Stena to launch second super ferry
The Stena Hollandica was the first of the two superferries launched by Stena.
Stena Line has announced the launch of the Stena Britannica, one of two of the largest superferries in the world, will take place in October 2010.
Joining the Stena Hollandica on Stena Line's North Sea route to Holland, the two ships will together, offer the most modern ferry fleet in the world.
No expense has been spared in building the ferries of the future. The launch of Stena Britannica follows Stena Hollandica, which entered service in May. Together representing Stena Line's largest ever investment of over £375m.
The ships will sail the route between Harwich and Hook of Holland, offering daily day and overnight sailings in both directions. Onboard, there are 538 cabins, each fitted with Dux beds, the Swedish luxury brand beds also found in the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai, and modern en suite bathrooms with Hansgrohe fittings. Larger windows provide a feeling of space and light, while extra touches, such as the complimentary Piper-Heidsieck Champagne in the Captain's Class cabins, add to the first class service onboard.
A world away from the traditional ferries of years gone by, the Stena Line Superferries offer onboard services including free Wi-Fi for all, mobile reception throughout the crossing and satellite television in lounges and cabins. There are also buffet and a la carte restaurants, a cinema, bar, lounge, media room and internet corner. For families there are children and teenager zones, plus 12 kennels for dogs and a wooden decked sundeck to allow passengers to relax outdoors during their journey.
Designed to have a low environmental impact, each Superferry is built in line with Stena Line's Energy Savings Programme. Eco-friendly features include catalytic converters, an improved hull design, highly efficient engines and better combustion rates, all helping to reduce environmental impact. The ferries have facilities to recycle glass, cardboard and food waste onboard, while solar film on all windows excludes up to 82% of the sun's radiant heat, reducing the energy used by the onboard cooling system.
The largest ferries of their type in the world in terms of combined passenger and freight capacity, each is capable of transporting 230 cars, 300 freight vehicles and 1,200 passengers. Departing twice daily, the crossing takes approx 6.5 hours, with a choice of day or night sailings in each direction.
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