Shipyard: AVIC Weihai [CN] #W0263 / #W0264 / #W0265 /#W0266 / #W0267 / #W0268 / #W0269 /#W0270 / #W0271 (exact allocation to each unit to be confirmed),
IMO Number: 9807293 / 9807308 / 9807310 / 9807322 / 9856189 / 9858321 / 9862994 / 9863003 / - / - (exact allocation to each unit to be confirmed)
Current Operator: Stena Line / Brittany Ferries / DFDS
Current Route: Various
Length Overall:
Beam:
Passenger Capacity: 930 - 1100
Vehicle Capacity: 3,100 lane metres of freight (plus up to 120 cars on a their own dedicated deck) / 3,600 lane metres of freight (plus passenger cars on a their own dedicated deck)
Stena E-Flexer is a series of up to 11 new passenger and vehicle RoPax ferries ordered by Stena RoRo from the AVIC Weihai shipyard in China. The series is designed to have class-leading efficiency, and features a new unique hull shape developed specifically for Stena RoRo by Deltamarin. The bow is shaped to reduce resistance including around the openings for the thrusters, and the stern shaped to reduce wave making.
At speeds of 18 knots and below each vessel is able to run on just one of its two propellers with one engine. The other propeller is feathered in order to minimise resistance through the water. To date, a total of nine confirmed orders have been placed for E-Flexer vessels, built to six different designs for three different operators.
The name E-Flexer was chosen to reflect two of the main goals of the design – efficiency and flexibility. The ships are designed to be some of the most fuel efficient in the world for their size, while also being flexible enough to operate across a number of different routes of varying distances.
This flexibility has been reflected in the routes the vessels have been ordered from have been allocated to. At present these range from the 90 minute Dover to Calais crossing to the 23 hour plus Portsmouth to Spain routes of Brittany Ferries.
A video from Stena Line about the Stena E-Flexer onboard experience.
The first Stena E-Flexer STENA ESTRID prior to her floating with the second (the first vessel for the Belfast to Liverpool route) in the building dock to the right. AVIC Ship.
Update 08.09.19: STENA ESTRID appears to have started sea trials last week. She is understood to be at an advanced stage of fitting out.
How are they So Efficient?
Deltamarin has designed a special new hull form for the E-Flexer project which is designed to minimise drag. In addition to an optimised bulb design, the thruster openings are shaped to reduce drag and the stern shaped to minimise wave making. This new hull form has been tested significantly, both with physical models in a water tank, and using computer modelling. It has been found to be “best in class”.
Rather than using four main engines to propel the vessel, E-Flexer will use just two due to its lower power requirement. Not only does this mean less fuel is used to fuel the engines but it also means there is a lot less weight to be carried.
The propellers are designed to be feathered to reduce resistance at lower speeds, meaning at speeds under 18 knots the ship can sail using just one propeller. The hulls themselves are painted with paint incorporating the bio-repellent antifouling ingredient Selektope to reduce the buildup of drag from marine life attaching itself to the hull.
We-Tech are providing their WE-Drive permanent magnet shaft generators and a power distribution system to efficiently supply power across the vessel and to its bow thrusters. All lighting will be provided by LED’s in order to reduce energy consumption, and the glazing will have solar film applied in order to reduce the need for air conditioning and heating.
Examples ordered to date
A total of 9 vessels have been confirmed as ordered for 3 different operators to date. At the time of writing (July 19) there are a total of six distinct variations of E-Flexer, taking into account the different requirements of Stena RoRo, Stena Line (with whom the original concept was closely developed), Brittany Ferries, and DFDS. Although E-Flexer is a single design concept, there are actually at total of six (and counting) distinct variations of the design ordered. While the majority of the vessels are being built to Ice Class 1C standards, one will be built to 1A standards, for example.
The first Stena E-Flexer class ferry, STENA ESTRID seen well into her fitting out period. Stena Line / AVIC ship.
