Stena Line introducing new vessel on Rosslare-Fishguard

/ 22nd February 2023 /

Swedish ferry company Stena Line is replacing its Stena Europe vessel on the Rosslare-Fishguard route from July 2023.

The Stena Nordica, which has been operating in the Baltic Sea, has provided temporary relief cover on several Irish Sea routes over the last few years.

The company said it will commence a formal consultation with the unions representing the crew of Stena Europe, which has operated on the route since 2002.

The company has committed to offering Stena Europe crew roles on the Stena Nordica “or other Stena Line vessels on the Irish Sea”.

Trade director Paul Grant commented: “We have now managed to secure an upgraded vessel from within our fleet, which is fully equipped for the purpose of operating full-time on our Rosslare- Fishguard service.

“Stena Europe has operated on the route for many years, and we are delighted we have been able to secure the Stena Nordica on a permanent basis.

“Stena Nordica is currently being upgraded with increased passenger capacity and a range of new and improved facilities, which will offer an enhanced customer experience.”

Grant added: “We are mindful that Stena Europe has been operating Rosslare-Fishguard for many years, so we will be doing our level best to ensure as smooth a transition as possible.”

Stena Line owns the port of Fishguard in Wales, where employees are unaffected by the vessel change.

Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, with routes connecting Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard, as well as a freight only route from Belfast to Heysham, a total of up to 238 weekly sailings.

Stena Line also operates a direct service from Rosslare to Cherbourg and will be introducing an upgraded ship, Stena Vision, to this route for summer 2023, with 12 sailings per week.