Staying true to the plan to expand operations in the Baltic Sea, Swedish Stena Line has invested EUR 200 million in the Ventspils-Nynäshamn ferry line. In 2022 the company plans to deploy two brand new ferries on this route, the company reports.
These two new ferries will expand Stena Line fleet with 33% increased passenger capacity, 25% larger freight capacity and 30% higher energy efficiency when compared to its existing vessels.
E-Flexer type ferries will be 240 m long and will have 263 cabins, room for 1 200 passengers and 3 600 liner cargo units, which will help increase freight capacity by 25% and passenger capacity by 33%.
Stena Line reports that these new vessels will provide passengers a completely new voyage experience on the Ventspils-Nynäshamn route, which is the shortest route connecting Baltic States and Scandinavia.
The ferries are undergoing construction at CMI Jinling shipyard in Weihai, China.
The two new ferries have cost Stena Line approximately EUR 200 million.
«We continue growing together with our customers, enhancing our positions and fleet in the Baltic Sea region. There is increased demand for higher capacities in the region, because the range of freight transport clients continues expanding and passengers often decide to travel using ferries during the pandemic. It is considered a safe form of transport. These large, modern and fuel consumption-wise economic ships are the flagships of our fleet’s modernization and sustainable development,» says Stena Line Group CEO Niclas Mårtensson at a presentation of development plans and in celebration of the addition of Stena Scandica ferry to the Stena Line fleet in Ventspils on 25 September.
Stena Line at the top when it comes for sustainable shipping, and the new ships are some of the most energy efficient RoPax ships in the world. Thanks to optimal frame, propeller, lamp and steering structure, E-Flexer ferries are up to 30% more energy efficient than other vessels of this kind. Ferries will be propelled using gas, which will allow for a transition from methanol or liquefied natural gas fuels, the company explains.
Ships will be equipped to ensure that when docked they use coastal power systems to reduce emissions. Electrical connection will help transition towards hybrid batteries in the future.
In the last 12 months Stena Line has expanded its operations in the Baltic Sea, increasing both freight and passenger transports.