Stena Line Takes Delivery of New Ferry Stena Estrid
Stena Line has officially taken ownership of its newest ferry STENA ESTRID following a handover ceremony at the China Merchants Jinling Ship (Weihai) Co., Ltd. (formerly AVIC Weihai Shipyard).
STENA ESTRID is the first of five next generation Stena Line ropax vessels that are currently being constructed. STENA ESTRID will now embark on a six-week journey to its new home on the Irish Sea, where it will begin service on the Dublin to Holyhead route in January 2020.
Stena Line owner Dan Sten Olsson attended a service officiated by the Reverend Stephen Miller of the Mission to Seafarers, who undertook the long held maritime tradition of blessing the ship, in order to bring it good luck at sea.
Following the signing ceremony, Stena Line’s Technical Operations Director Bjarne Koitrand and STENA ESTRID’s Senior Master Matthew Lynch and crew officially took ownership of the vessel.
Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson said that the delivery of STENA ESTRID marks the start of a very important few months for Stena Line’s Irish Sea operations: “Taking ownership is a major milestone for Stena Line,” said Mr Mårtensson, “and is the result of a very significant investment in our Irish Sea operations that reflects our commitment to the region and will ultimately see three of the world’s most modern ferries operating between Ireland and Britain. A first-class customer experience is a priority for us, so we are determined to deliver the best possible freight and travel service to our customers. STENA ESTRID will provide a more environmentally sustainable way to travel with more efficient loading and unloading operations, increased freight capacity and the best Scandinavian quality, style and design in our facilities,” he added.
STENA ESTRID will provide freight capacity of 3,100 lane meters, meaning a 50% increase in freight tonnage, and the space to carry 120 cars and 1,000 passengers and crew.