#ferries - Nine new passenger ferries are planned to be launched on Ireland and UK routes which shows the industry is “continuing to thrive”, a trade body has claimed.

Irish Ferries, Stena Line and Brittany Ferries the Independent.ie reports are among the operators expanding their fleets.

More than 38 million passenger journeys were made by ferry on UK domestic, Irish and Continental services in 2017, according to industry data.

The new ships include ferries for passengers and vehicles, as well as the largest catamaran to operate in London.

Emma Batchelor, director of UK trade body Discover Ferries, said: “The introduction of these nine new passenger ferries is great news, not only for the shipping sector but also for the millions of holidaymakers who value comfort and space when they travel.

“These ships, which are set to enter service from this year, clearly demonstrate the confidence that the industry has in the future of ferry travel and its popularity.

“This also sends a clear message that ferry travel is continuing to thrive and passengers should book their ferry travel for 2019 with confidence, whether they are sailing across the Irish Sea, around London, the British Isles or into mainland Europe.”

Irish Ferries’ latest cruise ferry W.B. Yeats was launched last month, following months of delays and a controversy over the company's announcement that it is "unlikely" to sail between Rosslare and France (this year), with another (newbuild) due to start sailing between the UK and Ireland in 2020.

For more on other ferry operators and new tonnage click here.