Stena Line’s second E-Flexer STENA EDDA seen during fitting out with Brittany Ferries first E-Flexer GALICIA and Stena Line’s third STENA EMBLA under construction in the building docks behind. Stena Line / AVIC Ship.
Brittany Ferries
French operator Brittany Ferries will receive three of the new ferries on long-term charter. The first two examples, one LNG powered and the other not, are to be deployed on long-haul services between England and Spain. These will be named GALICIA and SALAMANCA respectively.
Tugs assist Brittany Ferries GALICIA to the outfitting pier after she was floated out of the building dock at AVIC Weihai. AVIC.
The Brittany Ferries vessels are unique in not having the separate vehicle space for passenger cars. Instead, this space is given over to increasing cabin capacity. The superstructure on deck’s 7 and 8 is also extended aft slightly, again to increase cabin capacity.
GALICIA seen undertaking sea trials ahead of her delivery. Brittany Ferries.
The remaining Brittany Ferries example, SANTOÑA, was announced on March 25, 2019 and will also be powered by LNG. Brittany Ferries has not yet been specified which market she is for but her name suggest she will also serve mainly Spanish routes.
DFDS
A single E-Flexer with a heavily modified design, CÔTE D’ OPALE, has been ordered for DFDS and is expected to operate between Dover and Calais. In addition to heavily modified bow and stern loading arrangements to ensure she is compatible with the berths at Dover and Calais, CÔTE D’ OPALE will also be equipped with an additional bow thruster.
An artists impression of how COTE D’OPALE will look when in service with DFDS. DFDS
As a consequence of being designed for such a short route, CÔTE D’ OPALE features a revised superstructure with no passenger cabins.
Updated DFDS Stena E-Flexer render provided by Stena RoRo at the time of the DFDS order announcement. Stena RoRo.
CÔTE D’ OPALE was delivered at Weihai on May 24, 2021, some six weeks ahead of the contract date. The ship is being brought to Europe by a Northern Marine (Stena) crew. A number of DFDS officers are also onboard. As with the other E-Flexer ferries, CÔTE D’ OPALE will transit the Suez Canal.
Options
All options from the original contract signed between Stena and AVIC in 2016 have now been exercised, though Stena confirmed that they now have an additional four options to exercise when the order for the two lengthened examples for Stena Line was announced in July 2018. In Stena’s 2018 annual review, however, it was stated that there are only three options, though one of these has subsequently been exercised as a third vessel (SANTOÑA) for Brittany Ferries. There have been suggestions that Stena have discussed extending the series beyond 11 units, however.
An artists impression of how a Brittany Ferries Stena E-Flexer class ferry might look at Portsmouth. Brittany Ferries
Contractors Involved
The first six vessels ordered will be 214.5m long and have the capacity for up to 1000 people and up to 3100 lane metres of freight. The following two examples will be 239.7m long with capacity for 1200 people and 3600lm of freight.
Suppliers from Europe are heavily involved in the project, even though the vessels are being built in China. Germany’s Reinhold & Mahla (R&M) are responsible for the interior outfitting, with Sweden’s Figura Arkitekter responsible for the interior design on behalf of the ship owner (Stena RoRo) and shipyard (AVIC Weihai).
Brittany Ferries have said they will be engaging Spanish architects to customise the passenger spaces of their vessels and DFDS are working on their own layout for their unique vessel. Figura remains the lead “consulting” interior architect on all vessels with their services included in the package provided by Stena RoRo as part of the contracts with Brittany Ferries and DFDS.
The latest confirmed example, Brittany Ferries SANTOÑA, will also be 214.5m long. All three operators are expected to make extensive use of digital technology in the passenger spaces onboard.
STENA ESTRID is manoeuvred towards the fitting out pier at AVIC Weihai by two tugs. AVIC Ship.
Differing Configurations
Stena RoRo themselves and Finland’s Deltamarin are supervising and project managing the E-Flexer project, while Deltamarin is also the consulting naval architect.
