Working Conditions Aboard the Stena-Foreteller

In a significant achievement for the maritime industry, CMI Weihai has successfully completed the first of two critical conversion projects commissioned by Stena RoRo. This project aims to enhance the capacity of the 'Stena Foreteller' and integrate modern shore power systems, marking a pivotal advancement in sustainable shipping practices. The vessel departed from the Weihai New Shipbuilding facilities on June 5, 2025, after an impressive two-month turnaround. The conversion entailed the addition of a fourth roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) cargo deck, increasing the lane meter capacity from 3,000 lm to 4,000 lm—an impressive boost of 30%. Furthermore, a cold ironing system has been installed, facilitating the use of shore power when docked, which significantly reduces emissions. Upgrades to the vessel's bow thrusters have also been executed to enhance their performance. Following the successful upgrade of the 'Stena Foreteller', the sister vessel 'Stena Forerunner' (IMO: 9227259) is scheduled for similar enhancements, with plans for it to set sail to China shortly after thereturn of the 'Stena Foreteller' to Europe in mid-July. Both vessels were constructed by Dalian Shipyard as part of the '4-Runner' series of six advanced ro-ro cargo ships commissioned for the charter markets in China and Italy between 1998 and 2003. Presently, both ferries are under bareboat charter to the Stena Group's ferry subsidiary, Stena Line. In addition to these upgrades, Stena RoRo is planning further modernization projects that involve converting two of its large ro-pax ferries, the 'Stena Superfast VII' (IMO: 9198941) and 'Stena Superfast VIII' (IMO: 9198953), from conventional fuel to a dual-fuel methanol specification. This endeavor is being developed in collaboration with the renowned engine designer Wärtsilä and Lloyd’s Register. Notably, the Stena Group has been at the forefront of methanol fuel conversions, having previously completed the part-EU funded retrofitting of the ropax 'Stena Germanica' (IMO: 9145176) in Poland back in 2015. For further details, you can view the complete report with visuals here: https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1153902/Chinese-shipyard-completes-first-Stena-ro-ro-jumboisation-project

In the early hours of April 10, 2019, the Italian ro-ro ferry ML Freyja (IMO: 9799977) encountered a mishap while departing from the port of Cuxhaven. The vessel collided with the moored Stena Foreteller, resulting in damage to a number of fender plates. Compounding the incident, the bridge dock subsequently struck the gantry crane at the Cuxport-Terminal. Following thorough surveys and investigations to assess the situation, the ML Freyja was cleared for departure. It set out from Cuxhaven at 6:30 a.m. on April 11, with its course set for Paldiski, scheduled to arrive by April 14. Meanwhile, the Stena Foreteller had already resumed its journey, leaving port at 3:30 a.m. with its destination being Immingham, expected to arrive by 8 p.m. the same day.

Stena RoRo has announced the sale of two of its Swedish-flagged ro-ro ships, the STENA FORETELLER and STENA FORECASTER, to undisclosed buyers. These vessels belong to the Stena 4-Runner Mk II Class and their sale marks another significant move for the company in the maritime industry.