Preparations have been completed at Harwich International Port for the new generation of superferries to be introduced by Stena Line on the Harwich-Hook of Holland, this month.
The first vessel, the new Stena Hollandica, is due in service on 16th May, with the Stena Britannica to follow later in the season.
The two new ‘superferries’ were built in Wismar, Germany, and have a gross tonnage of 62,000 tonnes. At 240 metres in length and with accommodation for 1,200 passengers, their facilities include restaurants, bars, cinemas, gaming areas and internet facilities.
Testing has been completed on a new Linkspan bridge to improve facilities for passenger cars and freight at the Essex port.
David Gledhill, CEO of the port’s owner Hutchison Ports UK , said: “It is important that we are able to provide the best infrastructure available to our customers and this linkspan will ensure that the port can handle increased freight and motorist volumes efficiently as demand grows in the future.”
Designed and fabricated by TTS of Sweden, the new linkspan features a double-deck arrangement, which allows for simultaneous loading and unloading on two levels. Each of these levels can also be worked independently if required, allowing for fast and efficient operations.
