Company news
We’re one of the world’s leading ferry transportation companies with 18 ferry routes in Europe. Three of our routes are operating across the Baltic Sea.
Since the acquisition of the ferry route between Nynäshamn and Ventspils in 2012, we have more than doubled our operations from one vessel and 10 departures per week to two vessels and 24 departures per week.
“We have seen an increase in demand from our customers across the wider Baltic Sea region. We are now strengthening our position and customer offer further with new modern vessels and more capacity.”
Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line
We’re now expanding and strengthening our position and offer to both freight and travel customers in the Baltic Sea with two modern and lengthened RoPax-vessels Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey on the Nynäshamn-Ventspils route in 2021.
This will increase freight capacity by almost a third and improve the onboard experience, providing an attractive choice of the travel market on the Baltic Sea.
Lengthened ships from the Irish Sea
To create a more standardised, modern, and flexible fleet, Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey will be upgraded, modified, and lengthened with a 36 metres mid-section before operating on the Nynäshamn-Ventspils route from 2021 onwards.
This ground-breaking conversion is conducted by Stena RoRo and Sedef Shipyard in Turkey. The two modern RoPax-vessels Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey were built at the Italian shipyard Visentini in 2005 and have been operating on the Irish Sea route between Belfast and Liverpool for the last 10 years.
“We continue to build on our successful RoPax concept, combining freight and passengers. These two new vessels will be a fantastic addition to the fleet and for our customers. I am looking forward to welcoming them onboard.”
Johan Edelman, Trade Director Baltic Sea North
Stena Mersey is still currently operating on the Belfast-Liverpool route and will be replaced by the third E-Flexer Stena Embla in January 2021 before leaving for her lengthening at the Sedef Shipyard. She is expected to return to service on her new route later during the year.
The first of the two vessels, Stena Lagan, is currently at the Sedef Shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey, and will start operating on the Nynäshamn-Ventspils route at the beginning of 2021.
Quick facts about the lengthening
- They will be 222 m long
- They will have a capacity of 200 cabins, 970 passengers, and 2,875 freight lane meters plus the additional car deck; adding another 30 percent freight capacity on the route.
- They will feature drive-through capabilities on two levels to increase the loading efficiency.
- The vessels will also be fitted with hybrid scrubbers.
- The interior will be updated to Stena Line’s familiar Scandinavian, light, and spacious design. It will include new cabin categories, a new shop, lounge areas with reclining chairs as well as a sundeck.
- The well-known dining offer for freight customers, “Truckers Lounge” will be added to the route.