(http://www.portalmorski.pl/images/_gfx/_statki/obce/Stena/stena%20superfast.jpg)
(Picture taken from portalmorski.pl)
Thought I'd create a new thread in the run up to the introduction of Stena Superfast X to save the Stena fleet movements thread getting overwhelmed! Stena Superfast X should be in service at the end of February/beginning of March. Theres some pics of her in drydock in Gdynia which I will try to share later - needless to say she doesn't quite look like her sisters, in fact I'd go so far as to say she's the ugly one ;). Needless to say, there will be more information on her in the coming weeks.
A few notes about the above image: This is just an artists impression, some of the details of which are currently incorrect - for a start to date she has not regained her fins, the port of registry hasn't been confirmed, and at present she still has the "Calais treatment" on the tip of her bow for upper car deck access.
Guess who!
Photo credit: Piotr B. Stareńczak via Portalmorski.pl on facebook
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/t31.0-8/1979089_630561020403143_6995212274347512310_o.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t31.0-8/10918965_630561127069799_7493214533949039456_o.jpg)
(https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10911262_630561023736476_8831462035382966600_o.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t31.0-8/1979193_630561113736467_3048244760620907574_o.jpg)
Thank you for those brilliant photos, great to see the conversion and paint job in progress! :)
awesome images, thanks for posting, looking good
The ship looks great. Look forward to her arrival on the irish sea.
Fantastic photo's and up to date information on how the refit is progressing. Thank you Steven.
According to the booking engine at present Stena Superfast X will make her debut on the central corridor on Monday 9th March 2015 with the 02.15 ex Dublin (first sailing ex Holyhead at 08.55 Monday).
Stena Nordica's last sailing on the route is currently shown as being the 20.30 ex Holyhead on Sunday 8th March 2015 (last sailing ex Dublin at 15.10 Sunday).
Quote from: 20knots on February 03, 2015, 08:21:45 PM
According to the booking engine at present Stena Superfast X will make her debut on the central corridor on Monday 9th March 2015 with the 02.15 ex Dublin (first sailing ex Holyhead at 08.55 Monday).
Stena Nordica's last sailing on the route is currently shown as being the 20.30 ex Holyhead on Sunday 8th March 2015 (last sailing ex Dublin at 15.10 Sunday).
It'll need to be earlier than that, as Nordica is needed in Belfast to cover VII and VIII before she heads to DFDS. They are playing it safe. Expect some big changes in Stena's booking engine over the next few days/weeks as everything becomes clearer.
- Unless the use the X up on the north corridor. Wouldn't be the first time a new vessel has been used as relief.
Great images thanks for posting. Superfast X has left dry dock and is alongside in Gdynia tonight, so the paint job must be finished.
Quote from: Davy Jones on February 03, 2015, 09:52:09 PM
- Unless the use the X up on the north corridor. Wouldn't be the first time a new vessel has been used as relief.
Possible, but not likely IMHO given the pair up here need cover for the best part of a month. Lets just say Stena want this ship in service ASAP ;). Additionally, Nordica is a proven fit with both terminals up here. I'm sure stena want the crew to get familiar with their new vessel in its home surroundings before the Easter rush as well! As mentioned elsewhere, X is expected to come up here for some publicity shots - but nothing confirmed yet.
Cheers ferryfan. Could well be the case, or someone could be hanging of the side to finish the job :p. Hopefully more pics will surface soon.
Just wondering as the superfasts need cover for refit, and Europe is not getting cover, Does the Adventurer need refit also? I think she is due refit this year, and if so thats alot of cover to be provided given the Nordica has a date in Dover.
Maybe Stena Europe will cover for Stena Adventurer
Stena Europe would be a very poor cover for adventurer given the massive difference in freight capacity, I love the stena Europe but leave to the route she suits, she does seem to suit the Rosslare Fishguard rout well.
Adventurer had a major refit just over a year ago so she should be good. Should she need dry docking, it'd be a quick in and out job taking a couple of days max. Europe would probably be sufficient if the timing was right tbh (ie over the weekend). There's always the option to switch X to adventurers roster to put the capacity in the right place as well.
Stena Europe is unlikely to cover for Adventurer, it will be possibly freight cover with Hibernia or similar with Superfast X taking over Adventurer's roster.
Also, the HSS press release says SF X will be in service by the end of February :)
When is Stena Adventurer due to do to H&W for drydocking.
Quote from: Steven on February 04, 2015, 07:05:36 PM
Adventurer had a major refit just over a year ago so she should be good. Should she need dry docking, it'd be a quick in and out job taking a couple of days max. Europe would probably be sufficient if the timing was right tbh (ie over the weekend). There's always the option to switch X to adventurers roster to put the capacity in the right place as well.
