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There is a remarkable state of flux within the major ferry fleets, maybe a function of a shaky international economy and big new hulls ordered before the recession now arriving and having to earn their keep.

Whatever the reason state of the art 25,900gt Stena vessels “Stena Trader” and the “Stena Traveller”, a joint Russian/Norwegian delivery from ’06/’07, are leaving the Killingholme-Hook route to go on long term charter to Canadian operators Marine Atlantic for service between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland displacing outdated ships and being a significant improvement for customers on that route, North Sydney to Port aux Basques. The move is for 5 years with the option to renew for another 5 years or to buy. In a novel variation, the opposite of ‘jumboisation’, besides the addition of new passenger accommodation the vessels will be shortened to adapt them for the tight ports they will serve. The deal seems to suit both parties well. Stena has previously sold or chartered ten vessels to Marine Atlantic.

There are new-builds coming from Korea which should replace the pair in the Humber next year and meantime Stena Transfer 15,225,’78 and Stena Partner 8,596,’78 are expected to stand-in prior to their being disposed of.

More on this and other news in Sea Breezes Magazine - August 2010 Issue
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