Weekly roundup 19/12/15

Buquebus' InCat Express, laid up at Belfast's Albert Quay, following the completion of some 15 years of service for P&O. Copyright © Steven Tarbox 2015.

A quick roundup of some this weeks ferry industry news stories, both local and further afield. Local ferry news. Bye bye Express. The former P&O Larne – Troon vessel Express finally left Belfast on Wednesday following her layover following her final service to Troon in October, and subsequent sale by owners Buquebus to Swedish interests following P&O’s decision not to renew her charter.  She is currently laid over in Helsingborg and is expected to enter service for Gotlandsbåten between Gotland and the Swedish Mainland in March 2016.  Notably an article promoting a £50 discount for fans travelling to France for Euro 2016 via P&O’s Larne and Dover services makes no mention of a Troon service for next year (but does specifically mention Cairnryan), giving further rise to speculation the service may not return next season. UK ferry news DFDS to operate Newhaven route for a further 2 years. SMPAT, the French local government owned organisation, … Read more