The first of two new Stena Line ferries on the route between Ventspils in Latvia and Nynäshamn in Sweden, the Stena Scandica, has completed its maiden voyage. With the ferries, Stena Line seeks to expand its services in the Baltic Sea.
The Stena Scandica arrived in the port of Nynäshamn on Tuesday when it completed its overnight maiden voyage from Ventspils. Stena Scandica is 222 metres long and has a capacity of 200 cabins, 970 passengers and 2875 freight lane metres, plus an extra car deck. The vessel adds seventy per cent more cabins and thirty per cent more freight capacity compared to the existing vessels.
‘We have been carrying passengers and freight in the Baltic Sea region for almost ten years,’ says Johan Edelman, Trade Director Baltic Sea North. ‘During this period, we have experienced a strong yearly growth. Furthermore, we have more than doubled our operations from one vessel and ten departures per week in 2012 up to two vessels and 24 departures per week for passengers and freight in 2021. Our expansion is driven by an increased demand for sea travel and the requirement for additional freight capacity from our customers on the Baltic Sea.’
Hybrid scrubbers
The vessel is fitted with several sustainable features and fuel efficiency improvements, such as hybrid scrubbers, ballast water cleaning systems, twisted leading edge rudder and others to offer a more sustainable transportation across the Baltic Sea. The larger tonnage also means a lower emission per transported unit. The interior includes new cabin categories, a spacious shop, lounge areas and several dining facilities, as well as a sundeck.
Ventspils – Nynäshamn is the shortest route between the Baltics and Scandinavia. When Stena Scandica and Stena Baltica take over the route Ventspils – Nynäshamn, they will replace the Stena Livia and Stena Flavia, which will then be redeployed on the route Liepāja – Travemünde.
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