STENA AND PEEL SIGN 77-YEAR FERRY DEAL

Stena Line has signed a new deal with Peel Ports to operate its 12 Quays port and ferry terminal in Birkenhead until the beginning of 2100

The Swedish company has operated twice daily ferry services to Belfast since 2011 and this new deal will see it continue to operate there for at least another 77 years, solidifying the success of the working partnership formed between the two companies.

”After 12 successful years in 12 Quays our business in Birkenhead continues to flourish year-after-year. This deal is a sign of our long-term commitment to Birkenhead and Peel Ports, with whom we have a very strong partnership,” said Niclas Martensson, CEO of Stena Line.

“We will continue to make significant investments to increase our services to our customers across the Irish Sea.”

Successful approach

Stena Line operates six routes and 12 vessels across the region and Birkenhead has been a key focus for investment in recent years.

In 2021 and 2022 Stena Line launched two new E-Flexer ferries on their Birkenhead to Belfast service, Stena Edda and Stena Embla. These brand-new state-of-the-art ferries increased passenger and freight capacity on the route to Belfast by a third.

Subsequently Stena Line has made further investments with the recent purchase of two sites adjacent to the 12 Quays Terminal, to provide additional freight storage for its freight customers as they continue to expand their businesses there.

“We have built a highly successful partnership with Stena Line over the years for the developing of services across the Irish Sea, and we are delighted this long-term agreement reaffirms our commitment to enable further investment into Birkenhead and the Mersey cluster,” said David Huck, chief operating officer at Peel Ports Group The value of the deal has not been disclosed.

Two new hybrid ferries for Hong Kong

Dutch company CoCo Yachts has received an order from Hong Kong-based Sun Ferries for two diesel-electric hybrid ferries.

The Urban Sprinters 1000, built by YaGuang Technology Co. in China, will operate daily between Central Pier and Cheung Chau Pier in Hong Kong.

Each vessel will be fitted with four IMO tier III diesel generators, of which three are usually in service and one on standby. The vessels will be provided with four Azimuth L-type thrusters, each fitted with one PM electric motor giving a service speed of 16 knots.

The design and building of the vessel will be certified by Bureau Veritas with all flag related items, including safety and stability delegated from Hong Kong Marine Department to Bureau Veritas.

Capable of carrying 1,000 seated passengers over two decks, the doubledended ferries are accessed by eight entrance ramps and have dedicated baby care and pet areas.

The third deck is an open area accessible for sightseeing. The area will be partly covered by solar panels, helping to further reduce overall vessel emissions.

The ferries have two wheelhouses and will be fitted with three crew cabins, accommodating ten crew in total.

The first is expected to be delivered Q2 2024, while the second vessel will be delivered in Q1 2025.