Update 09.09.19 PM: STENA EUROPE has increased her speed to around 18 kts. Her ETA is now 10am local time, around an hour later than it was yesterday.
Update 08.09.19 PM: Having initially made rapid progress, STENA EUROPE has slowed significantly today. Her revised ETA in Gibraltar is now the morning of September 14.
Fishguard to Rosslare ferry STENA EUROPE left Istanbul Anchorage this morning with a destination of Gibraltar. The now upgraded vessel received bunkers at the anchorage following successful sea trials and is expected to arrive at Gibraltar on September 12 where she will bunker again. The total voyage to the British Isles will take around 10 days, though it is not yet clear which port she is destined for. Once she returns to UK and Irish waters it is unlikely the vessel will go straight back into service in any case, as crew training and drills will need to be completed.
Life Extension
STENA EUROPE is returning after a significant investment in extending her life in Northern European waters. She left for Turkey during March for what was originally expected to be a three month upgrade programme, but unexpected issues caused delays to her return.
Pictures of the ship stripped back to metal appeared on social media, while Stena have said that there will be modifications to the main deck to allow full-height freight to be carried across the entire deck. While much of the work is understood to be technical, Stena have said that the passenger stairwells will be revamped, there will be a redesigned Barista Coffee outlet, and the passenger Information Desk will be upgraded along with decor improvements. STENA NORDICA has provided relief cover throughout STENA EUROPE‘s absence.
For more information on STENA EUROPE, see her dedicated profile page here.
