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  • Shirley Oguz

    PR & Communications Manager Irish Sea


    020 7599 4818
    http://www.stenaline.com

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    The launch of our new freight service between Dublin and Birkenhead secures an important trade route on the UK/Ireland corridor and further strengthens our position on the Irish Sea.
    Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line
    "We would like to thank the Welsh and UK Governments for granting us freeport status.  We are thrilled by this decision, which is testament to the strength and transformative potential of our bid. This is a significant achievement for the region, and it is an excellent opportunity to drive forward sustainable economic growth, green energy, jobs, and skills. We are delighted for the people of Anglesey and North Wales, and excited about the positive commercial prospects that can be turned into a reality. “Work now begins to ensure that we are capitalising on the unique tax and customs arrangements gained through freeport status, to transform Anglesey into a centre for global trading excellence. To realise its potential as a world-leading economic powerhouse by facilitating trade across Wales, the rest of the UK, and internationally – bolstered by the easing of trade between the island of Ireland and the rest of the EU, via a revitalised GB land-bridge. “Today presents an enormous economic opportunity and we look forward to working with the Welsh and UK Governments to ensure the project delivers for local businesses and communities across North Wales.”
    Ian Hampton, Executive Director at Stena Line
    “Over the last decade, Stena Line has invested heavily in its Irish Sea routes with a combination of new tonnage and a range of port facility upgrades. I’m pleased to announce that we have now managed to secure an upgraded vessel from within our fleet, which is fully equipped for the purpose of operating full-time on our popular Fishguard-Rosslare service. 
    Paul Grant, Trade Director (Irish Sea)
    “Stena Line is determined to see a transformation in investment and economic activity for the Anglesey community. We have been part of this community for over 27 years and want to see this bid succeed. We know it can bring in transformational investment, drive innovation and create high-skilled, high-wage, high-value jobs. It can cement the region as a hub of global trading excellence. “The freeport has many different elements. As well as manufacturing hub it can become a world leader in blue innovation, help the realise the successful vision of the Energy Island Programme and we want to see the establishment of World Customs Academy on the Ynys Môn.”
    Ian Hampton, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director at Stena Line
    “The freeport has many different elements. As well as manufacturing hub it can become a world leader in blue innovation, help the realise the successful vision of the Energy Island Programme and we want to see the establishment of World Customs Academy on the Ynys Môn.”
    Cllr. Carwyn Jones, Deputy Leader of the Council said:
    “Anglesey presents a number of unique characteristics which continue to appeal to our long-term business interests; its well-established trade infrastructure alongside a renowned position as a sustainable energy hub are characteristics which make it extremely attractive. Our interest in deploying our Rolls-Royce SMR technology at the Wylfa Newydd nuclear site has been well publicised, and we’re keen that the UK government continues to create conditions which would attract our innovative and deployable solution to North Wales at pace. While Anglesey at present remains attractive to long-term investment, the addition of the proposed freeport could enhance its offer to our business.”
    Alastair Evans, Corporate Affairs Director at Rolls-Royce
    “Our annual dry-docking programme is key to keeping our vessels ship-shape and continue looking so good. It also allows us to be flexible in responding to our customers’ demand, so we’ve taken the opportunity to extend our onboard Duty Free offer, to provide for more products and more bargains for our customers. We are also pleased to offer our first ever dog-friendly cabins. We listened to our many customers who have requested this option and they can now have up to 3 dogs with them in each of our 15 dog-friendly cabins. We looking to forward to welcoming all our customers, including out four-legged friends back on newly refurbished vessels on the North Sea.”
    Erik Thulin, Trade Director for the North Sea
    “Like most travel businesses we have experienced a very difficult time over the last 18 months, but now as our passengers start to return in large numbers, we are delighted to be in a position to offer them the added benefit of duty-free shopping on our ships for the first time in over 20 years.  Our expanded onboard shops now offer a great range of items from spirits to jewellery, fragrances to electrics, some at over 50% cheaper than high street prices.”
    Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Irish Sea Trade Director commented:
    It is are very exciting time for R&F as we take this next step in our expansion towards becoming a  pan-European travel retailer. Now that full international travel is resuming between Britain and Ireland we expect Duty Free to become hugely popular, with users of both Holyhead and Fishguard ports. We are confident that we can offer the best prices on the market due to our purchase volumes and we look forward to welcoming travelers with great deals and fantastic offers.
    Jari Virtanen, Managing Director of R&F Travel Retail.
    This extra ship will be capable of operating to Liverpool and Heysham thus ensuring that we can better match demand and the needs of customers.
    Paul Grant, Stena Line Trade Director
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    Stena Line’s Stena Futura recognised with prestigious Shippax Award

