Stena Line shuffles fleet to boost Birkenhead capacity

By: Steven Tarbox
Date:
STENA VINGA. Stena Line.
STENA VINGA. Stena Line.

Scandinavian Ferry Returning to Rosslare

Stena Line has announced that STENA VINGA will will return for a second period of service on the Rosslare – Cherbourg route from September 6.  The move will release STENA FORETELLER from the route so that she can be redeployed on the Belfast – Liverpool (Birkenhead) schedule in place of SEATRUCK PANORAMA.  STENA FORETELLER’s introduction on the Belfast – Liverpool route means that all three of the Stena Forerunner MkII class will have operated on the route.  

The move comes in response to continuing strong demand on the Birkenhead route and will increase capacity by 10%.  While STENA VINGA is a smaller ship than the one she replaces at Rosslare, she will add more passenger and accompanied freight capacity.  Demand on the direct Ireland – France services has declined from its peak at the start of this year but is still strong enough to justify a second ship operating alongside STENA HORIZON on the Cherbourg service.  

STENA FORETELLER departing Rosslare for Cherbourg 26 May 2021. Image: Gordon Hislip.
STENA FORETELLER departing Rosslare for Cherbourg 26 May 2021. Image: Gordon Hislip.

SEATRUCK PANORAMA will return to owner Seatruck Ferries to cover planned fleet maintenance once released at Birkenhead. Stena Line intends to reintroduce the Ro-Ro from mid-December as a replacement for STENA VINGA on the Cherbourg route.  Industry sources continue to say Vinga is eventually bound for Condor Ferries.


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