The next generation
of ferry travel went into service yesterday evening (9th March) as
Stena Line reaffirmed its commitment to operations on the Irish Sea and
providing the ‘very best freight and travel experience for customers’.
Stena Edda, the biggest ferry ever to sail on the Belfast
to Liverpool route, embarked on its maiden voyage on Monday evening as it left
Merseyside amid a host of celebrations which included a spectacular countdown
lightshow.
With 40%
more deck capacity, 40% more cabins and 30% more fuel efficiency than current
vessels on the route, Edda accommodates up to 1,000 passengers, 120 cars
in its dedicated garage deck and 3,100 lane metres of freight.
Redefining ferry
travel on the Irish Sea, Edda is more spacious than previous vessels on
the route with a Sky Bar and Scandinavian design providing new levels of
comfort for both freight and travel guests.
The vessel also
offers greater panoramic views as well as digitally enhanced customer
experiences.
Despite the
215 metres length of the ferry, the new port infrastructure in Belfast and
Birkenhead will deliver easier and faster loading and unloading for all
passengers.
Stena Edda is part of an investment of over £200million by
Stena Line in three new vessels and port upgrades, involving the company’s
partners at Peel Ports and Belfast Harbour. Edda is the first of two new
ferries that will offer a choice of daily sailings on the popular Belfast to
Liverpool route.
Paul Grant, Stena
Line Trade Director Irish Sea North said: “As Europe’s largest ferry company, this
is a very exciting time for Stena Line.
“The Irish Sea is
very important to our company and we are committed to enhancing and developing
our services on these routes to continue offering the very best freight and
travel experience for customers.
“With vessels which
are the most spacious and comfortable ever to sail on the Irish Sea, Stena
Line is proud to be shaping the ferry industry for the next generation of
freight and travel customers.
“The Liverpool to
Belfast route has been growing consistently since Stena Line acquired it almost
10 years ago. In that time, we’ve continued to increase capacity, improve the
product and last year was a record-breaking year for freight and travel.
“We have great
confidence in the route, and we are determined to continue this growth.”
Stena Edda goes into service having completed an epic
four-week voyage from ship builders in the Far East. It has also undergone
stringent sea trials and berthing exercises in both Liverpool and Birkenhead.
The multi-million-pound vessel represents over six years planning and construction work, including design development in Sweden to reflect Stena Line’s Swedish heritage.
Sea News, March 11
