Stena Estrid spent three days undergoing tests to confirm that her systems are fully operational and meet necessary operational requirements. Engineers of Stena Estrid tested engine performance, fuel consumption, navigation and radio equipment, emergency systems, speed, engine, thrusters, and safety. The new vessel performed excellently across a wide range of stringent test criteria.

Stena Estrid is one of three new ferries expected to start operating on Stena Line's Irish sea routes from Dublin to Holyhead and Belfast to Liverpool in the next two years.

The 215-metre-long vessel will be larger than standard ro-pax ferries and will have capacity for 1,000 passengers and crew, 120 cars and 3,100 lane metres for freight.

Chief Commercial Officer, Irish Sea and North Sea at Stena Line, Paul Grant commented that  “Today the first of our five next generation ferries achieved a very important milestone. Sea trials are a critical phase in a new ship’s development, as our first opportunity to take a new vessel out to sea, put her through her paces and test that she is up to the high standards required by Stena Line.” 

“We systematically go through all aspects of the new ship and I am pleased to say that Stena Estrid has successfully completed every trial. We now look forward to the full handover of the vessel by the shipyard and to starting her journey to the Irish Sea,” he added.

Maritime Business World