By
Alex Smith |
Stena Edda, the second in Stena Line’s newest generation of E-Flexer ferries, has arrived in Belfast, Northern Ireland ahead of her entry into service on the route between the city and Liverpool, England.
Welcomed by a flotilla of boats, Stena Edda arrived after a four-week voyage from China and over six years of planning and construction. The vessel then successfully took part in berthing trials at Belfast Harbour’s VT2 terminal, where a new access ramp has been built specifically to accommodate her.
The new ship will accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and 120 cars, providing 40% more deck capacity, 40% more cabins and 30% better fuel efficiency than vessels currently operation on the route. Port infrastructure has been improved to accommodate the 215-metre long ferry, enabling faster loading and unloading for passengers.
The three new ships and port improvements represent a nine-figure investment by Stena Line in ferry travel across the Irish Sea. Stena Estrid was the first to enter service in January between Wales and Ireland, while Stena Embla will join Stena Edda on the route between Belfast and Liverpool in early 2021.