FERRY operator Norfolkline is to reduce services across its operations but says Merseyside sailings will not be affected.

The company is making moves to reduce costs due to the ongoing recession and is withdrawing services from Heysham in Lancashire as well as the North Sea. Daily sailings from Twelve Quays to Belfast and Dublin will continue as usual.

The company revealed last year that plans to invest millions on the routes from Birkenhead had been hit by the downturn, including the recession in Ireland and a huge backdated rates bill.

This week Norfolkline’s owner Maersk said drastic moves were necessary. Ferry division managing director Kell Robdrup said: "Discussions on the impact on staff are ongoing, but unfortunately it looks like it will be impossible to avoid redundancies in connection with this tonnage reshuffle.

"The reduction of tonnage on the North Sea and Irish Sea is in line with our current initiatives to optimise our operations and adapting to the market. Through rationalisation of our resources, Norfolkline will remain competitive in the face of a difficult market situation.”