Ferry operator Stena Line has exercised options to build a seventh and eighth E-Flexer type Ropax at Avic Weihai Shipyard, China.
The two vessels will be deployed within Stena Line’s route network when delivered in 2022.
In addition, Stena RoRo has taken an option to build a further four E-Flexer vessels at the yard.
“We foresee increasing demand for freight capacity in Northern Europe and our new vessels fit very well in matching anticipated market developments as we prepare ourselves for further expansion. At this stage we haven’t decided where within our route network these two vessels will be deployed and are currently evaluating several options,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line.
The two new ships on order will be larger than the three E-Flexer designs currently being built for Stena Line. For example, the first three E-Flexer ships will be 215 m long with 3,100 lane meres whilst the next two ships will measure 240 m I length with a freight capacity of 3,600 lane metres.
“We are building on our successful Ropax concept mixing freight and passenger traffic. Through standardisation we can secure a reliable operation and by investing in tonnage that is flexible we can provide an even better product that will ultimately support our customers and help them to grow,” Mårtensson said.
Eight vessels have now been ordered by Stena from Avic Weihai Shipyard. The first one is planned to operate on Holyhead/Dublin route and the next two are planned to operate on the Liverpool/Belfast service.
Three others will be chartered out to external ferry operators by Stena RoRo.
