Direct Ferries was founded in 1999 and 5 million passengers book through the platform annually across 3,000 routes and 250 operators globally. Commenting on the inaugural awards, Sean Cornwell, Direct Ferries CEO, said: “We were delighted to host so many of our key partners in one place and celebrate the ferry industry. These awards showcase our commitment to being a true partner to the ferry industry and I am delighted that so many partners were able to join us and celebrate.”

The awards were based around customer experience, strength and quality of the technical integration and API offered and growth on the Direct Ferries platform. The Operator of the Year Award, won by P&O Ferries, represents outstanding performance and strength across all of those categories.

The winners were:

• Operator of the Year: P&O Ferries
• Fastest Growing operator >30,000 passengers: Moby
• Fastest Growing operator <30,000 passengers: Minoan Lines, Grimaldi Group
• Fastest Growing operator, On board less than 24 months: Tra.Vel.Mar.
• Best overall customer experience (voted by Direct Ferries customers): InterIslander
• Best Operator Technology: Stena Line
• Highest Customer rated vessel: MEGASTAR, Tallink Silja
• Lifetime Award: Steve James, Brittany Ferries