What Crew Members Say About Stena-Vision

On May 26, 2025, the 'Mega Serena' made a splash in Toulon, France, celebrating its maiden voyage in vibrant new colors. The ferry, which recently completed a significant refit in Genoa, Italy, set sail for Toulon after departing from the shipyard on May 25. Previously operating on the now-defunct Rosslare to Cherbourg route, the vessel has been re-registered under the Italian flag and received a complete makeover to align with its new owner’s specifications. Upon its arrival from Genoa, the Mega Serena docked at the historic quay of the former shipyards in La Seyne-sur-Mer. The ship is scheduled to commence its commercial operations with its inaugural crossing from Toulon to Bastia on the evening of May 28. Looking ahead, it will operate along various routes to Corsica in the 2026 season, connecting several French and Italian ports. For those interested in visuals, detailed reports featuring photos and videos of the ferry's grand debut can be found at the following links: [Actu.fr](https://actu.fr/provence-alpes-cote-d-azur/toulon_83137/toulon-le-mega-serena-nouveau-geant-jaune-de-corsica-ferries-fait-sa-premiere-entree-dans-la-rade_64318972.html) and [Nice Matin](https://www.nicematin.com/societe/transports/sa-premiere-traversee-vers-bastia-est-prevue-ce-jeudi-soir-le-mega-serena-nouveau-navire-de-corsica-ferries-debarque-dans-la-rade-de-toulon-10682306).

As of December 16, 2025, the ferry 'Mega Serena', previously known as the 'Stena Germanica', is receiving extensive refurbishment at the San Giorgio Del Porto shipyard in dry dock no. 4 in Genoa. Set to enter service with Corsica Sardinia Ferries in spring 2026, this vessel is poised to enhance maritime travel between Italy and Corsica. Currently, the old exterior paint is being stripped away, making way for a vibrant yellow coat that will adorn the largest ferry in the company's fleet, which will consist of a total of 11 ferries. With impressive capacity metrics—able to accommodate 2,000 passengers and over 600 vehicles, including cars and trucks—the 'Mega Serena' becomes a crucial addition to ferry operations between Italy and Corsica. This nearly 40-year-old ferry is expected to introduce cutting-edge technology to the fleet, emphasizing enhanced safety and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the ship will feature shore power capabilities, marking a step forward in eco-friendly maritime transport. Originally, the Stena Line operated this ferry on the Kiel–Gothenburg route from its launch in 1987 until 2010, when it was reassigned to the Karlskrona–Gdynia route and renamed 'Stena Vision'. After a series of transitions, including service from 2023 to 2025 between Ireland and France, the vessel faced challenges in being deployed for a new role with African Morocco Link (AML) due to port specifications at Tanger Med. Consequently, in November, Stena Line opted to sell the ferry to Corsica Sardinia Ferries. For full details and updates, visit: https://www.kn-online.de/lokales/kiel/stena-line-faehre-startet-nach-40-jahren-neues-leben-mittelmeer-QH543SI6N5BIRNPBB2NQZ72QRE.html

In a strategic move to bolster their fleet, Corsica Ferries has officially purchased the ro-pax vessel known as 'Stena Vision'. This acquisition marks the end of an era for the vessel, which recently operated on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route. The 'Stena Vision' will now be rebranded as 'Mega Serena' and takes the place of 'Mega Express Five', which was sold to Dubai's Tarco Marine. Tarco Marine has a history of acquiring vessels from Corsica Ferries, having previously purchased 'Corsica Marina Seconda' and 'Corsica Victoria'. The transfer of the 'Mega Express Five', which has been servicing routes between southern France, Corsica, and Golfo Aranci in Sardinia, aligns with Corsica Ferries’ ongoing efforts to modernize and optimize its fleet. The decision to close the Rosslare-Cherbourg route this past September left questions about the future of 'Stena Vision'. Now, with its integration into the Corsica Ferries lineup as 'Mega Serena', the vessel is set to play a key role in enhancing travel options for passengers in the upcoming summer season of 2024.

In a strategic move to enhance its operations, Corsica Ferries has finalized the acquisition of the ro-pax vessel 'Stena Vision' from Tarco Marine, a Dubai-based shipping company. This transition marks a significant change for the ferry operator, which previously sold its vessel 'Mega Express Five' to the same firm. The 'Stena Vision,' known for its recent service on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route, is set to be rebranded as 'Mega Serena.' This addition will effectively replace the 'Mega Express Five' on routes linking southern France with the picturesque islands of Corsica and Golfo Aranci in Sardinia. Notably, in past transactions, Tarco Marine has also acquired vessels such as 'Corsica Marina Seconda' and 'Corsica Victoria,' underscoring its continued investment in maritime assets.

The 'Stena Vision' ferry, which recently concluded its service on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route, made its way to the bustling port of Tanger Med in North Africa on October 6. Following its arrival, the vessel embarked on a journey across the Strait of Gibraltar to Algeciras for essential berthing trials. On October 7, 'Stena Vision' successfully docked at the Gibdock shipyard in Gibraltar. Stena Line had discontinued the cruise ferry after its last sailing on September 30, effectively ending the only maritime link between the Republic of Ireland and mainland Europe. After its departure, the cruise ferry initially anchored near the Wexford ferryport. In response to this change, Brittany Ferries ramped up its capacity and became the sole operator on the route from October 1, while 'Stena Vision' set off on a considerable voyage through the Bay of Biscay and along the Iberian Peninsula's coastline, including the states of Portugal.

On June 25, 2025, the ferry 'Stena Vision', which operates on the Rosslare-Cherbourg route, experienced significant delays as it navigated with one engine out of service. The vessel, which is recognized for its efficiency, fell behind schedule by approximately six hours. In light of the technical difficulties, the planned return journey from Cherbourg on the same evening has been canceled. Additionally, passengers should note that the ferry sailing from Rosslare on June 26 will also not take place. Travelers are advised to check for updates and alternative arrangements.

In the early hours of March 5, 2022, a distress signal was received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC) in Gdynia at 4:20 a.m., indicating a "Man Overboard" incident on the ferry 'Stena Vision'. The vessel was navigating approximately 8 nautical miles north of Rozewie while heading towards Gdynia when a male passenger, dressed in a gray jacket, fell into the sea. Responding rapidly, the ferry crew deployed a lifebuoy fitted with a light to aid the identified victim while initiating a coordinated search and rescue operation. This operation included the participation of the SAR vessel 'Bryza' dispatched from Władysławowo, a Navy helicopter, two rescue boats from the ferry, as well as a German Navy ship and a nearby merchant vessel. Despite challenging conditions with sea states of 2-3, an air temperature of 2 degrees Celsius, and water temperature dropping to 3 degrees Celsius, the extensive search was ultimately suspended at 2 p.m. without locating the missing individual.

On August 9, 2021, an alarming incident unfolded aboard the 'Stena Vision' while it was sailing from Karlskrona to Gdynia. A passenger on the vessel made a disturbing claim, asserting that explosives had been placed on board the ferry. This serious threat prompted immediate action from the ship's crew. As 'Stena Vision' approached its scheduled arrival in Gdynia, the crew successfully subdued the individual, who was subsequently arrested upon docking. Following the incident, a thorough investigation was conducted by local police authorities. By 1 p.m., the investigation aboard the 'Stena Vision' concluded, allowing the ferry to resume its journey back to Karlskrona shortly thereafter.