Update 4.05.20 AM: As expected, STENA ESTRID arrived at Stena-owned Loch Ryan Port yesterday morning. She is currently tied up at the layover berth at the port, adjacent to where the Belfast ferries berth. STENA ESTRID was assisted on to the berth by the tug SALLY MCLOUGHLIN, which had travelled over from Belfast the previous day. STENA NORDICA began service between Holyhead and Dublin as expected with the 08:55 ex Holyhead yesterday morning. Due to lower freight volumes over the weekend she only made a single round trip. Competitor Irish Ferries mirrored this with the ship on the opposite schedule to ‘Nordica’, W.B. YEATS, also only making a single round trip yesterday. ‘Yeats’ sailed from Dublin in the afternoon and returned from Holyhead in the evening.
Stena Line’s STENA ESTRID is on her way to Cairnryan for maintenance to be undertaken. This is reported elsewhere online to be on one of her main engines. A Stena Line spokesman confirmed to the Daily Post that the vessel will undergo maintenance and outfitting work lasting up to six weeks at the Wigtownshire port. It is thought this will take place at the lay-by berth adjacent to the berth used by the Belfast ferries at Loch Ryan Port. This has the advantage over alternative layover locations such as Holyhead and Belfast of having a linkspan available for use over the entire maintenance period. STENA NORDICA left Rotterdam yesterday to act as relief vessel throughout STENA ESTRID‘s absence.
Having concluded her charter to the UK Department of Transport, STENA NORDICA will take up STENA ESTRID‘s regular schedule tomorrow. At present she is timetabled to start service with the 08:55 ex Holyhead. Stena Line have not disclosed the exact nature of the work needed to STENA ESTRID. The six-week timeline, however, could suggest a full rebuild may be taking place on one of ‘Estrid’s’ two German-built Caterpillar/MaK M43 main engines.
The tug SALLY MCLOUGHLIN was noted making her way from Belfast to Lough Ryan earlier today, presumably to offer assistance to STENA ESTRID should it be required. The Ro-Pax ferry is expected to arrive at Loch Ryan Port in the morning.
