By
Alex Smith |
Ferry operator Stena Line is to implement a new set of safety measures to ensure the safety of guests and crew travelling on its ferries during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Stena Line has identified three key stages of the customer journey to focus on: check-in at the terminal, onboard the vessels, and embarkation and disembarkation. Passengers will be advised to wear face coverings at all times, and will be asked about the condition of their health when checking in.
All ships have had individual risk assessments and are operating with reduced passenger capacity to allow for social distancing. Fog machines will be used throughout the vessels to sanitise areas, while fresh sea air will be circulated into the air filtration systems on all ferries. Contingency plans have been prepared for the treatment, isolation and subsequent disembarking of any passenger suspected of having Covid-19 in cooperation with local health and port authorities.
“Ferry travel is the only mode of transport where you can social distance, so it is no surprise that we are now seeing an increase in bookings due to the expected reduction in lockdown restrictions,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line. “In advance of the return of international travel we now feel the time is right to tell people about our new anti-Covid-19 measures and reassure them that ferries provide the safest mode of transport for travel passengers and freight drivers. The safety of our passengers and crew is always a top priority for Stena Line.”