The new vessels will be the world’s largest ropax ferries, at 240m long and with 5,500 lane metres each, increasing the number of vehicles carried by more than 30%. The current vessels, Stena Hollandica and Stena Britannica, have themselves recently been lengthened to a capacity of 4,100 lane metres each.

'TTS will upgrade the lower linkspan in a very short timeframe, minimizing interference to the vessel’s operating schedule, said de Lange. 'This is crucial, as it guarantees low effect to our business.'

 Addressing environmental concerns, the upper deck linkspan will be designed in such a way as to reduce noise levels when in operation, an important consideration as the structure lies close to residential housing.

The lower deck linkspan is an existing installation, which TTS will convert to operate via hydraulic cylinders. The portal’s current counterweight and wire system, which is driven by motors, will be replaced with towers equipped with hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the linkspan and locking the ramp in the various required positions. A manual operation mode will enable operators to set the level of the lower deck linkspan according to draft and water level. Once activated, the linkspan will automatically lock at the set level. Operation can also be set to automatic mode such that the lower deck linkspan follows the tidal variation and vessel movement during the harbour stop.

The upper deck linkspan will be a new structure positioned in alignment with the centreline of the new vessels, with the access ramps placed beside the lower deck linkspan at quay level. This adjustable ramp will be elevated using the hydraulic cylinders built into the towers of the lower deck linkspan. The lifting ramp, also operated by hydraulic cylinders, will be rest on the vessel.