The original E-Flexer design which will be used by Stena Line has 175 cabins. This has been increased to around 300 (plus 36 freight driver cabins) on the Brittany Ferries examples by replacing the dedicated car deck on deck 7 with passenger spaces, and extending both deck 7 and 8 aft. The lengthened Stena Line examples are to have 263 cabins and a larger dedicated car deck for up to 200 vehicles.
Side profile drawing of the newly ordered Stena RoPax ferries to be built by AVIC Weihai in China. Image: Stena Line
DFDS’s COTE D’OPALE will not have any passenger cabins due to the short nature of the 90 minute Dover – Calais crossing she is being built for. The spaces which contain cabins on the other E-Flexers given over to public spaces instead, and the 120 car capacity car deck on deck 7 retained.
Side profile drawing of GALICIA. Brittany Ferries.
Brittany Ferries SALAMANCA and SANTOÑA will have reduced vehicle deck capacity of 2,758lm in order to accommodate extra equipment needed for LNG operation on deck 1, including the fuel tanks. Another key change is to the main engines. These will be supplied by Wartsila (as with HONFLEUR) rather than by Caterpillar.
All E-Flexer ferries will be built to at least Ice Class 1C standards. While not required in the waters in which the vessels will initially operate, this will increase the options for future deployment of the new ships. STENA EMBLA is to be built to Ice Class 1A.
A side-profile rendering of how the Stena E-Flexer class RoPax chartered to DFDS for their Dover to Calais route will look. DFDS
Brittany Ferries will deploy their first two examples (GALICIA and SALAMANCA) on the Portsmouth – Le Havre and Portsmouth – Bilbao/Santander routes, but have not yet announced where they intend to operate the third example.
Brittany Ferries’ GALICIA is the first of three new ferries joining the company. She is expected to enter service from Santander during December 2020. Brittany Ferries.
DFDS have stated they intend to deploy CÔTE D’OPALE on their Dover – Calais route, but have also stated that they will finalise deployment during 2020 according to market conditions.
“Get to know Stena Estrid” promotional video from Stena Line
Stena has yet to announce where they intend for their lengthened examples to operate with online speculation suggesting Karlskrona – Gdynia, Nynäshamn – Ventspils, and even Holyhead to Dublin (replacing both STENA ADVENTURER and STENA ESTRID). The increased cabin accommodation suggests that they will probably be deployed on an overnight service, however.
The first of 239 cabin units to be fitted to STENA ESTRID is hoisted onto the vessel. AVIC Weihai.
Key E-Flexer technical information
A more detailed technical specification of the individual vessels is available on the main Stena E-Flexer page here.
Capacity of dedicated passenger vehicle and small van deck (not included on the Brittany Ferries examples)
120
200
(*SALAMANCA and SANTOÑA will be LNG powered with Wartsila main engines. They will also have a smaller vehicle deck capacity of 2,758 lm in order to create room for their LNG fuel tanks and associated equipment. GALICIA will be diesel powered and so retain the full 3100 lm vehicle deck capacity, albeit without the dedicated car deck in the Stena Line examples. This is given over in favour of additional passenger cabins on all three Brittany Ferries examples.)
STENA ESTRID seen at AVIC Weihai’s outfitting quay, May 2019. Avic Weihai.
The signing ceremony for the original contract between Stena and AVIC Weihai for the construction of 4 (with options for a further 4) RoPax ferries. AVIC
Side profile drawing of the standard Stena E-Flexer Ro-pax design as released by Stena Line at the time of ordering from AVIC Weihai in China, with the rendering released today by DFDS. Image: Stena Line/DFDS edited by niferrysite.
Updated DFDS Stena E-Flexer render provided by Stena RoRo at the time of the DFDS order announcement. Stena RoRo.
Rendering of Brittany Ferries’ Stena E-Flexer class vessels. Brittany Ferries.
Rendering of Brittany Ferries’ Stena E-Flexer class vessels. Brittany Ferries.
Rendering of Brittany Ferries’ Stena E-Flexer class vessels. Brittany Ferries.
