Stena Embla is the latest RoPax next-generation Stena Line vessel being built at CMI Jingling Weihai Shipyard in China, marking the end of the Swedish ferry company's major recent investment in the Irish Sea.

The global pandemic did not interrupt the construction of the vessel, which is being delivered to the agreed timetable.

In order to ensure that all systems are completely operational and in line with the strict requirements outlined by Stena Line, the sea tests are designed to test the vessel at sea.

Tests include areas such as engine performance and fuel consumption, radio and navigation equipment, emergency systems, speed testing, manoeuvrability testing, engine and thruster testing, and safety testing.

An official handover ceremony at the shipyard is next for Stena Embla before she sets out on the long voyage from China to Belfast. Arriving home around Christmas in time to begin working alongside sister ship Stena Edda, launched in March, on the Belfast to Birkenhead route in early 2021.

The new vessel replaces the Stena Mersey, which for 10 years has been operating successfully on the Belfast to Birkenhead route.

The Mersey will then depart to join the Stena Lagan sister ship in Turkey, where both ships are being expanded, before being re-deployed to the Baltic Sea.

Stena Line also reported during the summer that the construction of two new, larger E-Flexer ferries had started in Weihai, China. Their keels have recently been laid in the same Weihai shipyard and delivery is scheduled to take place in 2022.

Maritime Business World