Stena’s latest superferry goes top by 6cm

By Graeme Ewens

Stena Line’s latest addition to its fleet of superferries was named Stena Britannica in a ceremony at Harwich last month performed by Mrs Susan Hammond, wife of Philip Hammond, the UK Secretary of State for Transport.

The 64,039gt vessel is claimed to be the world’s largest ro-pax, along with sister ship Stena Hollandica, introduced earlier in the year. The two ships, representing a combined investment of over £375m, have been introduced on to the Harwich-Hook of Holland service just three years after their predecessors were extended and refitted.

The new ships have approximately 35% more capacity in terms of carrying cars, lane metres, accommodation and cabins. The figure neatly matches the company’s announcement that business grew by a similar amount in the past year.

Built at Nordic Yards, Wismar in Germany, the ships are 240m LOA, with a 32m beam and a draft of 6.4m. Britannica is in fact 6cm longer than its sister ship. They are each powered by four main engines producing a total output of 33,600kW (46,000hp) with a service speed of 22 knots. Two 3000kW bow thrusters move the ship out from its berth.

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