SOMERSET © Kai Ortel

Stena Line buys the SOMERSET for the Birkenhead – Dublin route

Ro-roWith the 13,017 GT, 1,692 lanem STENA SCOTIA and its sister STENA HIBERNIA moving to the Harwich – Rotterdam (Europoort) RoRo service in January, Stena Line has been evaluating replacement tonnage for the Birkenhead – Dublin route. It is understood that the company has purchased the 2000-built, 21,005 GT SOMERSET from CLdN. The 2,475 lanem vessel is no stranger to Stena Line, having been chartered for the Harwich – Rotterdam (Europoort) service for several years.

The unusual RoRo, one of three Stora box carriers owned by Wagenborg, has a single two-stroke Sulzer 7RTA52U main engine with an output of 10,920 kW. The engine is located in the foreship, with a very long shaftline to the single CP propeller. Even so, the vessel has proven reliable and economical.

Stena Line is likely to operate the route with a single, larger-capacity vessel offering one daily departure from both Birkenhead and Dublin. Stena Line’s Birkenhead terminal, a focal point for its Irish Sea services, currently handles two daily RoPax sailings from Belfast using the double-level linkspan, as well as a single freight sailing to Belfast with the STENA FORWARDER. The SOMERSET’s ability to use the double-level linkspans in both Birkenhead and Dublin may prove decisive. It would cut turnround times, which would allow slower sailing speeds and lower emissions.

okt 12 2026