A pioneering project that provides greater load capacity and environmental improvements
STENA RORO INCREASES CAPACITY OF TWO ROPAX VESSELS ON BEHALF OF STENA LINE
The sister ships Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey are being rebuilt by Stena RoRo at the Sedef shipyard in Turkey. The method used to increase the capacity of the vessels is extreme. In addition, the technology and interiors are being upgraded to the benefit of the customer, passengers and the environment.
Ship conversion is Stena RoRo’s specialty. The company has been commissioned by Stena Line to upgrade the two Visentini-built RoPax vessels Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey, which have been in service on the Irish Sea for quite some time. The renovations are extensive and being carried out at the Turkish shipyard Sedef in Tuzla outside Istanbul. The vessels are divided in the middle and extended with a 36-meter-long middle section.
“The project is both complicated and interesting, and we are very proud to be a part of this and of what we have achieved so far,” says Mikael Abrahamsson, in charge of the conversions at Stena RoRo and responsible for the 10-person team on site in Tuzla.
By extending the vessels by 36 meters, freight capacity increases by about 30 percent.
“For the yard, this is a challenge in terms of time, complexity and scope, but they are very ambitious and certainly up to the task, and we are very satisfied with collaboration.”
Following the conversion, the two RoPax vessels will be 222 meters long, with 200 cabins and capacity for 970 passengers, have a cargo deck of 2,875 length meters and space for 277 cars.
The Stena Lagan will be ready for delivery in mid-January 2021. The Stena Mersey will be delivered later in 2021.
“Extending ships is a good and cost-effective way of quickly increasing capacity,” says Per Westling, president of Stena RoRo. “The ships will be both larger and significantly upgraded through this partially pioneering project. We are pleased to contribute to creating good value for the customer, as well as providing positive experiences for passengers and reduced environmental impact.”
BY EXTENDING THE VESSELS BY 36 METERS, FREIGHT CAPACITY INCREASES BY ABOUT 30 PERCENT. THE CONVERSION ALSO ENTAILS | • 80 new cabins • Increased passenger car capacity with 100 cars • New bow section with bow doors and ramp • Straight drive-through on two levels • New internal ramps • Installation of exhaust gas cleaning, so-called hybrid scrubbers • Flap rudders for better maneuverability • Three bow thrusters (compared to the previous two) • New purification system for ballast water |
THE PASSENGER SPACES GET AN UPDATED STENA LINE DESIGN WITH AMONG OTHER THINGS | • New shop • New lounges with reclining chairs • New sun deck |