Irish ferry startup Hibernia Line has turned to maritime technology provider Carus to deliver the digital systems behind its new Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer service. The partnership places passenger booking, onboard retail and payment systems at the centre of the operator’s launch strategy as it prepares to begin daily sailings in June 2026.
For ferry operators entering competitive European passenger and freight markets, digital infrastructure is increasingly tied to commercial readiness. Booking platforms, onboard sales systems and payment integration now sit alongside vessels and port access as part of the operational foundation required for launch.
That pressure is particularly visible for new entrants such as Hibernia Line, which plans to establish a direct maritime connection between Ireland and continental Europe using the chartered ferries Saint Patrick and Akka. The company has partnered with Carus to deploy a full suite of digital customer and operational systems ahead of the route’s opening.
The Åland Islands-based technology company will provide web booking, mobile applications, onboard point-of-sale systems and integrated payment solutions. According to the companies, the project moved from initial scoping discussions in January to signed contracts in March, with the booking platform going live on 7 May.
The route is led by Aidan Coffey, Managing Director of Hibernia Line, who has previously worked across Irish-European ferry services. The operator plans to offer daily sailings in both directions between Cork and Boulogne-sur-Mer, targeting both freight and passenger demand.
“As a company with deep roots in the ferry industry, we always look toward new projects with great enthusiasm,” says Anders Rundberg, CEO of Carus. “Hibernia Line represents an exciting opportunity to showcase how our end-to-end digital portfolio can scale with a startup’s vision. We are thrilled to support this new route and ensure a seamless journey for their customers.”
“We needed an established partner like Carus by our side to pull this project off in the necessary timeframe,” adds Coffey. “Their expertise is invaluable as we build a professional offering that meets the high expectations of modern travelers and freight clients. This collaboration gives us the platform to launch a world-class service connecting Ireland and the continent.”
Tags: Ferry and Cruise
