New Rathlin ferry operators celebrate first year at the helm
Provider has grown fleet and staff in the last 12 months
THE new operators of the Rathlin Island ferry have celebrated their first year at the helm of the ferry service.
The operator, Dunaverty, has marked the occasion by announcing that it had increased its team to 18 staff.
It took over the service from the Rathlin Island Ferry Company, which operated on behalf of the Department of Infrastructure, after it ceased trading in January 2023.
When the previous operator announced that it was going out of business, it prompted concerns that those living there would be left without a service to the mainland.
It was later revealed that its debts were in excess of £800,000, with over £636,942 of that owed to employees for pay in lieu of notice, redundancy and arrears of wages.
After being awarded the contract, Dunaverty set sail with passengers within two days of the previous service halting.
It said support from Danske Bank was essential to restarting the essential ferry service and keeping the island connected to the mainland.
The company has since expanded its fleet to two vessels, including foot and vehicle passenger boats, which sail up to 10 return journeys a day.
Charles Stewart, director at Dunaverty, said: “The ferry service to Rathlin Island is a vital link for the people of our local community and we had to act quickly to take over the service last year.
“Danske Bank was instrumental in helping us achieve that, and they continue to support us as we develop our business plan and as we look to improve the sustainability of our business.”
“We are now focusing on futureproofing the at sea service and investing in our operations to implement further staff training, develop a tailored ticketing system and engaging with the island community through community association forums.”
Robert Lynn, business manager at Danske Bank, said: “A service such as the Rathlin Island Ferry is simply not one that we can do without in Northern Ireland and so we were pleased to work with the Dunaverty Ltd team in keeping this vital connection between the island and the mainland.”
With approximately 150 people living on Rathlin Island, daily commuters from Ballycastle and up to thousands of tourists visiting per year, the Dunaverty operated ferries have been key to maintaining NI’S only inhabited offshore island to remain connected.
The operator will be looking to make the service more sustainable after taking part in the Climate Action Programme with Danske Bank.
The programme was co-developed with Business in the Community to help businesses monitor and reduce carbon footprints and prepare their business for the future.