Irish Ferries experience Andrew Sheen explains to Justin Merrigan how Irish Ferries’ latest fleet addition, evolving customer services and green initiatives are delivering long-term value for the business Irish Ferries welcomed James Joyce as a permanent addition to its fleet in May 2025, reinforcing the company’s commitment to growing capacity and improving the passenger experience across routes linking Ireland, Britain and France. The vessel, formerly named Star 1, was initially chartered from Tallink Hansaway in April 2023. One year later, Irish Ferries decided to purchase it outright. “James Joyce became available for sale earlier this year and we knew a permanent acquisition was the right move,” says Andrew Sheen, the company’s managing director. “Our aim is always to offer our customers the very best in comfort, speed and onboard amenities, and this vessel does exactly that, while also allowing us to expand our route capacity.” Operating on the busy DublinHolyhead corridor, James Joyce is now the largest and fastest passenger cruise ferry on the Irish Sea. It carries over 2,000 passengers and provides 2,380 lane metres for vehicles and freight. “The vessel offers a perfect blend of performance and premium comfort,” says Sheen. “There are modern interiors, a spacious shopping area, a Club Class lounge, restaurants, a bar, freight driver facilities, family amenities like a children’s play area, and new pet lounges.” While fleet expansion remains central to Irish Ferries’ strategy, operational flexibility is equally vital. When asked whether a third vessel might return to the Dover-Calais service between England and France, Sheen remains pragmatic. “Dover-Calais remains an essential route for us,” he says. “We’re offering up to 20 sailings daily with a schedule that’s working well, including a space charter arrangement for freight that allows for a ‘turn up and go’ service. We’ll continue to adapt in line with customer needs.” Sustainability is another cornerstone of Irish Ferries’ strategy. One notable recent development was the introduction of hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel on fast ferry Dublin Swift. “It’s a significant step in our broader environmental strategy and forms part of our involvement in the Green Corridor initiative, which is exploring the viability of a zero-emission route between Dublin and Holyhead,” says Sheen. In parallel, the company has implemented long-term measures to Photo: Gordon Hislip
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