STENA Line has confirmed that it will charter roll-on-roll-off vessel Seatruck Panorama to help boost freight capacity on its Belfast routes with Liverpool and Heysham.
A marked drop in freight volumes as a result of the coronavirus outbreak had forced the operator to remove one freight ship from its Belfast hub, which resulted in reduced capacity and frequency.
But over the summer months Stena Line says it has enjoyed an increase in freight demand, and anticipates that extra capacity is required for the traditionally busy autumn period as well as the expected increase in pre-Brexit trade activity.
“Adding a seventh ship to our Belfast operations will help us increase frequency, capacity and give us greater operational flexibility,” Stena's Irish Sea trade director Paul Grant said.
“This extra ship will be capable of operating to Liverpool and Heysham, so ensuring we can better match customer demand.”
He added: “It's been a hugely challenging time for the freight industry, but we are confident having additional capacity available on these important trading routes between England and Northern Ireland will help us provide an enhanced sailing schedule for our customers.”
The freight-only Panorama (5,200 tonnes) starts service on September 2 and will make 10 sailings weekly between Belfast and Liverpool/Heysham, increasing freight capacity on the corridor by 28 per cent and total crossings to 56.
Next January Stena Line will further boost freight capacity when it adds the newly-built Stena Embla to its Belfast-Liverpool service, replacing the smaller Stena Mersey.
Paul Grant adds: “Despite all the challenges we and our customers are facing, Stena Line continues to develop its Belfast business hub with these exciting additions to our fleet.
“We remain committed to support the freight industry to the best of its abilities as it has done throughout the coronavirus pandemic to date, helping to keep vital supply lines open.”
