[Photo Feature] 50 years of roll-on, roll-off at Fishguard

The roll-on roll-off vehicle linkspan for ferries at the Pembrokeshire port of Fishguard has now been operational for just over 50 years.

Here, we feature a selection of photographs, many previously unseen, of some of the more notable regular ferries to have operated the route from Fishguard to Rosslare since 1972, mostly courtesy of the Brian Cleare Collection.

This July, the route will receive its latest incumbent vessel, the rebuilt STENA NORDICA. The vessel will replace STENA EUROPE after 21 years on the Southern Corridor and will ensure longer-term viability with a reliable, more modern ship operating on a year-round basis.

The Port of Fishguard, seen from the bridge of STENA EUROPE in October 2019. Image: Scott Mackey.

Before roll-on, roll-off

Prior to 1972, the port of Fishguard was not equipped with a roll-on, roll-of linkspan. Instead, limited numbers of cars were loaded by side loading doors cut into the hulls of the vessels that operated the route to Rosslare.

By 1971, management realised that there was a need to provide a modern drive on linkspan to enable a wider range of traffic to be carried. It was decided to commence a major investment to provide this along with a modernisation of shoreside facilities to allow commercial vehicles, coaches, and caravans to be shipped.

Work progressing on Fishguard’s new RoRo linkspan in 1971. The DUKE OF ROTHESAY displays her new stern door. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

First Day

The CALEDONIAN PRINCESS had been operating the southern corridor route during the summers of 1969 and 1970; and was already equipped for loading via a linkspan. The vessel was the first arrival at the new facilities on 6^th July 1972 which were officially opened by the Chairman of the British Railways Board, Richard Marsh.

CALEDONIAN PRINCESS arrives in Fishguard Harbour on 6th July 1972. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

HOLYHEAD FERRY 1 powering away from Fishguard Harbour in March 1973. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

NECKARTAL seen during her time on the Fishguard – Rosslare route in 1973. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

DUKE OF LANCASTER berthed at the new linkspan in Fishguard Harbour, 1975. Image:The Brian Cleare Collection.

Another view of the DUKE OF LANCASTER. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

AVALON berthed at the Fishguard linkspan during her time on the route. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

Another view of AVALON during her time on the Fishguard – Rosslare route. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

ANDERIDA seen at Fishguard during 1977. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

Meeting at Fishguard, LORD WARDEN and STENA NORMANDICA (later ST. BRENDAN). Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

STENA NORMANDICA arriving at Fishguard on her inaugural trip in April 1979. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

STENA NORDICA (ii) and STENA NORMANDICA at Fishguard during March 1980. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

STENA NORMANDICA (later ST. BRENDAN) fitting out after refit at Falmouth in May 1984. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

From Sealink to Stena Line

In 1990, the route received FELICITY, Fishguard’s largest and most luxurious vessel to date, to replace ST. BRENDAN. The vessel was chartered initially for 5 years and was renamed STENA FELICITY in 1991.

STENA FELICITY seen in arriving at Fishguard in Stena Sealink colours during 1993. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

Operating under Sealink British Ferries, Sealink Stena Line, Stena Sealink Line and Stena Line branding, she remained on St George’s Channel until 1997.

All four of Sealink’s so-called Belfast-built ‘Saint Class vessels have provided cover at Fishguard at various stages of their careers. Here, the second vessel in the series, STENA CAMBRIA (formerly ST. ANSELM) is seen at Fishguard Harbour in November 1992. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

In March 1996, STENA LONDONER provided refit cover. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

In 1997, STENA FELICITY was returned to her owners and her place on the Fishguard route was taken by the former SMZ Harwich-Hoek van Holland flagship, KONINGIN BEATRIX. Even larger and more luxurious than the ‘Felicity’ she could carry 2,100 passengers.

In this view from a promotional post card, KONINGIN BEATRIX is wearing her original Stena Line colours. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

Fast Ferries

The Fishguard – Rosslare route also played its role in the development of fast ferry services during the 1990’s. The fast craft were used to supplement the conventional ferries during the peak summer period.

STENA SEA LYNX operated the route in 1995, 1995, 1997 and 1998. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

The STENA SEA LYNX II provided cover in 1994.
She is seen here in Dun Laoghaire harbour in 1995. Image: Scott Mackey. — The STENA SEA LYNX II provided cover in 1994. She is seen here in Dun Laoghaire harbour in 1995. Image: Scott Mackey.

CONDOR 10 operated during the 1996 season and is seen here departing Fishguard in June of that year. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

STENA LYNX III seen on passage to Fishguard in May 1999. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

Another view of STENA LYNX III in 2007. Image: Scott Mackey.

The Longest Servant

In 2002, the KONINGIN BEATRIX was replaced with STENA EUROPE. The ‘Europe’ was considered a more suitable size for the route and has proved to be a reliable workhorse over 21 years on the Southern Corridor.

A view of STENA EUROPE in Fishguard Harbour. Image: The Brian Cleare Collection.

A large investment was made to increase her freight capacity for the route and she has benefitted from more significant investments over the years, not least her life extension refit in Turkey during 2019.

STENA EUROPE in operation on the Fishguard – Rosslare route following her life extension refit in 2019. Image: Scott Mackey.

Approaching the linkspan in Fishguard, seen from the bridge of STENA EUROPE. Image: Scott Mackey.

STENA EUROPE, alongside at Fishguard. Image: Scott Mackey.

2023 Replacement Vessel

In July 2023, the STENA EUROPE will be replaced by the more modern STENA NORDICA. The ‘Nordica’ has been rebuilt for the role with a new accommodation module on deck 6 housing a Stena Plus lounge, Hygge recline lounge and two movie lounges. This increases her passenger capacity from 447 to 629 max and makes her more suitable for the Fishguard route as it’s regular vessel.

STENA NORDICA providing refit cover on the Cairnryan – Belfast route in May 2023 before replacing STENA EUROPE on the Fishguard – Rosslare route in July. Image: Scott Mackey.

With thanks to Brian Boyce, John Boyce, Brian Cleare and all at Rosslare Maritime Enthusiasts for their help with this feature and for the provision of photographs.

Polite notice: While we welcome our articles being shared, we request that links to this website are provided rather than other approaches. Thank you (NI Ferry Site team).