The Stena-Shipper: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On November 4, 2023, the bodies of two migrant stowaways who plunged into the waters of Livorno harbor from the 'Stena Shipper' were recovered. The duo reportedly jumped overboard after being discovered during a routine inspection on the vessel, which had set sail from Rades, Tunisia. Initially detained by the ship's captain, the migrants managed to escape custody before taking the drastic step of entering the water. Although early reports indicated the recovery of one body shortly after the incident, search efforts confirmed that both individuals had been missing until their bodies were located later. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by migrants seeking safer pathways across the Mediterranean Sea.

On October 30, 2025, a tragic event unfolded in Livorno when two North African men attempted to flee from the ferry 'Stena Shipper'. At approximately 1:30 p.m., one individual was believed to have been caught in the propeller of the Grimaldi ferry 'Eco Napoli' (IMO: 9985540), while the search for his companion continued in the port. The men, thought to be Tunisian nationals, jumped into the turbulent waters in a desperate bid for freedom. The 'Stena Shipper', which had arrived at the port for a routine inspection by the Maritime Border Police (Polmare) at 7 a.m., became the focus of attention when the stowaways were discovered hiding inside a container. Lacking any form of identification, they claimed to be Moroccan, but authorities suspected their true nationality was Tunisian. Standard protocol for stowaways involves detaining them and returning them to their point of origin, leading the captain of the 'Stena Shipper' to temporarily confine the men in a cabin. However, taking advantage of a moment when the crew was distracted, the two men managed to break free and leapt overboard between the Zara crossing and the Bengasi dock. Tragically, one was struck by the propeller of the in-transit 'Eco Napoli'. In the wake of the incident, rescue operations were swiftly initiated, coordinated by the Port Authority, with support from patrol boats, divers, firefighters, and the Guardia di Finanza—all under the supervision of the Prefecture. Complicating these efforts were adverse weather conditions and frigid water temperatures. This led to a halt in naval transit, stranding the 'MSC Agadir' in port and forcing the 'Eco Napoli' to reroute instead of docking. The muddy and debris-filled waters, exacerbated by recent heavy rainfall, further hindered search operations, which were conducted in depths exceeding 15 meters near the breakwater. By afternoon, one body had been recovered, while the other individual remained missing. In response to the incident, both the Maritime Border Police and the Port Authority have launched investigations to clarify the events surrounding the escape and to ensure that all required safety measures for detained individuals were adhered to onboard.

In a strategic move to strengthen its operations, Stena RoRo has acquired the vessel 'Giuseppe Lucchesi' from the Compagnia Italiana di Navigazione (CIN), a subsidiary of the renowned Moby Lines group. Following the acquisition, the vessel will be rebranded as the 'Stena Shipper' and will be registered under the Danish flag. This ship marks the final entry in a distinguished lineup of sister vessels produced at the Odense shipyard, and boasts substantial cargo capacity, enhancing Stena RoRo's logistical capabilities. Additionally, as part of this deal, Stena RoRo will take over an existing contract with Tunisian shipping firm Cotunav, which operates on the Rades-Marseille route. Earlier in December 2024, Stena RoRo welcomed the 12th vessel in its E-Flexer series, the 'Guillaume de Normandie,' from the CMI Jinling shipyard in Weihai, China. This ferry is set to commence operations on the Portsmouth-Caen route by April 2025, further solidifying Stena RoRo's commitment to providing reliable maritime transport solutions.

In a significant maritime transaction, Grimaldi Group of Italy has completed the sale of Sold, alongside five other vessels, for a total of €153 million (approximately $194.1 million). This en bloc deal highlights the ongoing demand for commercial ships in the global shipping industry and emphasizes Grimaldi's strategic expansion.