Displaying items by tag: Stena HSS to Superfast X

10th April 2015

Superfast X One Month On Coincides with 19th Year Since Stena HSS Maiden Voyage

#DunLaoghaireFerryCruise - Today a month ago was the first full day in service of Stena Superfast X on the Dublin Port-Holyhead route. By coincidence, today also marks the HSS Stena Explorer's maiden commercial crossing to Holyhead in April 1996, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The launch in March this year of Stena Superfast X on the Dublin Port route effectively replaced HSS Stena Explorer from the alternative Dun Laoghaire route to Holyhead. The fast-ferry catamaran craft which served almost two decades on the historic Ireland-Wales link was withdrawn last year with the final sailing on 9 September.

This leaves Superfast X kept busy running alongside route partner Stena Adventurer to Holyhead, the port in Anglesey where the HSS craft remains idle in a laid-up state.

The 19,638 tonnes craft is a sad sight as she languishes in the inner harbour completed in 1880 as the first purpose built rail and sea terminal of the north Wales port.

Afloat.ie has contacted Stena as to the fate of HSS Stena Explorer which they say at present that there has been no decision made on her future.

When the HSS (High-speed Seaservice) Stena Explorer was introduced, she represented a revolutionary leap in the world ferry industry due in part to her large freight vehicle capability. In addition the adaptation of aviation gas turbine technology. This powered water jets allowing for 99 minutes crossings! during the early heyday years.

It was the sheer sense of space which I recall vividly from making that maiden sailing as she set off from the unique linkspan structure. Also the huge panorama widow at the bow affording excellent views as she departed the mouth in Dun Laoghaire and sped smoothly across tthe Irish Sea.

The single passenger deck layout been split-level was for the majority of the interior very much open plan. Though the opposite applied in terms of having a very restricted open deck space at the stern. From there, the craft had a rather ungainly appearance but was redeemed with a striking futuristic bow lines and the lattice window structure amidships.

A fellow former Irish Sea based sister, HSS Stena Voyager as previously reported on Afloat.ie was scrapped in 2013. She was towed to Öresundsvarvet shipyard in Landskrona, Sweden and was dismantled by Stena Recycling in which parts were re-used for furniture!

Stena Voyager was withdrawn from service two years previously following the closure of the Belfast-Stranraer route. This led to Stena switching Scottish ports to neighbouring Cairnryan also on Lough Ryan.

The relocation of ports involved constructing a purpose built terminal at a site close to Cairnryan named Loch Ryan Port. The facility is from where a pair of sisters of Superfast X operate on the North Channel route on the Belfast-Cairnryan link.

Given the new dynamics of Dun Laoghaire Harbour Company's proposed €18m cruise-berth facility, the former ferry vehicle marshalling area is to be transformed for cruise-related coaches and a taxi-rank.

To what degree will this proposal have should a new operator be found to reopen a seasonal-only service as sought by DLHC. According to the port authority such operations if proved an option would not resume until 2016.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.