10 FACTS ON WHAT MAKES STENA ESTRID A NEXT GENERATION FERRY
SETTING SAIL
What a journey it has been! Six years after initiating the next-generation ferries project for Stena Line, Stena Estrid is now finally ready. She is one of the five new E-Flexer ships that Stena Line has ordered in total. On November 15 Stena Line took delivery of the Stena Estrid at the AVIC shipyard in Weihai. In the beginning of next year, she will be the first of the three new ships built for the Irish Sea to start operating on the Dublin-Holyhead route.
The two other Irish Sea E-Flexer sisters, Stena Edda and Stena Embla, will follow during 2020 and 2021 and start operating on the Belfast-Liverpool route. These new vessels will be one of the most advanced and energy efficient vessels in operation, plus, they’ll be larger than regular RoPax vessels.
“Taking ownership of the Stena Estrid is a major milestone for Stena Line. This is the result of a very significant investment in our Irish Sea operations that reflects our commitment to the region and will ultimately see three of the world’s most modern ferries operating between Ireland and Britain”, said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO at Stena Line, at the blessing ceremony at the shipyard prior to the delivery. Based on over 50 years of experience in ferry operations, the ships have been equipped with several digital features for an enhanced customer experience – as well as the latest environmental and energy-saving technology. Let’s get you caught up on the top ten facts of what truly makes the Stena Estrid a next-generation ferry.
1. LARGE DIMENSIONS
Stena Estrid is bigger and better with more availability per sailing. Stena Estrid is no less than 215 meters long with a freight capacity of 3,100 lane meters and the space to carry 120 cars and 1,000 passengers.
2. A GREENER SHIP
Incorporating our combined knowledge from ship design and operation since 1962, our next generation ferries are our most fuel-efficient vessels ever. Stena Estrid is equipped with automated waste shuts, biodegradable lubrication oils, LED lighting, solar films on windows and an ocean friendly anti-fouling coating paint. The ship’s energy-saving features and ship recycling facilities support Stena Line’s ambitious sustainability strategy.
3. DIGITALLY ENHANCED AND SEAMLESS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Stena Estrid is smartly connected for a seamless travel experience. Digital technology is cleverly used for information and entertainment – both for customers and employees. She features two interactive digital experience walls, two self-service payment tills in the shop, and several self-service stations on board for a variety of activities. The menu screens in Taste, Barista and The Bar are connected to a “Hero”-touch screen which allows Stena Line employees to highlight menu items relevant for the customer demographic onboard on each crossing. Moreover, premium lounges will provide a smooth experience to our guests.s
4. SCANDINAVIAN DESIGN
Stena Estrid is a celebration of our Swedish heritage. The look and feel onboard highlights our “Scandi” roots: It’s stylishly modern, light and comfortable. Stena Estrid is spacious, and stylish passenger facilities such as panorama glass windows, the Sky bar, and the Hygge lounge are some of the features that reflect the emphasis on Scandinavian design at its best.
5. A WELCOMING WORKPLACE
Stena Estrid features modern and improved employee facilities that aim to make staying onboard a great and welcoming experience. Featuring 63 well equipped, ensuite employee cabins with flat screen TVs and with improved employee areas, such as large and upgraded employee quarters, a gym area, as well as a comfortable resting area. These facilities are equipped with digital technology featuring important information relevant to employees, as well as entertainment.
6. PROVEN STENA LINE CONCEPTS FOR A GREAT EXPERIENCE ONBOARD
Stena Estrid features many proven concepts that aim to ensure a great experience whilst onboard. They are based Stena Line’s most popular concepts, such as the Hygge lounge, Stena Plus Lounge, Freight Drivers’ Lounge, the Movie Lounge, Happy World, Taste Restaurant (with fantastic panoramic views), Barista Café, to mention a few.
7. MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY
Stena Estrid, alongside her sisters, is one of the most energy efficient RoPax in the world per unit carried thanks to her hyper-efficient hull shapes and propeller design. That gives her one of the industry’s lowest carbon footprint per unit carried.
8. FREIGHT CAPACITY EXPANDED
Freight is a very important market sector for Stena Line, which is why Stena Estrid features boost 50% extra freight capacity. With a drive through loading operation, as well as a double-lane discharge we speed up the loading/unloading process per sailing and decrease the turn-around time. Additionally, there are no height restrictions on trucks, which increases the capacity of more cargo per truck.
9. MORE LIGHTS AND WINDOWS
The ship has been designed around the comfort and enjoyment of the passengers, featuring more and larger windows to provide more natural light and better views, reducing thereby the use of onboard electricity.
10. PARK & CAR DECK
Smooth journey guaranteed: Stena Estrid provides easier access from the car deck to passenger facilities. Passenger cars are to 75% on the same enclosed car deck with direct access to passenger lounges/cabins, making it easier and more convenient for our passengers. Moreover, Stena Estrid features two passenger lifts with access to all decks, improving the all-over access to passengers’ facilities.
