Norse Irish Ferries was formed as a joint venture between the Norwegian Roed Group and a consortium of hauliers who were discontented by the existing RoRo services on the Irish Sea.[1] Following Belfast Car Ferries withdrawal from the Belfast – Liverpool route in October 1990 ferry services from Northern Ireland only operated to Stranraer and Cairnryan requiring a lengthy drive along single carriageway to reach England.
Sailings commenced in November 1991 using the Norse Lagan and Transgermania. Initially they operated a freight only service, passenger were later accepted onto sailing operated by the Norse Lagan.
In July 1997 Norse Irish Ferries took delivery of the first of two new Italian built vessels.[2] The new vessels also introduced a new brand identity featuring a colourful viking ship sail.
In October 1999, Norse Irish Ferries was acquired by Cenargo for US$36 million.[3] The operations of Norse Irish Ferries were merged with that of Merchant Ferries and Belfast Freight Ferries in February 2001 to create Norse Merchant Ferries.