    Stena Line’s hybrid freight vessel, Stena Futura, has been recognised with a prestigious industry accolade at the 2026 Shippax Awards.Awarded by leading maritime publication, Shippax, Stena Futura has been recognised as a breakthrough in next generation Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) vessel design, underlining Stena Line’s continued leadership in sustainability and operational innovation across the Irish Sea. In announcing the award, Shippax said: “Stena Futura represents the latest and most forward-thinking design standards for a RoRo vessel. Equipped with a multi-hybrid solution, the

    Stena Line Invests £14 Million in Irish Sea Fleet

    Significant upgrades set to elevate the passenger experience across seven routesStena Line has announced a substantial investment of approximately £14 million in the ongoing refit and upgrades of its Irish Sea fleet. The investment underscores the company’s commitment to delivering best-in-class service, safety, efficiency and comfort for its customers across the Irish Sea. Stena Line’s Irish Sea fleet comprises of 11 vessels operating on popular crossings from Belfast to Cairnryan, Birkenhead (Liverpool) and Heysham; Dublin to Birkenhead and Holyhead; as well as Rosslare to Fishguard.

    Swedish and Irish Business Leaders focus on Strengthening Resilience across Ireland

    Stena Line brought together key Swedish and Irish stakeholders, government departments and industry leaders in Dublin for a high‑level roundtable highlighting the need to strengthen resilience across transport, energy, digital and physical infrastructure.The ‘Enhancing Resilience through Innovation, Technology and Collaboration’ roundtable was co-hosted by the Swedish Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Ms Lina van der Weyden, the Swedish Trade and Invest Commissioner to Ireland, Gustaf Bergström, at Business Sweden and facilitated by Liam Lacey, Director of the Irish Maritime Development Office.

    Stena Connecta arrives in Belfast Harbour

    Stena Line invests over £100m in expanding Belfast-Heysham freight serviceStena Connecta, the latest purpose-built freight vessel commissioned by Stena Line for the Irish Sea has arrived in Belfast Harbour and is due to go into commercial service on the Belfast-Heysham route on 23rd January 2026. The ship joins its sister vessel Stena Futura which went into service on the Belfast-Heysham service in October 2025 and together they offer an additional 40% freight capacity on the increasing popular trade route between Northern Ireland and Britain. Stena Connecta, like Stena Futura, is a ‘

    Stena Line posts record freight volumes on Belfast routes

    2025 was another record year for Stena Line freight volumes on its three Belfast services with growth of 1.0% increasing volumes to almost 600,000 freight units shipped from Belfast to Cairnryan, Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Heysham.The record freight volumes were set in the year Stena Line marked 30 years of operations from Belfast Harbour following its move from Larne in 1995. Demand for freight services to and from Belfast has been increasing steadily in recent years with the Belfast-Liverpool (Birkenhead) route in particular growing in popularity as evidenced by a record freight units

    Dan Sten Olsson awarded Honorary Doctorate by Queen’s University Belfast

    Stena Line owner recognised with Doctor of Science in Economics for services to business and commerce  Dan Sten Olsson, Chief Executive of Stena Sphere was awarded an honorary doctorate by Queen’s University Belfast in recognition of his impact across industry and commerce through his global leadership as well as Stena Line’s long-term contribution to Northern Ireland’s economy.The honorary degree was formally conferred during the University’s winter graduation ceremonies on Tuesday 2nd December. Dan Stena Olsson joined Stena Sphere, the family-owned global business in 1972 and under

    Stena Line and Associated British Ports to begin work on new multi-million pound Immingham terminal

    Aerial view of the Port of immingham showing the area for the new terminal (c) David Lee Photography Leading ferry company, Stena Line, and the UK’s largest port operator, Associated British Ports (ABP), are to commence work on a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham. The new terminal represents a joint investment of more than £200 million in the port and a boost to the Humber region of England where the unaccompanied freight market has been steadily growing.Located in Lincolnshire, Immingham is becoming a strategic hub for Stena Line, which currently runs two daily

    Stena Line Celebrates Naming Ceremony of Stena Futura

    Belfast Harbour hosts first ship naming ceremony in two decadesOver 200 guests attended the official naming ceremony of Stena Line’s newest vessel, Stena Futura, at Belfast Harbour.  This state-of-the-art hybrid freight ferry marks a significant milestone in Stena Line’s 30-year partnership with Belfast and its ambitious journey toward sustainable shipping. The 147-metre Stena Futura is the first of two next-generation “NewMax” freight vessels purpose-built for the busy Belfast–Heysham route. Designed with cutting-edge technology, the ship is methanol-ready and equipped with hybrid

