Of our many ferry routes in Europe, three of them are operation across the Baltic Sea. Since we acquired the ferry route between Nynäshamn in Sweden and Ventspils in Latvia in 2012 we have more than doubled our operations from one vessel and 10 departures per week, to the current timetable with 24 departures per week and two vessels.
We have seen an increase in the demand from our customers and are now strengthening our position and customer offer further with the new modern vessels with more capacity.
The two modern RoPax-vessels Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey have been operating on our Irish Sea route between Belfast and Liverpool for the last 10 years. To create a more standardised and modern flexible fleet the two vessels will be upgraded, modified and lengthened before returning to operate on the Nynäshamn-Ventspils route from 2021
The two vessels will be lengthened with a 36 metres mid-section and after the conversion they will be 222 m long and have a capacity of 200 cabins, 970 passengers and 2,875 freight lane meters plus the additional car deck. To increase the loading efficiency they will also be modified with drive through capabilities on two levels. The vessels will also be fitted with hybrid scrubbers.
The first of the two vessels, Stena Lagan is currently at the Sedef Shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey, where it is planned to start operating on the Nynäshamn-Ventspils route in the beginning of 2021. Stena Mersey is still operating on the Belfast-Liverpool route and will be replaced by the third E-Flexer Stena Embla in January 2021 before leaving for her lengthening at the Sedef Shipyard. She is expected to return to service on her new route later during the year.
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About the route:
The crossing time of 8.5 hours is the fastest sea-connection between Sweden and the Baltic countries. The route is a popular choice for both transport and tourism and is a vital supply line to both the manufacturing and construction industry in Sweden.
Ship Facts: The new vessels
Name: Stena Lagan & Stena Mersey
Built: 2005 at the Italian shipyard Cantiere Navale Visentini
Modified/Lenghtened: by Stena RoRo during 2020/2021 at the Sedef Shipbuilding in Tuzla, Turkey.
Length: 222 metres
Passenger capacity: 970
Freight capacity: 2,875 lane metres
Cabin capacity: 200