Stena RoRo completes Stena Scandica stretch conversion
Written by Nick BlenkeyStena RoRo reports that the RoPax vessel Stena Scandica, the former Stena Lagan, is set to enter service at the beginning July after a conversion at the Sedef Shipyard in Tuzla, Turkey, that has increased its cargo capacity by 30%.
In the conversion, which got underway in August 2020, the vessel, originally delivered In 2005 by Italy’s Cantiere Navale Visentini, was split in half. A new 36 meter long mid-section was then inserted that gives the ship a new total length of 222 meters and a capacity of 2,875 cargo meters.
At the same time, the number of cabins has been increased by 80 to a total of 202. The ship’s interior has been modernized and expanded with new shops, as well as passenger lounges and a new sundeck aft. The passenger capacity is now 970 passengers.
“Extending a vessel is a cost-effective way of increasing cargo capacity, while gaining room for more passengers,” says Per Westling, managing director for Stena RoRo AB. “The new interior design and application of modern technology entail an upgraded passenger concept, with more efficient operation and reduced emissions per cargo unit.”
The conversion also includes a new bow section enabling drive-through loading and unloading simultaneously on two levels. This, together with internal ramps in both directions, means more efficient loading and unloading resulting in shorter turnaround times in port.
Other modifications include additional bow thruster capacity, as well as installation of hybrid emissions scrubbers and a new ballast water purification system to reduce the ship’s environmental impact.
Sister ship Stena Baltica (formerly the Stena Mersey) is undergoing the same extensive conversion and will be ready in the autumn.
The two ships were built in 2005 and previously sailed on Stena Line’s route between Belfast and Birkenhead. They will now become part of Stena Line’s expansion on the Baltic Sea.
Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson said the delivery of Stena Scandica is an important step in the companys expansion in the Baltic Sea.
“Taking delivery of the large, modern and efficient vessel Stena Scandica is a major milestone for Stena Line and enables us to continue to grow together with our customers in the Baltic Sea. During the year we will increase capacity with 30% on the Nynäshamn-Ventspils route, and 40% on the Liepaja-Travemünde route.”
The conversion included:
- 36-meter extension (total new length, 222 meters)
- 30 percent increased cargo capacity (total 2,875 lane meters)
- 80 new cabins for a total of 202
- Increased passenger car capacity with 100 cars
- New bow section with bow doors and ramp
- Straight drive-through configuration on two levels
- New internal ramps
- Exhaust gas cleaning with hybrid emission scrubbers
- Flap rudders for better maneuverability
- Three bow thrusters (compared to the previous two)
- New purification system for ballast water
- Modernized passenger areas
- New shops
- New lounges with reclining chairs etc
- New aft sundeck