
Two former Northern European cruise ferries soon to meet in Squamish
FerryOn 12 November, SAGA X arrives in Vancouver, Canada. The former Northern European cruise ferry has been converted into an accommodation vessel – or so-called floatel, as its new owners, Canadian Bridgeman (Bridgemans Service Group), describe this type of ship.
After a few days in Vancouver for final preparations, SAGA X will reposition to the Woodfibre LNG site, north of Vancouver in Squamish at the northern tip of Howe Sound, on a charter for Woodfibre LNG. Here, Woodfibre LNG is in the process of constructing an LNG facility which, when completed in 2027, is expected to produce 2.1 million tonnes of LNG annually.
Once at the site in Squamish, SAGA X will be berthed alongside another ex. Northern European cruise ferry, ISABELLE X, which has also been provided by Bridgeman to accommodate the workforce behind the large LNG project since 2024. “The second floatel is a critical part of delivering this project safely, responsibly and on schedule,” said Luke Schauerte, CEO, Woodfibre LNG.
SAGA X’s 39-year career as a Scandinavian cruise ferry came to an end during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Stena Line closed its Frederikshavn–Oslo route. After a brief interlude operating between Ancona and Durres on charter to Adria Ferries, during which the name was shortened from STENA SAGA to simply SAGA, the ferry was first chartered by Bridgeman for an 18-month accommodation project in the Philippines.
Later, the Canadian company took over ownership from Stena and carried out further modifications on board to better tailor the vessel to its new role. ISABELLE X most recently bore the name ISABELLE in its original passenger-ferry role under Tallink’s ownership, until it was acquired by Bridgeman at the beginning of 2024.
During the period 2014–2015, Bridgeman had also chartered Tallink’s SILJA EUROPA and SILJA FESTIVAL, and in 2020–2021 also operated BLUEFORT, which had most recently in its original role served as a ferry under the name MELOODIA for Tallink.
© Shippax
Nov 10 2025
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