The Stena-Baltica: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On February 17, 2020, at 3:15 PM, the ferry 'Stena Mersey' encountered engine issues while navigating west of the Isle of Man, specifically at coordinates 54° 08' 43.8" N, 004° 57' 39.0" W. The vessel experienced restricted power due to an unidentified fault in its starboard engine. Fortunately, the crew promptly addressed the mechanical problem, allowing the ferry to resume its journey. The 'Stena Mersey' successfully completed its route from Belfast to Birkenhead, arriving at 8:30 PM the same day.

In a strategic move to enhance its fleet, Stena Line has officially confirmed plans to extend the STENA MERSEY by 36 meters. This significant modification will transform the 2005-built Visentini Class vessel, enabling it to match the capacities of the E-Flexer Class ferries currently under construction at the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in China. The lengthening project aims to improve the operational capabilities of the STENA MERSEY, ensuring it meets growing demand and stays competitive in the maritime industry.

On July 29, 2019, the ferry 'Stena Mersey' encountered a technical issue that led to its withdrawal from service. The vessel was taken into the Gladstone Dock in Liverpool for necessary repairs, which commenced on July 30 at 7 p.m. As a consequence, the Belfast/Birkenhead route experienced major disruptions, particularly affecting the early morning and afternoon services. Both the 3:30 a.m. departure from Birkenhead and the 3:30 p.m. service from Belfast were cancelled for the entire week. In the interim, to accommodate unaccompanied traffic, the 'Stena Forecaster' stepped in, operating two crossings daily. Passengers traveling with vehicles were advised to consider alternative routes via Belfast/Cairnryan or Dublin/Holyhead services. After several weeks of work, repairs were completed on August 11, and the 'Stena Mersey' resumed its journey from the port, arriving in Belfast on August 12 at 7:50 a.m., before continuing its operations to Birkenhead.