Swedish ferry company Stena Line has confirmed its plans to secure the future stability of its Fishguard-Rosslare service by redeploying another ferry from its fleet. 

The Stena Nordica, which has been operating in the Baltic Sea, is a familiar ship on the Irish Sea having provided temporary relief cover on several Irish Sea routes over the last few years.

It is scheduled to replace the older Stena Europe vessel in July.

The Company will now commence a formal consultation with the unions representing the crew of Stena Europe, which has operated on the route since 2002.

A commitment has been given to ensure they will all be offered roles on the Stena Nordica or other Stena Line vessels on the Irish Sea.

Paul Grant, Trade Director (Irish Sea) said: “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. 

“Stena Europe has operated on the route for many years, and we are delighted we have been able to secure the Stena Nordica on a permanent basis.

“Stena Nordica is currently being upgraded with increased passenger capacity and a range of new and improved facilities, which will offer an enhanced customer experience.”

Paul Grant added: “We are mindful that Stena Europe has been operating Fishguard – Rosslare for many years, so we will be doing our level best to ensure as smooth a transition as possible as we embark upon an exciting new chapter for the route.”

Stena Line also owns the port of Fishguard in Wales, where employees remain unaffected by today’s (February 22) announcement.

Senedd Member Eluned Morgan and Cllr Nicola Gwynn recently visited Stena Line to discuss the ongoing impacts of Brexit on Irish Sea freight and the longer-term sustainability of ferry services between Pembrokeshire and the Irish Republic.

Commenting on today’s announcement by Stena Line, Eluned Morgan MS said: “I am pleased to hear that Stena Line has reaffirmed its committed to Fishguard Harbour.

“In my recent meeting with the company, I was pleased to hear of their intention to replace the Stena Europe.

“The Stena Nordica will ensure that the Fishguard to Rosslare route is serviced by a ship that can meet the demands and expectations of ferry customers in the years ahead.

“We know that there are still issues to be ironed out on the movement of goods between the UK and Europe.

“Our ports in Pembrokeshire provide a strategic connection to Europe that is of significance to the Welsh economy and which is understood by the Welsh government. But that importance must also be recognised by the UK government too.”

Welsh Labour Councillor for Goodwick, Cllr Nicola Gwynn said: “Stena Line is an important asset to Goodwick and Fishguard. The introduction of a new ferry to this route gives me an assurance that Stena is committed to the port and the jobs that it brings to our local community. I look forward to the Stena Nordica arriving later this year.”