Norse Irish Ferries was formed as a joint venture between the Norwegian Roed Group and a consortium of hauliers who were discontented by the existing RoRo services on the Irish Sea.

[1] Following Belfast Car Ferries withdrawal from the Belfast - Liverpool route in October 1990 ferry services from Northern Ireland only operated to Stranraer and Cairnryan requiring a lengthy drive along single carriageway to reach England.

In July 1997 Norse Irish Ferries took delivery of the first of two new Italian built vessels.

[2] The new vessels also introduced a new brand identity featuring a colourful viking ship sail.

In October 1999, Norse Irish Ferries was acquired by Cenargo for US$36 million.