Stena Line’s 2005-built ferry STENA SCANDICA (ex STENA LAGAN, etc) has left Turkey following a lengthy rebuilding at SEFEF Shipbuilding. The complex project involved inserting a new 36m section into the ferry, as well as replacing her bow above the waterline. STENA SCANDICA had been expected to re-enter service earlier this year, but the project has been heavily delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Scandica’s’ new bow, in combination with a network of internal ramps and reconfiguration of the vehicle decks, means that the ferry has drive-through access for the first time. Thus, she becomes the first of the Visentini Ro-Pax series to have twin-level-drive-through loading. Should it be required, all vehicle deck levels can also be access via a single level connection with port. The project has been supported by the original designer of the Visentini class, NAOS Ship and Boat design.
In addition to adding the new 36m long section, some additional accommodation space was also added to the original superstructure. The vessel has been comprehensively refurbished throughout to a design by Figura Arkitekter, supported by Cita Marine. This is the second major Stena Line project Cita Marine has worked on – the Turkish company also worked on the interior design (with Figura) and fit-out of STENA EUROPE during 2020.
Preview pictures suggest that the ferry is virtually unrecognisable inside from her Belfast – Liverpool guises, with a style like that seen on the E-Flexer ferries STENA ESTRID, STENA EDDA, and STENA EMBLA.
In terms of passenger capacity, STENA SCANDICA now matches Stena Line’s E-Flexer’s, though freight capacity is 2,875lm versus the 3,100 on the newer ships. This represents a 30% increase on the ship she will replace.
Technical improvements
The project, which is the largest of its type ever to be completed in Turkey, was supervised by Stena RoRo. Modifications were not limited to accommodation and vehicle access, however. With the vessel now some 222 metres in length, the decision was taken to improve manoeuvrability. An additional transverse thruster has been added at the bow, taking the complement to three, and new twisted leading-edge rudders with costa bulbs fitted.
As with the E-Flexer series, the new rudders have been supplied by German company Becker Marine. The opportunity has also been taken to equip STENA SCANDICA with a Langh Tech hybrid exhaust gas scrubber system and a new ballast water treatment solution. Stena Line says that in combination these changes make STENA SCANDICA more efficient and environmentally friendly than she was as STENA LAGAN.
According to Per Westling, Managing Director Stena RoRo:
“This enlargement of the vessels capacity as well as the new and unique efficiency measures included in the design results in a significant reduction of the emissions for each lorry as well as shorter turnaround time in the port enabling a lower speed at sea. We are pleased that this complex conversion has been possible to perform despite the challenges caused by the pandemic.”
“Extending a vessel is a cost-effective way of increasing cargo capacity, while gaining room for more passengers,”
“The new interior design and application of modern technology entail an upgraded passenger concept, with more efficient operation and reduced emissions per cargo unit.”
https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stena-roro-has-now-taken-delivery-of-the-lengthened-vessel-stena-scandica-from-the-turkish-shipyard-820906541.html
New Route
STENA SCANDICA currently flies the Bahamian flag and has returned to RINA classification. According to Stena Line, the rebuilt ferry will enter service on the Nynäshamn (Norvik) – Ventspils route during early-July. She will replace either STENA FLAVIA or STENA LIVIA on the route. ‘Flavia’ and ‘Livia’ are to be transferred to the Travemünde – Liepãja service in place of STENA GOTHICA and URD.
This will increase freight capacity on the Liepaja route by 40% and slash the sailing time from 27 hours to 20. As-built sister-ship STENA MERSEY (now the new STENA BALTICA) is currently undergoing the same work as STENA SCANDICA. She is expected to join her sister on the Nynäshamn service this coming autumn.
Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson said the delivery of Stena Scandica is an important step in the Company’s expansion in the Baltic Sea:
“Taking delivery of the large, modern and efficient vessel Stena Scandica is a major milestone for Stena Line and enables us to continue to grow together with our customers in the Baltic Sea. During the year we will increase capacity with 30 % on the Nynäshamn-Ventspils route, and 40 % on the Liepãja-Travemünde route”.
https://news.cision.com/stena-line/r/stena-line-takes-delivery-of-stena-scandica,c3370195
A more in-depth article on the rebuilding of STENA SCANDICA will be published on NI Ferry Site in due course.
