#FerryNews - Fresh from a Falmouth dry-docking, Stena Horizon arrived in Dublin Port today, not Rosslare from where the ropax routinely operates on the France route to Cherbourg, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The reason for the call to the capital of the Stena Line ferry which recieved a refit at A&P Falmouth, is to facilitate further annual dry-docking cover of fleetmates. This will see Stena Horizon operate on the Dublin-Holyhead route.

Operating on this route is Stena Adventurer which will be replaced by Stena Horizon from tomorrow, 6 March 20.40hrs to 20 March 02.30hrs inclusive.

As the Stena Horizon is of a 'ropax' design (more freight orientated) compared to the 'Adventurer' there will be some reduction in facilities, products and services during this time on the Dublin-Holyhead route.

Also maintaining service as usual on the central Irish Sea route is the Stena Superfast X which was introduced in 2015.

As previously reported on Afloat, while Stena Horizon is off service on the Ireland-France route, a freight-only ship Stena Carrier is operating. The vessel is providing an important role in the export of livestock to the mainland continent until the 'Horizon's return is scheduled for 20 March.with the 21.30hrs sailing to France.  

Stena Europe also fresh from overhaul in Falmouth, returned to resume Rosslare-Fishguard services. 

For several days last month all Stena Line services to Wales and France were not operating 'passenger' sailings. On the Fishguard route, while Stena Europe was in Cornwall, customers were instead transferred onto a replacement ferry. This was in the form of rivals Irish Ferries whose Isle of Inishmore (see ferry focus) serves on the Rosslare-Pembroke route.