By
Elizabeth Robinson |
China’s AVIC Weihai Shipyard has laid the keel for the first of Stena Line’s four new ro-pax ferries, marking the first stage in the construction of the hull and exterior parts of the vessel.
The four 1,000-passenger ferries will be 50% larger than standard ro-pax vessels and will feature 175 cabins. They will also have capacity for 120 cars.
“Our overall target is that these vessels will be the absolute state-of-the-art when it comes to energy efficiency, flexibility and customer service,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line. “In particular, we are placing heavy emphasis on developing a range of exciting new digital features which will provide our customers with unique additional services connected with their journey, as well as developing a new, integrated digital onboard experience.”
The new ro-pax ferries will be deployed on the Irish Sea and are scheduled for delivery in 2019 and 2020.
“We have a positive outlook on the future and foresee continued growth within ferry transportation, so this is an important strategic step in helping us to prepare our business to leverage that anticipated growth,” said Mårtensson.