Business

Stena Line's new Belfast-bound E-Flexer taking shape in China

The keel is laid for Stena Line's new E-Flexer in China
The keel is laid for Stena Line's new E-Flexer in China The keel is laid for Stena Line's new E-Flexer in China

ONE of two new E-Flexer ferries earmarked for Stena Line's Belfast to Liverpool route has celebrated its keel-laying at the Weihai shipyard in China, marking an important milestone in the ship's construction.

The new vessels are expected to have capacity for 1,000 passengers, 120 cars and 3,100 freight lane metres and are to begin operating from early 2020.

With significantly lower Co2 emissions per freight unit against comparable RoPax tonnage the ferries will be among the most energy efficient in the world.

Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish sea offering a total of 232 sailing options a week between Ireland and Britain. Routes include Belfast to Cairnryan, Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard.

The new E-Flexers will be the biggest ships ever to operate on the Belfast to Liverpool service.

Stena Line’s trade director Paul Grant said: “Everyone on the route is looking forward to welcoming the new generation of ferries to Belfast.

"We're delighted two of the new fleet of E-Flexer ships will be entering service on our expanding Belfast-Liverpool route. It’s a real vote of confidence in the future development of our operations in the region.”

He added: “The two new ships will be the biggest ships ever to operate on the Belfast-Liverpool service and will increase capacity for freight and travel customers as well as raising the services standards.

"Our onboard cabin concept will be enhanced to offer comfortable and relaxing day and overnight crossing options. The ships will be ‘drive-through’ making the loading and disembarkation processes faster and smoother for vehicles.”