Stena Nordica arrives in Dunkerque

At approximately 9am on 30th March, Stena Nordica arrived at Dunkerque to start an 18 month charter with DFDS on the Dover to Calais route.  She is currently moored at the French port whilst she is readied for dry docking – she will need modified in order to be compatible with her new ports, not least she will need to gain a ‘cow catcher’ for berthing at Calais.  DFDS’ booking website currently indicates she will be in service for the 16th of April.  It is expected that shortly after this, her running mate, Calais Seaways (ex Prins Filip) will herself proceed to dry dock for a refit and for a new engine to be fitted.  Although not one of our regular vessels, Stena Nordica operated from Belfast as cover for Stena Superfast VII and VIII and also visited Harland & Wolff of her own maintenance.  She is a part sister to P&O’s European Causeway and European Highlander, having originally being built to operate P&O’s Dublin to Liverpool service.