More methanol for Stena Line

By | 2023 Newsletter week 26 | No Comments

Stena Line is taking the next step in its shift to sustainable fuels by converting some of its ferries to methanol with planned launch in 2025.

“We see methanol as a strong alternative fuel that will help us delivering on our strategy to decarbonise all our operations and contributing to future green corridors where we operate. The positive experience we have from running the Stena Germanica on methanol will be valuable when taking the next stop on this journey”, says Ian Hampton, Stena Line.

The conversions will be carried out by technology group Wärtsilä and will include modifications and installations of a number of modules including fuel supply systems and engine controls. Stena Line will announce the affected vessels and routes at a later stage.

Stena Line orders two NewMax hybrid roro vessels for the Irish Sea

By | 2023 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments
  • Stena RoRo ordered 2 hybrid propulsion vessels designed to run on methanol, and future proofed for both battery propulsion and shore power.
  • Stena Line Belfast-Heysham route
  • Launch on the Irish Sea in 2025
  • Length 147m/2,800 lane metres, which is an 80% increase on current ship capacities.
  • Actual ship 1: STENA HIBERNIA 142m/1,710 lane metres,
  • Actual ship 2: STENA SCOTIA 142m/1,692 lane metres
  • The unique tidal systems prevailing in Heysham can be challenging. Each vessel will be fitted with a bespoke marine technology configuration making it more resilient to the prevailing weather conditions. Three bow thrusters.
  • Shipyard Jinling Weihai, China
  • Design: NAOS
  • Competition on Belfast-Heysham: Seatruck Ferries (CLdN Group)

Stena Line and Anglesey County Council welcome successful freeport bids

By | 2023 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

Stena Line and Isle of Anglesey County Council joint bid to establish a Freeport in Holyhead has been successful. The Freeport status was granted by the UK and Welsh Governments, marking a significant economic boost to North Wales.

  • Simplified customs and trade rules will apply. In future, goods entering Anglesey Freeport will not be subject to the UK’s usual tax and customs regime.
  • In a press release, Stena says the announcement signals the beginning of the process to revitalise the GB land bridge, which has suffered a 20% reduction in trade since Brexit.
  • The Freeport will reduce the need for hauliers to transit goods around the southern tip of the UK, “a process which is both environmentally damaging and economically inefficient.”

Increased intermodal capacity for Stena Line

By | 2023 Newsletter week 10 | No Comments

From 13 March, the logistics and transport company NTEX increases its intermodal service with a new collaboration with Stena Line and the Italian railway operator Hannibal.

A twice weekly rail service between Europort and Melzo (Milan) will boost the existing daily departures in both directions between Italy and the UK.

Intermodal transport by train and ferry creates a 70% CO2 saving in comparison to delivering mainly by road.  In addition it delivers a quicker transit time and increased trailer capacity with loading up to 28 tons.

Photo: NTEX.

Stena Danish routes back to pre-pandemic levels

By | 2023 Newsletter week 9 | No Comments

Stena Line has reported that bookings on their Danish ferry routes are back to the same level as before the pandemic.

The Frederikshavn – Gøteborg and Grenå – Halmstad ferry services are reporting;

  • Summer bookings 20% ahead of the same time last year
  • The number of bookings in January is at the same level as before the pandemic
  • Day trips are up 350% compared to 2022

Danish travellers make up the majority of passengers on these routes. With the exchange route compared to the Swedish krone unusually low, it makes Sweden a very attractive holiday option for Danes.

The news comes in the same week as the popular STENA DANICA celebrated her 40th anniversary of entering service on the Frederikshavn – Gøteborg route.

Photo: Stena Line

Stena Line commits to Birkenhead

By | 2023 Newsletter week 8 | No Comments

Stena Line and Peel Ports have signed a significant deal to continue operating to the port of 12 Quays, Birkenhead (Liverpool) until the year 2100.

Stena Line has operated from the Mersey port since acquiring the Belfast – Birkenhead service from DFDS in 2011.

The 77-year deal follows recent major investments in the route;

  • The brand-new E-Flexer ferries STENA EDDA and STENA EMBLA were introduced to the route in 2020 and 2021
  • Linked to the arrival of the new vessels, the South berth at Birkenhead was converted to two tier loading
  • Stena Line has recently purchased two sites adjacent to the 12 Quays Terminal, to provide additional freight storage for its freight customers as they continue to expand their businesses there

Niclas Martensson, CEO of Stena Line, says: “After 12 successful years in 12 Quays our business in Birkenhead continues to flourish year-after-year. This deal is a sign of our long-term commitment to Birkenhead and Peel Ports, with whom we have a very strong partnership. We will continue to make significant investments to increase our services to our customers across the Irish Sea.”

The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Carl-Johan Hellner of Stena Line (L) and David Huck, Peel Ports.  Photo: Stena Line

Stena Line to add RoPax on Ireland-France service

By | 2022 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments
  • Stena Line will introduce a second ropax on its Rosslare – Cherbourg service, currently served by STENA HORIZON.
  • STENA VISION will increase frequency on the route to 6 departure days a week, starting June 2023.
  • 1,300 passengers and 485 passenger cabins (including) 42 pet cabins.
  • STENA VISION will also increase driver accompanied capacity with more cabin space for freight drivers.
  • STENA VISION will come fresh from the Baltic Sea, where it has been operating on the busy Swedish/Polish Karlskrona to Gdynia route. It will be replaced by the Stena Line’s new larger E-Flexer STENA EBBA early next year.
  • Stena Line currently charters SEATRUCK PANORAMA as freight-only vessel on the same route.