The PSA (Passenger Shipping Association) has reported a massive increase in the number of ferry passengers and booking activity as they look to assist passengers stranded by grounded airlines in the wake of the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud.

William Gibbons, Director of the Passenger Shipping Association, said that “Ferry members have reported unprecedented demand for both foot passenger and car bookings in the last 24 hours. Stena Line reported more than a 50% increase in business and a six-fold increase in online activity, whilst SeaFrance has reported a huge surge in bookings with an increase of 100% in foot passengers alone, with car bookings yesterday increasing by 120%.  P&O Ferries took more than 3,000 foot passengers overnight whilst Irish Ferries have announced an increase in bookings, a 200% increase in calls and a surge in visits to its website. LD Lines has also experienced 50% increase in bookings for both foot and car passengers.  While many operators still have availability for today and the weekend, passengers are advised to book prior to travel”.

“We have never experienced such a travel situation, and ferries are proving they are a reliable and valuable alternative way to travel to and from the continent and this will continue to be the case long after the volcanic ash cloud has gone on its way” said William Gibbons.