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Sailings Not Running at Fishguard Due to Berth Works While Relief Ferry Stena 'Europe' is Under Repairs

23rd January 2024
Disruption continues on the St. Georges Channel crossing as ropax Stena Nordica cannot currently use Fishguard Harbour, coupled with issues with relief ferry, Stena Europe. The former Fishguard-Rosslare ferry had too left the route, for repairs, but the service is expected to reopen next week.
Disruption continues on the St. Georges Channel crossing as ropax Stena Nordica cannot currently use Fishguard Harbour, coupled with issues with relief ferry, Stena Europe. The former Fishguard-Rosslare ferry had too left the route, for repairs, but the service is expected to reopen next week. Credit: Wikipedia

Ropax Stena Nordica which has been absent from Fishguard Harbour linking Rosslare since early January, had led to a relief ferry that too left the south Wales port due to issues, leaving no ship to cover the route.

Operator, Stena Line has confirmed that the Stena Nordica which last year became the Wales-Ireland ferry, cannot berth at the port at the moment. This is due to maintenance work carried out at the harbour in north-west Pembrokeshire, writes Western Telegraph.

Only the route's former ferry, Stena Europe (pictured at Fishguard) would be able to use the port in its current configuration, however the 1981 built ferry, is currently undergoing mechanical issues at Cammell Laird, Birkenhead, which means that veteran ferry cannot be used on the route.

In the meantime, Stena Nordica is providing relief cover on the Dublin-Holyhead route while E-Flexer, Stena Estrid serves on the Birkenhead (Liverpool)-Belfast route following an eventful crossing during Storm Isha.

“Stena Line is currently undertaking necessary maintenance works on the marine infrastructure at Fishguard Port,” said the spokesperson.

“Stena Nordica cannot berth in the port with the current configuration until this maintenance has been completed. The vessel has been covering our Dublin – Holyhead route since January 7.”

The spokesperson said that it was hoped that the issue would be resolved by early next week as Afloat also reported, it is anticipated the service will recommence on 29th January.

More here on the St. George's Channel connection.

Published in Stena Line
Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals. 

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About Stena Line

Stena Line is one of Europe's leading ferry companies with 37 vessels and 17 routes in Northern Europe operating 25,000 sailings each year. Stena Line is an important part of the European logistics network and develops new intermodal freight solutions by combining transport by rail, road and sea. Stena Line also plays an important role for tourism in Europe with its extensive passenger operations. The company is family-owned, was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Gothenburg. Stena Line has 4,300 employees and an annual turnover of 14 billion SEK.