China's Avic Weihai Shipyard will now outfit the vessel ahead of her delivery in 2021
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Stena Estrid, the first of three new Stena Line E-Flexer ferries that will operate in the Irish Sea, has floated out of her dry dock at Avice Weihai Shipyard in China.
Named in honour of Stena Line’s Scandinavian heritage, Stena Estrid will now undergo outfitting works ahead of her sea trials, delivery and entry into service on the route between Dublin, Ireland and Holyhead, Wales in early 2020.
“Stena Estrid successfully completed her float out manoeuvre from dry dock at the Avic Shipyard and now enters a busy phase of works ahead of her Irish Sea launch early next year,” said Niclas Mårtensson, Stena Line CEO.
Like her two sister ships, Stena Estrid will be 215 metres long, have 3,100 lane metres of freight capacity and the ability to carry 1,000 passengers and 120 cars. This makes them larger than standard ro-pax ferries.
“Stena Estrid will bring many benefits to ferry users including speedy and efficient loading/unloading operations plus further development of our Scandinavian inspired facilities including our restful and bespoke Hygge Lounge and the latest upgrade of our premium product, the Stena Plus concept,” said Mårtensson. “The new ships will be spacious, light and make use of panoramic views. This is a very exciting time for our business and I’m proud that as Europe’s largest ferry company, Stena Line continues help shape the industry for the next generation of freight and leisure customers.”
Stena Line has also ordered two additional E-Flexer ro-pax ferries from Avic Weihai Shipyard. Scheduled for delivery in 2022, both vessels will be 240 metres long, offer 3,600 lane metres of freight capacity and accommodate 1,200 passengers.