One of the hull sections of the first Stena E-Flexer Avic Weihai W0263 is hoisted into position. AVIC
UPDATE 07.12.18: E-Flexer #1, hull W0263, is expected to be floated out of dock number 1 on the 16th January 2019. On the same day the yard expect to lay the first keel block of W0267 in the space vacated by W0263. This will be the first vessel for Brittany Ferries, GALICIA.
With the announcement yesterday that all three of Stena Line’s new E-Flexer ferries for Irish Sea services are now under construction, NI Ferry Site takes a pictorial look at the build of the first vessel (W0263) so-far. All images are Copyright of AVIC or Stena unless otherwise stated.
The signing ceremony for the contract between Stena and AVIC Weihai for the construction of 4 (plus 4 options) RoPax ferries. These became know as the Stena E-Flexer class. AVIC
On Friday 25th August 2017, a ‘steel cutting ceremony’ was held at the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in China to mark the start of the construction of what was then the first of four RoPax vessels ordered by Stena. AVIC
Steel cutting gets underway for the first of Stena’s E-Flexer class at AVIC Weihai. AVIC
Keel Laying
On the 2nd of February 2018, the first keel block was laid. This was marked with a traditional keel laying ceremony, complete with Chinese “dragons”.
Stena E-Flexer #1 keel laying ceremony at AVIC Weihai. Stena LineNiclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line, together with Magnus Olsson, Project Manager Stena RoRo, about to place the coin under the keel. Stena LineStena E-Flexer keel laying ceremony at AVIC Weihai. Stena Line
Block Assembly
The first Stena E-Flexer hull early in the assembly process at AVIC Weihai. To the left of the photograph is NEW GRAND PEACE nearing the end of her construction. Her place in the building dock has since been taken by the second E-Flexer WO264. TTS Group.The first of two Caterpillar MaK 12 VM 43 C Diesel engines is lowered into the first Stena E-Flexer vessel. Caterpillar Marine.One of the stern sections for E-Flexer #1 being lifted into place at AVIC Weihai. AVIC Weihai.The first Stena E-Flexer vessel well into the assembly stage. AVICOne of the hull sections of the first Stena E-Flexer Avic Weihai WO263 is hoisted into position. AVICOne of the hull sections of the first Stena E-Flexer Avic Weihai WO263 is hoisted into position. AVICThe first Stena E-Flexer vessel well into the assembly stage. TTS Group.The final structural block of E-Flexer #1 being lifted into place at AVIC Weihai. This completes the construction of the 10 decks of the ship. AVIC Weihai.
A Stena Line time-lapse showing the first Stena E-Flexer being assembled to “steel ready”. Stena Line
What happens next?
Now that the first vessel is at the “steel ready” stage, she will next be fitted out with her propellers and rudders, vehicle ramps, windows, and any remaining cabling, pipework, or machinery. She is expected to be floated out in January after which she will be fitted out. The as-yet unnamed vessel is expected to enter service between Dublin and Holyhead in the first half of 2020, replacingSTENA SUPERFAST X. Later that year a second example, which is also currently under construction, will enter service on the Belfast – Liverpool (Birkenhead) route. She will displace one of the current passenger vessels. A second vessel for the Belfast – Liverpool route is expected to follow in 2021, replacing the remaining current passenger vessel.
For more information on the Stena E-Flexer class please see the overview page on NI Ferry Site here or the detailed updates page here.
Steven is a ferry blogger and photographer from Belfast. He founded NI Ferry Site in 2014, and still acts as the editor. Steven also looks after all of the technical aspects of the website.
