The newest Stena Line roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry which arrived in Belfast Harbour from China (as Afloat reported) ahead of being put into service on the Irish Sea next month, has undergone rigorous checks for coronavirus.

The Stena Edda, which has been six years in planning and construction, will operate on the Belfast to (Birkenhead) Liverpool route, replacing the Stena Lagan.

It was built at the AVIC Weihai Shipyard in north-eastern China, which is 1,000 miles from the Wuhan province, where the coronavirus outbreak has its origins.

The Irish News reports that it emerged since the vessel left Weihai four weeks ago, it has undergone a series of checks along the route to ensure it is carrying no traces of the potentially deadly virus.

To read more including a response from the ferry operator click here.