The largest ferry yet will sail on Stena Line’s Ireland to France route between Rosslare and Cherbourg for the first time later this week. The company’s live freight timetable shows STENA SUPERFAST X will sail on the route between this coming Thursday January 23rd, and February 2nd, in place of STENA HORIZON. The latter will be off service for scheduled maintenance during the period.
Although originally built as an overnight ferry, STENA SUPERFAST X was rebuilt as a day ferry when acquired by SeaFrance for their Dover – Calais route. As a result, cabin space on the ship is limited. That said, however, January is a quiet month for passenger traffic on the route and so it is likely this was factored into Stena Line’s decision making.
STENA SUPERFAST X is currently in Belfast Dry Dock (BDD) undergoing routine inspection and maintenance, having covered as-built sisters STENA SUPERFAST VIII and STENA SUPERFAST VII last week. She has also recently appeared on sister-company Stena RoRo’s online fleet list, suggesting that the company, which is Stena’s vessel acquisition and sales division, are actively looking for work for her in the form of a sale or charter. STENA SUPERFAST X has been replaced in the permanent Stena Line fleet with the arrival of STENA ESTRID. The former is expected to cover for the latter during February, however, so that STENA ESTRID can release STENA ADVENTURER for refit.