Stena Line’s 2005-built ferry STENA SCANDICA left Turkey following a lengthy rebuilding at SEFEF Shipbuilding, says an article published in Niferry.
‘Scandica’s’ new bow, in combination with a network of internal ramps and reconfiguration of the vehicle decks, means that the ferry has drive-through access for the first time. The project has been supported by the original designer of the Visentini class, NAOS Ship and Boat design.
About Stena Scandica
Stena Line’s 2005-built ferry STENA SCANDICA (ex STENA LAGAN, etc) has left Turkey following a lengthy rebuilding at SEFEF Shipbuilding. The complex project involved inserting a new 36m section into the ferry, as well as replacing her bow above the waterline. STENA SCANDICA had been expected to re-enter service earlier this year, but the project has been heavily delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Comprehensive Design Changes
In addition to adding the new 36m long section, some additional accommodation space was also added to the original superstructure. The vessel has been comprehensively refurbished throughout to a design by Figura Arkitekter, supported by Cita Marine.
This is the second major Stena Line project Cita Marine has worked on – the Turkish company also worked on the interior design (with Figura) and fit-out of STENA EUROPE during 2020.
Preview pictures suggest that the ferry is virtually unrecognisable inside from her Belfast – Liverpool guises, with a style like that seen on the E-Flexer ferries STENA ESTRID, STENA EDDA, and STENA EMBLA.
In terms of passenger capacity, STENA SCANDICA now matches Stena Line’s E-Flexer’s, though freight capacity is 2,875lm versus the 3,100 on the newer ships. This represents a 30% increase on the ship she will replace.
Technical improvements
The project, which is the largest of its type ever to be completed in Turkey, was supervised by Stena RoRo. Modifications were not limited to the accommodation and vehicle access, however.
With the vessel now some 222 meters in length, the decision was taken to improve maneuverability. An additional transverse thruster has been added at the bow, taking the compliment to three, and new twisted leading-edge rudders with costa bulbs fitted.
Becker Marine to take care of E-Flexer changes
As with the E-Flexer series, the new rudders have been supplied by German company Becker Marine. The opportunity has also been taken to equip STENA SCANDICA with a Langh Tech hybrid exhaust gas scrubber system and a new ballast water treatment solution. Stena Line says that in combination these changes make STENA SCANDICA more efficient and environmentally friendly than she was as STENA LAGAN.
New route
STENA SCANDICA currently flies the Bahamian flag and has returned to the RINA classification. According to Stena Line, the rebuilt ferry will enter service on the Nynäshamn (Norvik) – Ventspils route during early July.
She will replace either STENA FLAVIA or STENA LIVIA on the route. ‘Flavia’ and ‘Livia’ are to be transferred to the Travemünde – Liepãja service in place of STENA GOTHICA and URD.
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Source: NiFerry
