The Stena Estrid
An important milestone for Stena Line
The ceremonial launch of the Stena Estrid was an important milestone in the major investment program that the new productions in China represent. The Stena Estrid is the first in a series of five E-Flexer vessels, which for Stena Line represents the next generation of energy-efficient and flexible RoPax vessels.
The Stena Estrid is one of three E-Flexers that will enter service on the Irish Sea. In early 2020, she is expected to start sailing between Dublin and Holyhead. The next two are scheduled to go into service on the route between Liverpool and Belfast.
“It feels great to have reached another milestone in our construction process with the launching of The Stena Estrid. Now an intensive construction phase awaits, where the interior will be built before she heads to Europe and begins operating in the Irish Sea”, says Stena Line’s CEO Niclas Mårtensson who was on site at the shipyard in China.
The three newbuilds for the Irish Sea will be 215 meters long and have a cargo capacity of 3,100 lane meters and accommodate 1,000 passengers and crew. The capacity will thus be considerably larger than the current tonnage.
“We believe in continued growth on the Irish Sea and would like to give our passengers and freight customers the best possible transportation experience. Compared to the existing ferries The Stena Estrid has many advantages, such as faster loading and unloading, modern and airy Scandinavian-inspired design, which among other elements includes a section with skylight windows, a Hygge Lounge and an upgrade to the Stena Plus concept”, says Niclas Mårtensson.
| THE STENA ESTRID - AN OLD NORSE BEAUTY | The name is connected to Stena Line's Scandinavian origin. Estrid is an Old Norse name and an east Nordic version of Astrid, which is commonly seen on rune stones and means beautiful or beloved. |
