Marine Atlantic to add new dual-fuel ro-pax ferry to fleet in 2024

Canadian shipping operator Marine Atlantic has signed a five-year charter agreement with Stena RoRo for a new dual-fuel ro-pax ferry, which is expected to enter service on Marine Atlantic’s Port aux Basques and Argentia routes in the 2024-2025 financial year.

Designed to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers and a mixture of commercial and passenger vehicles, the ice-classed ferry will feature lounges, a children’s play area, a kennel for pets and a variety of food and beverage options. It will also have 40 passenger pods and 146 passenger cabins, including some with facilities for pets.

The new ferry will be equipped with dual-fuel technology and batteries to reduce its carbon footprint, as well as a system to reduce underwater noise and thereby protect marine life. In addition, the vessel will have enhanced power and thruster capability to improve manouverability during the docking and undocking process.

“As an essential service and vital part of the national supply chain, this new vessel will play an important role in helping us to continue to meet the needs of our customers,” said Gary O’Brien, chair of the board of directors at Marine Atlantic. “The design of the vessel combines key priorities such as manouverability, safety, accessibility, while minimising environmental impacts, to provide our customers with a modern, efficient and reliable service.”

Marine Atlantic will have the option to purchase the vessel at the end of the contract.

“We are excited to be partnering with Marine Atlantic to provide them with a vessel to meet their diverse needs,” said Per Westling, president of Stena RoRo. “Our team is committed to providing a ship that meets their needs for many years to come.”