Stena Line ferries says improved performances on its five Irish Sea routes last year has helped it record its best financial results since 1995.
The company posted a profit of €12.5 million for 2004, up from €1.5 million the previous year.
Chief executive officer Gunnar Blomdahl said the improved performance was due "to a combination of strategic business investments, improved service and quality, continued efficiency and reduced costs".
Mr Blomdahl said the company had invested around €500 million in our vessels and route network in recent years.
"We have considerably strengthened our market position on the Irish Sea, via investments such as the new Larne to Fleetwood freight route and the introduction of the Stena Adventurer RoPax ferry on the Dublin to Holyhead route in 2003. Both of these investments have been very successful," Mr Blomdahl added.