Commencing with the first delivery at the very beginning of 2020, we are delighted to be the recipients of three out of the first four ‘E-Flexer’ vessels; a whole new class of state of the art Ro-Pax vessels developed by Stena Line. The first – Stena Estrid – is joining our Dublin – Holyhead service, giving a capacity increase on this route of 25%, followed shortly afterwards by Stena Edda and (in 2021), Stena Embla, on the Belfast – Liverpool (Birkenhead) crossing. You can read more about these innovative vessels on our website.
To support our new vessels’ increased capacity and to get the maximum benefit from their easier loading capabilities, we have invested heavily in shore infrastructure and layout in Dublin andHolyhead and in Belfast and Birkenhead, to smooth your journeys from port to port.
On our Rosslare-Fishguard service we have also invested in enhancements to our vessel Stena Europe; aside from the updating of her onboard facilities, a full deck of 4.65m high space has now been opened up to facilitate the increased numbers of trailers at the maximum running height in the Republic of Ireland. Coupled with an attractive sailing schedule this route offers a highly effective alternative to services from and to Dublin.
With the requirement from 2020 for all operators on the Irish Sea to follow the changes made in 2015 elsewhere in Northern European waters, to switch to more expensive low sulphur fuel, we will implement a new Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) in conjunction with our customers.
With the strength of our route network, on the Irish Sea and beyond, and with our belief in building lasting partnerships with our customers, Stena Line are well placed to guide you through. We look forward to working with you.