Picture of the steel cutting ceremony for the first of Stena’s four new Chinese built RoPax ferries. Stena Roro
Steel cutting gets underway for Stena’s E-Flexer class at AVIC Weihai. AVIC
The steel cutting ceremony for Stena’s new generation of RoPax’s, Stena E-Flexer. AVIC
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
Stena E-Flexer #1 keel laying ceremony at AVIC Weihai. Stena Line
Stena E-Flexer keel laying ceremony at AVIC Weihai. Stena Line
Stena E-Flexer keel laying ceremony at AVIC Weihai. Stena Line
Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line, together with Magnus Olsson, Project Manager Stena RoRo, about to place the coin under the keel. Stena Line
The keel laying of Stena’s second E-Flexer RoPax at AVIC Weihai in China. When delivered this vessel will be deployed on the busy Belfast to Liverpool (Birkenhead) route. Stena Line / Duffy Rafferty Communications
The keel laying of Stena’s second E-Flexer RoPax W0264 at AVIC Weihai in China took place on 15/06/18. AVIC.
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 two MaK main engines supplied by Caterpillar is lowered into place during the construction of STENA ESTRID. Caterpillar.
One of the stern sections for E-Flexer #1 being lifted into place at AVIC Weihai. AVIC Weihai.
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.
The first Stena E-Flexer vessel well into the assembly stage. TTS Group.
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 W0264. TTS Group.
A low-key ceremony was held for the start of steel-cutting for the second Stena E-Flexer on 15th December 2017. AVIC
The start of steel-cutting for the second Stena E-Flexer on 15th December 2017. AVIC
One of the hull sections of the first Stena E-Flexer Avic Weihai W0263 is hoisted into position. AVIC
The steel cutting ceremony on October 15th 2016 at AVIC Weihai for Stena’s third Irish Sea E-Flexer W0266. Stena Line
ON SCHEDULE: Ferry company Stena Line has reached an important milestone in its major new fleet investment programme with the steel cutting of a third E-Flexer ship to be deployed on its Irish Sea routes. This means that all three of Stena Lines new E-Flexer ships, planned to enter into service on the Irish Sea during 2020 and 2021, are now under construction at the Avic Weihai Shipyard in China. The first of the new vessels (pictured) will commence operation on the Holyhead to Dublin route in early 2020, with the remaining two ships to be introduced on the Liverpool to Belfast route in 2020 and 2021. All three Irish Sea E-Flexer vessels will be bigger than todays standard RoPax vessels at 215 meters long with a freight capacity of 3,100 lane meters and the space to carry 120 cars and 1,000 passengers.
One of the hull sections of the first Stena E-Flexer Avic Weihai W263 (later named STENA ESTRID) is hoisted into position. AVIC
The first Stena E-Flexer vessel well into the assembly stage. AVIC
Painting underway on Stena’s first E-Flexer, W0263, at AVIC Weihai. Note the snow in the foreground! AVIC Weihai
The first Stena E-Flexer, STENA ESTRID, prepares to leave the building dock at AVIC Weihai, 16.01.19. The second vessel, STENA EDDA can be seen under construction in the background. Stena Ab / AVIC Ship.
The first E-Flexer, named STENA ESTRID, just prior to launch on January 16th 2019. Stena RoRo.
Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo, Niclas Mårtensson; CEO of Stena Line; Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries at the float out ceremony for STENA ESTRID. In the background areSTENA ESTRID to the left and the first of two E-Flexer’s for the Belfast to Birkenhead route (W0264) to the right. Stena RoRo.
The STENA ESTRID float out ceremony at AVIC Weihai. Stena RoRo.
The traditional coin laying for the keel of Brittany Ferries first E-Flexer GALICIA. AVIC Ship
An artists impression of how a Brittany Ferries Stena E-Flexer class ferry might look at Portsmouth. Brittany Ferries
The first Stena E-Flexer STENA ESTRID being manoeuvred out of her building dock at AVIC Weihai. AVIC Ship
The first Stena E-Flexer STENA ESTRID prior to her floating with the second (the first vessel for the Belfast to Liverpool route) in the building dock to the right. AVIC Ship.
