Stena Line’s newest ferry, STENA EDDA, anchored south of Suez earlier today ahead of beginning her transit of the Suez Canal. ‘Edda’ is expected to begin service between Belfast and Liverpool (Birkenhead) during March. Ships transit the canal in a convoy system with the next northbound convoy due to leave at 04:00 local time tomorrow morning (22:00 UK time). Typically the transit takes around 12 hours as ships sail at a reduced speed of around 8 knots.
Work has continued on the berths at Belfast and Birkenhead while STENA EDDA has sailed from China. Rob Foy has sent in the following pictures of the upgraded south berth at 12 Quays Birkenhead. The pontoon is now dominated by the large structure which will connect with the upper vehicle deck of STENA EDDA and her sister STENA EMBLA. As previously reported on Facebook, the new bridge to connect this structure to the shore is also in place.
Once through the Suez Canal, STENA EDDA will make her first call in Europe. This is likely to be at Algeciras (like STENA ESTRID) or Gibraltar, but has yet to be confirmed by Stena Line. After taking on bunkers and provisions she is then expected to sail to Birkenhead. It is not yet clear whether she will call at Belfast for berthing trials on her way to Merseyside or afterwards, or stop off elsewhere en route.
STENA EDDA‘s maiden commercial voyage is presently showing on Stena Line’s booking system as taking place from Birkenhead on 09.03.20, but this is only a provisional date and has yet to be confirmed.