Leading ferry company Stena Line has expanded its North Sea freight operations with the arrival in Killingholme of the Stena Trader, the latest addition to the ferry company’s growing fleet.
The Stena Trader, with 3,100 lane metres, will operate one crossing per day on the Killingholme to Hook of Holland freight route, replacing the Stena Seatrader which will now operate on the Holyhead to Dublin route alongside the highly acclaimed Stena Adventurer.
Built in Norway, the Stena Trader is the first of two new ferries to be introduced on the route, the second of which is due to arrive in April next year.
The two Ropax ferries will increase freight capacity on the route and improve Stena Line’s service to freight customers, according to Stena Line Area Director, North Sea, Pim de Lange.
“The new vessels will give the route about 70 per cent more loading capacity on the Killingholme to Hook of Holland route which has enjoyed positive growth since its launch six years ago,” said Pim.
“The freight market between Holland and the UK continues to flourish and the new vessels will enable us to actively improve our service and boost volumes.” The Stena Trader is better adapted to the route’s specific requirements and more suited for freight transport with faster operating speeds allowing time schedules to be adapted to the freight customers’ needs. Increased capacity will also enhance the Hook of Holland’s role as the central hub for sea transports between the continent and the UK. “This is important news for our customers in Ireland, the UK and in continental Europe,” said Frank Nieuwenhuys, Stena Line Freight Commercial Manager, UK and Republic of Ireland.
“This is a strategically important route that has in a very short time proven itself to be of real benefit to the logistics industry. Subject to pick up and delivery point, more and more companies prefer to avoid the congestion of the south east of the UK while enjoying environmental benefits and the advantage of reduced mileage offered through North Sea ports. “With 16 crossings per day on the North Sea, our service frequency for operators using Harwich or Killingholme means optimal routing choice for both eastbound and westbound movements.
“The transfer of the Stena Seatrader to the Holyhead to Dublin route will also boost that route’s capacity by more than 30 per cent so it’s good news all round,” he added.
Stena Line Freight offers customers a choice of more than 50 sailings across eight routes on the North and Irish Sea. These include Killingholme to Hoek van Holland, Harwich to Hoek van Holland, Harwich to Rotterdam, Holyhead to Dublin, Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire, Fishguard to Rosslare, Stranraer to Belfast and Fleetwood to Larne.
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