P&O Ferries is set to axe the Dublin-Liverpool ferry route.
It failed to negotiate a satisfactory berth contract with Liverpool ferry port, it says.
The company says it will halt the service toward the end of 2023.
It said it could not agree new terms on a new berth for 2024 and beyond.
The berth is owned by Peel Ports.
It is a blow for tourism and ‘a significant loss to exporters’ the Irish Exporters’ Association said.
“Without agreement with the port owner to provide a berth in Liverpool, it is impossible to continue operating on this route,” P&O Ferries said.
“Extensive negotiations to extend our lease or find an alternative site for our Dublin-Liverpool ferry service have been unsuccessful.”
The existing contract expires at the end of 2023.
P&O Ferries said it had explored all other possible options to continue sailing between Liverpool and Dublin.
It will continue sailing between Larne in Northern Ireland and Cairnryan in Scotland.
Currently, two ships sail the route 24 times a week.
Tags: P&O Ferries, Dublin-Liverpool ferry route