Stena Nordica helps operator to cater for the increase in freight and passenger traffic
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Stena Line added a fourth ro-pax ferry – Stena Nordica – to the route between Karlskrona, Sweden and Gdynia, Poland at the start of October to enable it to cater for the increase in freight and passenger traffic.
Stena Nordica replaces the cargo vessel that previously operated on the route alongside ro-pax ferries Stena Baltica, Stena Spirit and Stena Vision. This allows Stena Line to offer four daily departures from each port, which totals a record 46 per week.
“We have had strong growth in recent years, and we are still experiencing a strong demand for increased capacity from both freight customers and passengers,” said Marek Kiersnowski, trade director for Stena Line’s Sweden-Poland route. “Our routes between Sweden and Poland are strategically important for Stena Line and this investment follows our strategy for growth and helps us to maintain our strong market position with Baltic Port in Karlskrona and the terminal in Gdynia as important ports for both freight and passengers.”
Built in 2000, the 450-passenger Stena Nordica has previously provided services on the Sweden-Poland route and has since been modernised internally and externally.
“Stena Nordica sailed on the route from 2004 – 2008 so therefore we know that she works well on this route,” said Kiersnowski. “In addition, the ship is well-liked by our customers. Another great advantage is that she is adapted for loading via two-level ramps, which significantly reduces loading and unloading time.”