The Harwich registered ship was lengthened by 28ms at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, following the decommissioning of the HSS ‘Stena Discovery’, to ensure that sufficient capacity remains available on the Harwich – Hook of Holland route.

Stena Britannica was built for Stena in 2002 at Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea, with an original gross tonnage of 43,487. The inserted section is between the pair of lifeboats and the rescue boat visible in the photo.

The ‘Stena Hollandica’ is now undergoing a similar extension programme. It will be extended by 52m to bring both ships to the same size. It is due to rejoin the Stena Britannica on the route in May ahead of the summer season.

In order to accommodate Stena’s new fleet of extended ships, Harwich International Port has modified and extended an existing berth at the Port. Chris Lewis, CEO of Hutchison Ports (UK) Limited, which owns Harwich International Port, said, ‘Harwich International Port has enjoyed a very long relationship with Stena Line, and, with them, we are pleased to be able to offer this improved service to passengers travelling on the popular Harwich to Hook of Holland route.’

The newly extended vessels will offer substantially more capacity on the route. It is expected that these modern vessels, which offer overnight cabins, a restaurant, shop and other passenger facilities, will attract more foot passengers and motorists on scheduled day and night sailings from Harwich, seven days a week.

Additionally, the Port is investing in a new high level passenger walkway capable of taking passengers directly from the ferry terminal departure lounge to Deck 7 of the Stena Line vessels. The new walkway is being constructed in Spain and is expected to be installed during May.

In October 2006 Stena Line announced it had signed a 20 year extension to its contract with Harwich International Port. By Graeme Ewens