By
Alex Smith |
Stena Line’s new ferry Stena Scandica has completed her maiden voyage from Ventspils in Latvia to Nynäshamn in Sweden.
The ship is the first of two new ferries which will be deployed on the route, with Stena Baltica to join her later in the year. Stena Scandica will increase the number of cabins available on the route by 70 per cent compared to the existing vessels, Stena Livia and Stena Flavia.
“We have been carrying passengers and freight in the Baltic Sea region for almost ten years,” said Johan Edelman, Stena Line’s trade director for Baltic Sea North. During this period, we have experienced a strong yearly growth. Furthermore, we have more than doubled our operations from one vessel and 10 departures per week in 2012 up to two vessels and 24 departures per week for passengers and freight in 2021.”
Stena Scandica is 222 metres long, with capacity for 970 passengers and an extra car deck. The vessel has been fitted with hybrid scrubbers, ballast water cleaning systems and a twisted leading-edge rudder, while the interior features new cabin categories, an onboard shop, lounge areas and several dining facilities.
“We see RoPax as our key competitive advantage and an integral part of our success story, therefore, we will continue to combine freight and passengers,” said Edelman. “These two new vessels represent a fantastic addition to the fleet for our customers and are just a first step towards our ambitious plan to double the number of passengers on the Baltic Sea route in three years.”
Ventspils – Nynäshamn is the shortest route between the Baltic region and Scandinavia. Once Stena Scandica and Stena Baltica replace them on the route, Stena Livia and Stena Flavia will be redployed on the route between Liepāja, Latvia and Travemünde, Germany.