P&O Irish Sea has begun the New Year with confirmation that its popular
Larne-Troon service will recommence in mid-March 2005.

The Larne-Troon service complements the long-established Larne-Cairnryan
route which offers crossing times of just one hour on the fast ferry service
and 105 minutes on the superferries.

This year's fast ferry season has been extended and will benefit from a new
vessel. The P&O Express fast craft will commence service earlier in the
season with the first sailing from Larne to Troon on March 16 and will run
until mid-September with up to eight crossings per day between Larne and
Troon or Cairnryan.

James Esler, P&O Irish Sea, Sales and Marketing Manager, commented: "Our
Larne-Troon service, introduced only two years ago, has gone from strength
to strength and for 2005 we have increased capacity on this route by
introducing the P&O Express. Short sea crossings and convenient sailing
times have been a key to our successful fast ferry season.

"Our crossing times have proven to be unbeatable and our timetable has been
designed to ensure maximum choice for our customers. With up to 22 sailings
per day to and from Cairnryan and Troon, we offer the widest choice of
sailing times and are the only operator to offer a choice of two Scottish
ports."

The new vessel will offer superb onboard facilities and also has greater
capacity, carrying up to 195 vehicles and 850 passengers.

In addition to Larne-Cairnryan and Larne-Troon, P&O Irish Sea also operates
a Dublin-Liverpool service. Sailing from the very heart of Dublin to
Liverpool, the service offers convenience and comfort. Combined with the
Scottish services, the Dublin-Liverpool route ensures that customers have
more choice and flexibility.