Former Stena Lagan sails towards the Baltic Sea

Stena Lines ferry STENA SCANDICA (formerly STENA LAGAN etc.) built in 2005 has left Turkey after a lengthy renovation at SEFEF Shipbuilding. The complex project included the installation of a new 36 m long section in the ferry and the replacement of the bow above the waterline. STENA SCANDICA was expected to be back in service earlier this year, but the project has been severely delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new bow of ‘Scandica’ in combination with a network of internal ramps and a reconfiguration of the vehicle decks means that the ferry is passable for the first time. This makes it the first of the Visentini Ro-Pax series to feature two-stage drive-through loading. If necessary, all vehicle deck levels can also be reached via a single-stage connection with a port. The project was supported by the original Visentini-class designer, NAOS Ship and Boat Design.

In addition to the new 36 m long section, the original superstructure has also been expanded to include a few additional accommodations. The ship was extensively renovated according to a design by Figura Arkitekter, supported by Cita Marine. This is the second major Stena Line project that Cita Marine has been involved in – the Turkish company also worked on the interior design (with Figura) and furnishings for STENA EUROPE in 2020.

Thumbnails suggest the ferry is virtually unrecognizable from its Belfast-Liverpool garb inside, with a style seen on the E-Flexer ferries STENA ESTRID, STENA EDDA and STENA EMBLA.

In terms of passenger capacity, the STENA SCANDICA now corresponds to the E-Flexer from Stena Line, although the cargo capacity is 2,875 lm compared to 3,100 on the newer ships. This is a 30% increase over the ship it will replace.

Technical improvements

The largest project of its kind in Turkey to date was overseen by Stena RoRo. However, the changes were not limited to the accommodation and access to the vehicles. With a length of now around 222 meters, it was decided to improve maneuverability. An additional transverse thruster has been added at the bow, increasing the addition to three, and new twisted leading edge rudders with Costa light bulbs attached.

As with the E-Flexer series, the new oars were supplied by the German company Becker Marine. The opportunity was also used to equip STENA SCANDICA with a hybrid exhaust gas scrubber system from Langh Tech and a new solution for ballast water treatment. Stena Line says that these changes in combination make the STENA SCANDICA more efficient and environmentally friendly than it was when STENA LAGAN.

According to Per Westling, managing director of Stena RoRo:

“This expansion of the ship’s capacity, as well as the new and unique efficiency measures that are included in the design, lead to a significant reduction in emissions for each truck, as well as shorter handling times in the port, and enable lower speeds at sea. We are pleased that this complex conversion was possible despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. “

“Lengthening a ship is a cost-effective way of increasing cargo capacity while also gaining space for more passengers.”

“The new interior design and the use of modern technology lead to an improved passenger concept with more efficient operation and reduced emissions per freight unit.”

https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/stena-roro-has-now-taken-delivery-of-the-longened-vessel-stena-scandica-from-the-turkish-shipyard-820906541. html

New route

STENA SCANDICA currently flies the Bahamian flag and has returned to the RINA classification. According to Stena Line, the converted ferry will go into operation on the Nynäshamn (Norvik) – Ventspils route in early July. It will replace either STENA FLAVIA or STENA LIVIA on the route. Instead of STENA GOTHICA and URD, “Flavia†and “Livia†are to be transferred to the Travemünde – Liepãja service.

This will increase freight capacity on the Liepaja route by 40% and reduce travel time from 27 to 20 hours. The as-built sister ship STENA MERSEY (now the new STENA BALTICA) is currently undergoing the same work as the STENA SCANDICA. She is expected to become her sister in the Nynashamn ministry this fall.

Niclas MÃ¥rtensson, CEO of Stena Line, said the delivery of Stena Scandica is an important step in the company’s expansion in the Baltic Sea:

“The takeover of the large, modern and efficient ship Stena Scandica is an important milestone for Stena Line and enables us to continue growing together with our customers in the Baltic Sea. In the course of the year we will increase capacity by 30% on the Nynäshamn-Ventspils route and by 40% on the Liepãja-Travemünde route. “

https://news.cision.com/stena-line/r/stena-line-takes-delivery-of-stena-scandica,c3370195

A detailed article on the reconstruction of STENA SCANDICA will be published on the NI Ferry site in due course.