Feature, Freight News, Sea

Stena’s Estrid makes her Dublin debut

[ January 14, 2020   //   Chris ]

Storm Brendan could not prevent Stena Line’s newest ferry Stena Estrid making its maiden voyage this morning on 13 January on the Holyhead to Dublin route.

After more than six years’ in planning and construction, Estrid braved the challenging conditions to set sail from Holyhead at 10.55am, arriving in Dublin shortly after 2.30pm where it received a traditional maritime water cannon salute.

She is the first of three next generation Stena Line RoPax vessels to be completed at a Chinese shipyard for Stena

Trade director Ian Davies, said: “Today is a very significant day, not just for Stena Line but for the future of ferry travel on the Irish Sea, as we welcome Stena Estrid to her new home on the Irish Sea.  Despite the best efforts of Storm Brendan Stena Estrid was able to fulfil her maiden voyage commitment albeit slightly delayed due to severe weather conditions on the Irish Sea.

“The introduction of Stena Estrid on the Holyhead to Dublin route is the result of a very significant investment that reflects our commitment to this extremely important region – a commitment that will ultimately see three of the world’s most modern ferries operating between Ireland and Britain.”

The 22-knot vessel offers a total of 3,100 lane metres of deck space and can carry up to 210 trucks, a 50% increase in capacity compared with existing vessels.

Sister ship Stena Edda is expected to commence operations from Liverpool to Belfast this spring, with a third vessel Stena Embla due to be introduced on the same route in early 2021.

 

Tags: Stena