    Stena Line named Best Ferry Company…again

    Leading ferry company pics up prestigious NI travel award for 32[nd] time Stena Line has once again sailed off with the title of Best Ferry Company at the 33[rd] Northern Ireland Travel & Tourism Awards held at the Slieve Donard Hotel, NewcastleOver 350 guests and VIPs from across many sectors attended the annual travel industry ‘Oscars’, hosted by local comedian Shane Todd, and once again Stena Line was named Best Ferry Company. It’s the 32[nd] time Stena Line has picked up the prestigious award and for Orla Noonan, Stena Line’s Travel Commercial Manager (Irish Sea), every win is

    Stena Line strengthens resilience across the Irish Sea

    Stena Line has entered into a temporary agreement to share freight and passenger space on the Irish Sea. A strategic collaboration with Irish Ferries will enable essential dry-docking of vessels, whilst ensuring service continuity, quality and reliability.This temporary agreement will take effect from 20 November until 04 December 2025. During this time Stena Line will operate the service from Dublin to Holyhead with capacity allocated for Irish Ferries customers. Simultaneously Irish Ferries will offer spaces on the Rosslare – Pembroke route for Stena Line passengers and freight customers.

    Swedish Businesses Come Together to Shine a Spotlight on Transport and Sustainability

    Swedish ferry company Stena Line is celebrating a major milestone with 30 years of service in Dublin. As part of the celebrations Stena Line, in partnership with Business Sweden and the Swedish Embassy in Dublin brought together Swedish business leaders, Irish Government officials as well as trade and investment promotion organisations for a high-level business roundtable.The event was co-hosted at the Swedish Embassy by the Swedish Ambassador to Ireland, H.E. Ms Lina van der Weyden, and the Swedish Trade and Invest Commissioner to Ireland, Gustaf Bergström, at Business Sweden and

    Stena Line welcomes Stena Futura onto Belfast-Heysham route

    Stena Line has welcomed the first of its new hybrid freight ferries to Belfast Harbour.   The multimillion-pound purpose-built Stena Futura will go into service on the freight-only Belfast to Heysham route on 22 September.The 147-metre Stena Futura will operate 12 sailings per week providing much needed additional freight capacity on the popular route which connects local hauliers directly into the key North of England road freight network. Once operational, Stena Futura and sister ship Stena Connecta, currently under construction and due to enter service also on the Belfast-Heysham

    Stena Line welcomes Sarah West as new UK & Ireland Ports Managing Director

    Stena Line has announced a strategic restructuring of its Ports Leadership Team with the creation of a new Managing Director (MD) role for UK and Ireland Ports. The newly appointed MD, Sarah West, will join Stena Line in January 2026, bringing extensive experience and leadership to the role.This change reflects Stena Line’s commitment to strengthening its port operations as the company continues to invest significantly in its infrastructure across the UK and Ireland. Carl-Johan Hellner, Chief Operating Officer Ports & Terminals at Stena Line, welcomed the appointment: “We’re delighted

    Stena Line Reveals New Swedish Signing for Belfast Giants

    As title sponsor, Stena Line are delighted to have revealed the latest signing, Marcus Eriksson to the Belfast Giants for 2025/26.From Norrköping, Eriksson has spent more than two decades representing teams across Sweden, including IK Vita Hästen, IF Troja-Ljungby, IK Guts, Södertälje SK, and Skellefteå AIK, recording more than 700 combined appearances. Known for his vision, composure, and consistency, Eriksson has recorded hundreds of career points, establishing himself as an ever-present offensive playmaker. Eriksson has spent the majority of his career representing HC Vita Hästen,

    Stena Line announces plans to withdraw its Rosslare-Cherbourg service

    Following a strategic route review, Stena Line has announced that from 30 September 2025, the ferry operator intends to withdraw its existing three-day Rosslare - Cherbourg service. The last sailing will depart Cherbourg on 29 September, arriving in Rosslare on 30 September.These plans have been developed after an extensive review with the intention of strengthening the company’s investment in the Irish Sea, whilst delivering the most efficient use of the company’s resources. Johan Edelman, Trade Director said, “Our priority is, as always, the care of our people and customers. We’ve