The first Stena E-Flexer STENA ESTRID being manoeuvred out of her building dock at AVIC Weihai. AVIC Ship
The first Stena E-Flexer, STENA ESTRID, at the fitting out pier, AVIC Weihai. AVIC Ship.
The second Stena E-Flexer, STENA EDDA, just before the water started to fill up the dry dock. Stena Line.
Stena Line’s second E-Flexer STENA EDDA prior to being floated for the first time. Stena Line.
The first Stena E-Flexer STENA ESTRID fitting out at AVIC Weihai during April 2019. AVIC Ship.
A pre-fabricated cabin module is hoisted on to a Stena E-Flexer. Avic Weihai
A pre-fabricated cabin module is hoisted on to a Stena E-Flexer. Avic Weihai
Stena Line’s second E-Flexer STENA EDDA seen during fitting out with Brittany Ferries first E-Flexer GALICIA and Stena Line’s third STENA EMBLA under construction in the building docks behind. Stena Line / AVIC Ship.
The building dock fills with water as yard number W0264 STENA EDDA is floated out at AVIC Weihai on April 15th 2019. GALICIA for Brittany Ferries can be seen under construction to the right. AVIC Ship.
The first Stena E-Flexer class ferry, STENA ESTRID (W0263) seen well into her fitting out period. Stena Line / AVIC ship.
Rendering of the stern view of an E-Flexer built to Brittany Ferries specification. In this case the name GALICIA appears with a home port of Morlaix (France). Stena RoRo.
Steel cutting starts for E-Flexer number 6, SALAMANCA, which will be the second of three of the series for Brittany Ferries. SALAMANCA will also be the first E-Flexer built to run on LNG. Courtesy of Stena RoRo.
Brittany Ferries GALICIA is is floated at AVIC Weihai on September 10 2019. She is the third Stena E-Flexer vessel and will be long-term chartered to Brittany Ferries. Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries GALICIA is manoeuvred to an outfitting quay after leaving her building dock on September 11 2019. Courtesy of Stena RoRo.
GALICIA (left) is manoeuvred into position by tugs after leaving her building dock, 11.09.19. In the background is STENA ESTRID which is in the advanced stages of fitting out, while STENA EDDA is seen during fitting out to the right of the picture. The vessel under construction just ahead of STENA EDDA is her sister-ship and operating partner for the Belfast to Liverpool route STENA EMBLA. Courtesy of Stena RoRo.
Tugs assist Brittany Ferries GALICIA to the outfitting pier after she was floated out of the building dock at AVIC Weihai. AVIC.
The first keel block of E-Flexer number 5, DFDS’ CÔTE D’OPALE is laid at Weihai Shipyard in China, 15.10.19. DFDS
STENA ESTRID on sea trials in the Yellow Sea. Stena Line
The first Stena E-Flexer, STENA ESTRID, on sea trials. China Merchants (video screenshot)
STENA ESTRID completes a manoeuvre during her trials. China Merchants (video screenshot)
Leading ferry company Stena Line has announced that Stena Estrid, the first of its three new ferries destined for the Irish Sea, has successfully completed her sea trials in China’s Yellow Sea. Pictured here during the trials, the new vessel is now on schedule to start operating on the Dublin to Holyhead route in early 2020. Stena Estrid is the first of five new Stena Line next generation RoPax vessels that are being constructed at the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in China, three of which will be introduced on the company’s Irish Sea routes from Dublin to Holyhead and Belfast to Liverpool.
A view from above STENA ESTRID taken during her sea trials. China Merchants (video screenshot)
STENA ESTRID on sea trials in the Yellow Sea. Stena Line
The sun sets on STENA ESTRID, during her sea trials. China Merchants (video screenshot)
The first Stena E-Flexer, STENA ESTRID, on sea trials. China Merchants (video screenshot)
STENA ESTRID, shows her impressive manoeuvrability while going astern. China Merchants (video screenshot).
