The vessels were ordered in 2018, and will be delivered in 2022.

The two new vessels scheduled for delivery in 2022 are the last of five E-Flexer series vessels ordered by Stena Line from sister company Stena RoRo, which are being constructed in China at the Jinling Weihai Shipyard CMI.

Earlier this year, the first two of the first three vessels, Stena Estrid and Stena Edda, already entered service at the Irish Sea. The third vessel, Stena Embla, is in the final stages of construction and is expected to enter service on the Belfast-Liverpool route in January 2021 according to plan.

The two larger E-Flexer vessels will be 240 meters long and will have a load size of 3,600 meters in length compared to the first three, 214 meters long and 3,100 meters respectively. In particular, the larger vessels also carry 50 percent more cabins and beds, 30 percent more passenger space and 15 per cent more cargo capacity.

The five new E-Flexer series vessels from Stena Line are planned and constructed in partnership with Stena RoRo's sister company. Each features efficient loading and unloading of the two levels using drive-through lanes.

The five vessels are delivered gas-ready, and they can be converted to methanol or LNG. The two longer ships will be fitted to use shore power to minimize pollution during port calls.

The electricity connection also allows for future conversion to electric hybrid. However, thanks to improved hull construction, propellers, bulbs and rudders, the vessels are up to 30 per cent more energy efficient than current ferries in the fleet.

So far Stena Line has not announced where the E-Flexer model's two latest larger boats, or the Stena Lagan and Stena Mersey extended boats, will serve.

Maritime Business World