    Stena Line responds to Terminal 3 reopening update at Holyhead Port

    Stena Line is disappointed by the announcement today (25 June) that the reopening of Terminal 3 (T3) at Holyhead Port will be delayed for two weeks.Whilst Stena Line has operated a full sailing schedule since the reopening of Terminal 5 in January of this year, timetable adjustments have been necessary as T3 remained closed for essential repairs.  Johan Edelman, Stena Line Trade Director (Irish Sea South) said: “Whilst we are disappointed that we cannot return to our normal sailing schedule, we recognise and appreciate the scale and complexity of the specialist work that has been

    Stena Line invests £17 million in Birkenhead Port Development

    Swedish ferry company, Stena Line is investing £17 million into developments at the 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead to futureproof the operations by increasing freight parking capacity and improving traffic flow. The 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead has become a key hub for Stena Line. In February 2024, Stena Line launched a new Liverpool – Dublin freight only service, which has resulted in a significant increase in freight traffic through the terminal.An additional 200 freight parking spaces are already complete and have boosted capacity for unaccompanied freight in the port by almost 30%

    Stena Line set to return to normal timetable as Holyhead Port repairs near completion

    Stena Line has welcomed a statement from Holyhead Port today (8 May) that following the completion of necessary repairs, Terminal 3 (T3) at Holyhead Port is on schedule to be brought back into operation on 1[st] July.Whilst Stena Line has operated a full sailing schedule since the reopening of Terminal 5 in January of this year, timetable adjustments were necessary whilst T3 remained closed for necessary repairs.  Stena Line anticipates a full return to its normal sailing timetable when T3 reopens on 1[st] July. Johan Edelman, Stena Line Trade Director (Irish Sea South) said: “We are

    Stena Line’s second new ship Stena Connecta launches

    Stena Line has reached a further milestone in its NewMax fleet investment programme with a ceremony to mark Stena Connecta launching into the water at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, Weihai, China.Stena Connecta is one of two new ships due to serve the Belfast – Heysham route, a key trade corridor across the Irish Sea. Now that Stena Connecta has entered the water, the shipyard will continue with the installation of the interior. Sister ship, Stena Futura is currently being fitted out and is due to enter service late August 2025.  Stena Connecta will follow in early 2026. Once

    Stena Line ferry services resume from Holyhead

    Stena Line’s ferry services on the Holyhead - Dublin route resumed this morning (16[th] Jan) following the closure of the ferry berths at Holyhead Port in early December.From today, Stena Line will operate its normal sailing schedule of four sailings from Holyhead to Dublin with the revised timetable of 04:00hrs, 10:00hrs, 16:00hrs and 22.15hrs. [04:30hrs, 10:15hrs, 16:30hrs and 22:30hrs from Dublin] Johan Edelman, Stena Line Trade Director (Irish Sea South) said: “The last few weeks have been an extremely challenging time for our customers and staff.  The extended closure of the ferry

    Stena Line responds to extended Holyhead Port ferry berth closure

    It has been announced that Holyhead Port will not be reopening for ferry services until at least 15 January 2025.Stena Line has been working hard to provide alternative travel arrangements for customers during the busy festive period. Customers are currently being contacted and affected passengers are advised to amend their booking online free of charge or through the Contact Centre on 0344 770 7070 (UK)/ + 353 1 907 5555 (ROI). Stena Line is offering sailings for passengers and freight from Dublin to ports in Birkenhead and Fishguard. In addition, a new freight route from Dublin to

    Stena Line seeks to secure alternative Irish Sea crossings as Holyhead Port remains closed

    Stena Line is continuing to work at pace to try and secure alternative Irish Sea ferry crossings as the closure of Holyhead Port enters a second week. Freight and passenger traffic on the busy Dublin-Holyhead route has been severely impacted following the closure of Holyhead Port on 7[th] December. Stena Line has cancelled all sailings on the Dublin – Holyhead route until Friday 20[th] December.Stena Line can now confirm that it has chartered the Ben My Chree vessel to operate on a new Dublin – Heysham freight route which is due to begin at 01:00 on Tuesday morning. This temporary service

    Stena Line sailing information during closure of Holyhead Port

    Due to the closure of Holyhead Port, Stena Line has cancelled all ferry services between Dublin and Holyhead until Friday 20th December. The company is currently in the process of contacting all affected customers. Travel customers are advised to amend their bookings online free of charge or through its Contact Centre on 0344 770 7070 (UK)/ + 353 1 907 5555 (ROI). To assist in the continuity of trade and passenger flows, Stena Line has added a new route from Dublin to Fishguard for passengers and freight, and additional sailings for the freight only services on Dublin – Birkenhead and

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