Stena’s first E-Flexer ferry, STENA ESTRID, left Algeciras for Dublin earlier this evening. The new ferry is currently expected to arrive in Dublin (not Holyhead as previously expected) at around 21:00 this coming Sunday, 22.12.19. This is subject to change and only a guide as to when she will arrive – weather conditions in the Bay of Biscay are less than favourable at present, which could delay her arrival. Whilst alongside at Algeciras additional crew members were taken on for training/familiarisation as well as stores and bunkers.
A busy Month at Weihai
November was a busy month for the E-Flexer building programme at Weihai. On November 13, steel cutting started on yard number W0272 – Brittany Ferries’ SANTOÑA, the ninth vessel in the E-Flexer series. Two days later, Belfast -bound STENA EMBLA was floated for the first time at the yard. As already reported, the first E-Flexer vessel STENA ESTRID was delivered on November 18th.
With STENA EMBLA now in the water, her future operating partner on the Belfast – Birkenhead route STENA EDDA started her seatrials during December. As STENA EDDA is a direct sister of STENA ESTRID, her seatrials are expected to be less intensive than those of the earlier ship as many characteristics will be identical.
STENA EDDA is expected to be in service ahead of the summer season next year, while STENA EMBLA is expected to join her during 2021. The current vessels STENA LAGAN and STENA MERSEY are to go for rebuilding work in Turkey next year before being redeployed elsewhere within the Stena Line network.
Stena Estrid – First Interior Images
The following interior render images of STENA ESTRID have been released by Stena Line, giving guests a first look inside.
Stena Line’s Travel Commercial Manager (Irish Sea South) Diane Poole OBE explains:
“At Stena Line, we never stand still and are always looking at ways to improve our service for travel and freight customers – which is reflected by continued investment in our routes and fleet,” said Diane.
“The perfect example of this is, of course, the introduction in January of our newest ferry Stena Estrid on the Dublin to Holyhead route. The ship’s Captain and crew have been blown away by the ship which we believe will again raise the bar for ferry travel in terms of comfort, service, facilities, technology and sustainability.
“Hopefully our new visuals will give customers an exciting sneak preview of what to expect in terms of the excellent onboard facilities – including our spectacular Sky Bar with superb views, two movie lounges, two Happy World kids’ play areas, deluxe cabins with balcony access, a new Hygge reclining lounge, more spacious passenger areas, a bigger restaurant, an enhanced Stena Shopping experience, and of course our ever popular Stena Plus lounge… the list goes on!
“All delivered of course by our outstanding crew, who really go the extra mile every day to make sure that our customers have the best possible travel experience.”
A Virtual Tour of Stena Estrid!
A 360 degree virtual tour has been published online showing an impression of STENA ESTRID‘s interior and layout. When taking the tour swipe left and right to look around and click on the dots to “walk” to that area.
Click here to view the Stena Estrid tour in a new window.
WIN a free trip on Stena Estrid
Stena Line are running a competition to win a free trip on their latest ferry. In total there are 100 free tickets to sail on STENA ESTRID on offer. To enter, please follow the link below to the Stena Line website. This competition could be a great opportunity to check out what the next Belfast to Liverpool ferries will be like. ‘Estrid’s’ direct sister, STENA EDDA, has had seatrials in China and is expected in service on the Belfast to Birkenhead route ahead of the summer season next year!
