Stena Line’s newest ferry Stena Estrid is now in service on the Holyhead to Dublin route.
With two daily return trips, a crossing time of three hours and 15 minutes is barely enough time for passengers to check out the range of excellent facilities on board, including Estrid’s spectacular Sky Bar, two Happy World children’s play areas, a relaxing Hygge reclining lounge, Stena Plus lounge, two movie lounges, bigger Truckers lounge, Taste restaurant, and a bigger better shopping experience.
Ian Davies, Stena Line’s Trade Director (Irish Sea South), said: “The introduction of Stena Estrid on the Holyhead to Dublin route is the result of a very significant investment that reflects our commitment to this extremely important region.
“I’m proud that Stena Line continues to shape the industry for the next generation of freight and travel customers, for whom we are determined to deliver the best possible service. Stena Estrid will enable us to do this with more efficient loading and unloading operations, increased freight capacity and the best Scandinavian quality, style and design in our facilities -in an onboard environment that is spacious and light, with amazing panoramic views.”
Five Good Reasons
To give customers a taste of what to expect, David Holderness, Stena Line’s Freight Commercial Manager (Irish Sea South) has put together five good reasons why Stena Estrid is great news for freight traffic on the Irish Sea.
- Significant increase in freight capacity on key departures for ‘just in time’ freight
At 215 metres in length, Stena Estrid will provide deck space of 3,100 lane meters, a massive increase of more than 50 per cent increase in freight capacity compared to her predecessor Stena Superfast X. Estrid has a separate car deck meaning that her main decks will primarily be dedicated to freight traffic.
- Speedy and efficient loading and unloading operations
Stena Estrid’s clear and unobstructed drive-through decks with two-tier / double lane access will bring speedier loading and disembarkation and more efficient turn-rounds – vital areas of focus as freight volumes and the mix of unaccompanied traffic continue to increase.
- Capacity for high vehicles, open deck shipments and project cargo
With 5.2 metre height on both main decks, Stena Estrid has full capability to carry high vehicles, and her open deck space allows a good mix of hazardous loads and units with the requirement to keep fridge motors running. Increased weight limits on the ship’s ramps and wider access also give greater scope for project cargo.
- Superior onboard experience with enhanced freight driver facilities
Amongst the many new and improved features onboard, Stena Estrid has a dedicated and entirely separate 170-seat Truckers Lounge with six 55” television screens. There are many more comfort cabins onboard offering freight drivers high quality Dux mattresses and a maximum of two drivers to a cabin. All cabins are equipped with Bazeport Infotainment televisions and a fresh new design. Passenger areas are more spacious with a spectacular atrium feature and lots of natural light flowing through large panoramic windows. Other features include two movie lounges, a new Hygge Recline lounge, a bigger restaurant and bar, and an even better Stena Shopping experience to buy presents for the loved ones after a long trip away.
- Lower emissions footprint per freight unit
Sweden is ranked as one of the most sustainable countries in the world, and as a Swedish company, sustainability is a key part of Stena Line’s strategy. Stena Estrid has a wide range of features to reduce its environmental footprint, including lower emissions, a significant reduction in single-use plastic onboard, gentle anti-fouling hull paint containing a bio-repellent ingredient, bio-degradable lube oils (for propellers etc), multi-fraction recycling facilities, LED lighting in all areas, and solar films on windows to save energy.
More to Come
Stena Estrid is the first of three new next generation ferries that will operate on the Irish Sea. Sister ship Stena Edda is expected to commence operations from Liverpool to Belfast this spring, with a third vessel Stena Embla to be introduced on the same route in early 2021.
