Ferry is the first of two newbuilds that will sail between Northern Ireland and the UK from 2020
By
Rebecca Gibson |
China’s AVIC Shipyard has laid the keel for the first of the two new Stena Line E-Flexer ro-pax ferries that will sail between Belfast, Northern Ireland and Liverpool, UK from 2020.
The keel-laying ceremony marks an important production milestone for the 1,000-passenger vessel, which will also be able to carry 120 cars and freight. The ferry will be one of the most energy-efficient in the world with significantly lower carbon dioxide emissions per freight unit against comparable ro-pax tonnage.
“We are delighted that two of the new fleet of E-Flexer ships will be entering service on our expanding Belfast – Liverpool route,” said Paul Grant, Stena Line’s trade director for Irish Sea North. “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 service 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.”