Stena E-Flexer #4 STENA EMBLA floats for the first time at what was then still AVIC Weihai, 15.11.19. CMJL (Weihai).
STENA ESTRID is pictured at the AVIC Weihai shipyard in China before its official handover to leading ferry company Stena Line
Dan Olsson owner of Stena Line The guests from Stena as well as the site team signed a framed picture of Stena Estrid that will hang on the walls at the AVIC Shipyard. Stena Line.
Reverend Cannon Stephen Miller Senior Chaplain at the Mission to Seafarers based in Hong Kong blesses the Stena Estrid. Stena Line
Dan Olsson owner of Stena Line CEO Niclas Martensson meet staff of the AVIC Weihai shipyard in China at the signing ceremony for Stena Estrid. Stena Line.
Dan Olsson owner of Stena Line CEO Niclas Martensson at the AVIC Weihai shipyard in China at the signing ceremony for Stena Estrid. Stena Line.
SHIP SHAPE: Senior Master Matthew Lynch (4th from right) is pictured with Stena Line’s newest ferry Stena Estrid and crew members (l-r) Mark Connell, John Thomas, Jason Rafferty, Cora Bonham, David Morris, Stephen Davies, Ian Grimes and Marc Young. Captain ‘Matt’ and his crew are currently steering Stena Estrid on its 10,000 mile journey from the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in China, where it was built, to the Irish Sea where it will start service on the Holyhead to Dublin route in January.
BON VOYAGE: Stena Line’s newest ferry Stena Estrid departs the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in north-western China, bound for its new home on the Irish Sea between Ireland and Britain. Manned by a much-reduced crew of 27, with no passengers on board, the ship will travel on a journey of well over 10,000 miles, taking just over one month and making a number of stops on the way, before finally arriving in Wales from where it will start service in January on the Dublin to Holyhead route.
BON VOYAGE: Stena Line’s newest ferry Stena Estrid departs the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in north-western China, bound for its new home on the Irish Sea between Ireland and Britain. Manned by a much-reduced crew of 27, with no passengers on board, the ship will travel on a journey of well over 10,000 miles, taking just over one month and making a number of stops on the way, before finally arriving in Wales from where it will start service in January on the Dublin to Holyhead route.
BON VOYAGE: Stena Line’s newest ferry Stena Estrid departs the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in north-western China, bound for its new home on the Irish Sea between Ireland and Britain. Manned by a much-reduced crew of 27, with no passengers on board, the ship will travel on a journey of well over 10,000 miles, taking just over one month and making a number of stops on the way, before finally arriving in Wales from where it will start service in January on the Dublin to Holyhead route.
BON VOYAGE: Stena Line’s newest ferry Stena Estrid departs the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in north-western China, bound for its new home on the Irish Sea between Ireland and Britain. Manned by a much-reduced crew of 27, with no passengers on board, the ship will travel on a journey of well over 10,000 miles, taking just over one month and making a number of stops on the way, before finally arriving in Wales from where it will start service in January on the Dublin to Holyhead route.
BON VOYAGE: Stena Line’s newest ferry Stena Estrid departs the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in north-western China, bound for its new home on the Irish Sea between Ireland and Britain. Manned by a much-reduced crew of 27, with no passengers on board, the ship will travel on a journey of well over 10,000 miles, taking just over one month and making a number of stops on the way, before finally arriving in Wales from where it will start service in January on the Dublin to Holyhead route.
Original Article: 31.05.18 @ 08:15 Last updates 20.08.19 (reformatted tables for mobile) 22.09.19 (added gallery from main E-Flexer article) 02.01.2021 : Added Embla arrival in Belfast
Steven is a former retail professional and a ferry writer and photographer. He created NI Ferry Site as a web design project in 2014 to be a news and information source for everyone with an interest in ferries, with a particular focus on Northern Ireland. Steven is the editor of the website and looks after all of the technical aspects.
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