Irish Ferries moves to sustainable HVO on the Dublin – Holyhead route with the Dublin Swift

Irish Ferries has taken a significant step forward in its commitment to sustainability and innovation with the transition of its Dublin Swift service on the Dublin–Holyhead route to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) supplied by Circle K, Ireland’s leading fuel and convenience retailer.

As the first known international ferry company in the UK & Ireland to transition to HVO to power one of its ferries, this groundbreaking move marks a major milestone in the ferry sector, showcasing Irish Ferries’ dedication to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing environmental stewardship.

The Dublin Swift travels between Dublin and Holyhead in just 135 minutes making it the fastest service across the Irish Sea. Dublin Swift re-commences its seasonal operation on 16^th April, 2025, when it will transition to using HVO.  Over the season, Irish Ferries aims to ramp up usage of HVO as a diesel alternative to 100% on all four engines, which would result in up to 90% less carbon emissions compared to conventional diesel.  This is part of Irish Ferries’ broader strategy to adopt cleaner energy solutions that reduces the impact of its operations on the environment and is a testament to the company’s proactive approach to integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.

Reduction of Carbon Emissions

HVO is a completely fossil-free biofuel made from waste by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption from the food industry.  It can be used to power diesel vehicles which means it does not release any additional carbon emissions into the atmosphere and is a cleaner and more sustainable fuel option. By utilising HVO, Irish Ferries is not only reducing its carbon emissions but also contributing to the circular economy by repurposing waste materials.

The transition to HVO is expected to lower the Dublin Swift service’s carbon footprint, making it one of the most eco-friendly ferry services in operation.

Andrew Sheen, Managing Director at Irish Ferries, commented, “We are thrilled to be leading the way in the UK and Ireland ferry sector with the adoption of HVO for our Dublin Swift service. This move not only demonstrates our commitment to innovation but also highlights our dedication to reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment. We are proud to partner with Circle K as a supplier in this endeavour and look forward to seeing the positive impact of this transition.”

Circle K Powers Irish Ferries’ Transition to Renewable Fuel

As a leading supplier of renewable fuels in Ireland, Circle K is providing its certified low-emission diesel alternative, milesBIO HVO100, to power the Irish Ferries’ Dublin Swift service. The company’s expertise in renewable fuels and long-standing commitment to sustainability has made them a valuable partner in Irish Ferries’ journey towards greener operations. The collaboration is part of Circle K’s broader efforts to expand access to low-emission fuel solutions across both road and maritime transport and reflects the importance of industry partnerships in driving environmental innovation and delivering real progress on sustainability goals.

Paul Balfe, Commercial & BCS Director at Circle K, added: “Circle K is proud to support Irish Ferries with their sustainability initiatives. The use of milesBIO HVO100 is a significant step towards cleaner maritime operations, and we are excited to be part of this journey. This partnership is a great example of how collaboration can accelerate progress towards a lower-carbon future and make more sustainable choices a reality in the marine sector.”

For further information or to book with Irish Ferries, visit www.irishferries.com