Mixed traffic picture

Car traffic was hit by disruption at Holyhead Port, which closed in December 2024 before partially reopening in January. Car volumes fell 4.4% to 264,900, though roll-on/roll-off freight increased 2.2% to 393,300 units.

The Container and Terminal Division was the standout performer: containers shipped jumped almost 25% to 192,900 TEU, while port lifts rose 10% to 182,400.

Fleet strengthened

ICG also moved to consolidate its fleet. In April it bought the cruise ferry JAMES JOYCE, previously chartered, which has since returned to service on the Dublin–Holyhead route. Alongside last year’s acquisition of the OSCAR WILDE, this means all eight Irish Ferries vessels are now owned or under purchase obligations, ending the need for chartered ships.

The company’s net debt rose to EUR 224.1 million, mainly reflecting these vessel purchases.

Climate costs loom

The group continues to invest in greener operations, with two vessels already running on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which can cut emissions by up to 80%. But chairman John B. McGuckian warned that without reinvestment of EU climate levies into alternative fuels, supply may struggle to keep pace with demand.

“Despite a difficult start, HY 2025 has been a successful period for the Group,” he said, while cautioning that further restrictions at Holyhead Port later this year and into 2026 could still affect operations.

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