Stena Line is to continue its expansion on the Baltic Sea next year, increasing both freight and passenger capacity.
The Swedish family-owned ferry company will deploy two new 240 m long E-Flexer ropaxes, on the Nynäshamn/Ventspils route next year.
Stena also announced plans to increase the capacity on the Karlskrona/Gdynia route with the deployment of the two large and modern ropaxes ‘Stena Scandica’ and ‘Stena Baltica’.
Over the past year, Stena Line has expanded its Baltic operation, increasing both freight and passenger capacity, to cater for increasing demand of sea transport in the region.
This year, Stena has already introduced new large and modern ropaxes on both of the two Latvian routes – Nynäshamn/Ventspils and Travemünde/Liepaja.
The Nynäshamn/Ventspils vessels will have a capacity for 1,200 pax, an increase of 33%, compared to existing ferries, and a total of 3,600 meters of freight lane meters, an increase of 25%.
“We continue growing together with our customers by strengthen our position and fleet across the Baltic Sea. Demand for capacity in the region keeps increasing as freight customers continue to expand and travel passengers choose ferry travel as their preferred safe form of transport in the wake of the pandemic.
“These large, modern, and fuel-efficient next generation ferries are the flag ships in the modernisation of our fleet, as well as our development of sustainable shipping,” said Niclas Mårtensson, Stena Line Group CEO.
Stena’s E-Flexers are claimed to be up to 30 % more energy efficient than existing vessels, thanks to the optimum design of the hulls, propellers, bulbs, and rudders. The vessels are also delivered gas-ready, to allow conversion to methanol or LNG fuel.
They will be equipped to use shore power during port calls to reduce emissions and the electricity connection will also enable a future conversion to battery hybrid. In addition, they will offer efficient loading and unloading with drive-through lanes on two deck levels.
“Stena Line’s Scandinavian heritage is clearly visible on the interior and the design is spacious and light, with amazing panoramic views. The new vessels will offer our passengers a brand new on board and travel experience on Ventspils/Nynäshamn, the shortest route between the Baltics and Scandinavia,” added Johan Edelman, Stena Line’s Trade Director Baltic Sea North.
Next year, the Karlskrona/Gdynia route will be enhanced by the deployment of the two large and modern 222 m ropaxes ‘Stena Scandica’ and ‘Stena Baltica’.
These two Visentini-built vessels have recently been lengthened and modernised and will add 30% freight capacity and a new on board experience for both drivers and passengers on this route.