Sorry, I must of got confused. Adventurer is due a major dry dock this year. However, I'm sure Stena can figure something out. It's not like they are short of a vessel or 3, and it wouldn't be the first time cover has come from the Baltic either. Time will tell I suppose, but VII and VIII will basically take Nordica up to the end of her current stint with Stena so far as I'm aware.
If superfast was in Ireland around the 20 -24 February to take over the Adventurer till the superfast is due to take over from Nordica on 9 March and Nordica do the cover for the northern superfasts, would that we on the cards and would it fit in with what we here about superfast being nearly ready??
Stena Superfast X now exists, AIS has been changed and registered in UK.
Thanks for the pics and information Steven. Why are they using the Superfast X name and not a more traditional Stena one? I thought she was to become Stena Endeavour?
Matt
Always going to be Stena Superfast X, capitalises on the North channel twins and adds a different slant to the HSS replacement for the general public, Superfast sounds a bit more Dynamic also giving additional marketing options on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Some pics of the internal refurbishment underway:
https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/91162693@N04/16438483065/
Quote from: Normandy on February 05, 2015, 08:15:10 AM
If superfast was in Ireland around the 20 -24 February to take over the Adventurer till the superfast is due to take over from Nordica on 9 March and Nordica do the cover for the northern superfasts, would that we on the cards and would it fit in with what we here about superfast being nearly ready??
(http://i62.tinypic.com/s5lrac.jpg)
First sailing of Superfast X in the booking system online from Dublin is the 9th March @02.15hrs at €99 for a cars + driver.
Port of registry is confirmed as Cardiff. I believe she now has the Stena blue swosh thing on the hull, etc.
Regarding the March date, this could be her official 'launch' date on the service. She is expected earlier than that I understand, and as I have said elsewhere would need to be to release Nordica for the North Channel. I also expect Stena are leaving some room for delays so as to avoid a PR disaster if she turned up after when they said she would. Wouldn't be an ideal start to her new career would it?
Some more behind the scenes images of the Superfast X rebuild here
http://www.sealink-holyhead.net/#!stena-superfast-x-refit/c1i6h
She's looking very well in the latest pics I have seen - even without wing tips. She's still Dieppe Seaways in appearance in other ways though - she retains the gates on the upper car deck bow entrance in place of the visor her sisters have (as did she as built),and her stern door is narrower than her sisters as it simply fills the space from the doors installed by Seafrance. Shouldn't be too long now before she makes her way to our waters! It's fair to say she's got the refit she's needed for a long time now. Let's hope her introduction goes without any major issues!
Apparently greatness awaits?
https://www.facebook.com/StenaLineUKIE/photos/a.161099507253323.35509.148421815187759/1018221141541151/?type=1&theater
forgot to add this
http://www.mstfi.pl/dl/2046/inline/xy=800x600/0394e4/Stena%20Superfast%20fot.%20J.%20Staluszka-1.JPG
nice picture.
I see the nordic Spa is still installed just like her northern sisters.
Quote from: IFPete on February 20, 2015, 03:10:37 PM
nice picture.
I see the nordic Spa is still installed just like her northern sisters.
She's practically identical to her sisters, if not more original to the design she was built in as her sisters in 2001.
Superfast x is more original, in the way that she still has about a quarter of her cabins on deck 8. Seafrance didn't have time to finish the conversion due to the ship being needed in service.
Another originality, which only the x and ix has, are the two former aircraft seat areas aft of deck 8, which are just open deck on the vii and viii.
there are going to be a total of 39 cabins on deck 8 and six luxury cabins on deck 10 which will be available, decks 7 & 8 have been totally rebuilt while in Gdynia with all previous Seafrance work removed and replaced, this is going to be a major upgrade on the Nordica experience and indeed a different experience from the Superfast VII and VIII. Won't be long till it leaves Poland now
Quote from: ferryfan on February 20, 2015, 12:18:09 PM
Apparently greatness awaits?
Greatness awaits indeed, would much rather the Stena Explorer any day.
Quote from: giftgrub on February 20, 2015, 10:44:09 PM
indeed a different experience from the Superfast VII and VIII. Won't be long till it leaves Poland now
Yup, no taste restaurant for a start and a very different floor plan. I wouldn't be planing any spa cruises yet guys btw ;). At least deck 10 is being made re-accessible!
From stenaline website. (Momentous Occasion Greatness Awaits ,A great change is coming. The Irish Sea as we know it will never be the same again).wow I don't know what to expect now, either someone in stena advertising has got a bit carried away with themselves ,or they are slashing fares by 50%(which would be a momentous occasion. If this is only about the arrival of a 14 year old refurbished ship on the route ,then I will be disappointed.
Quote from: Stena explorer on February 21, 2015, 08:47:46 AM
From stenaline website. (Momentous Occasion Greatness Awaits ,A great change is coming. The Irish Sea as we know it will never be the same again).wow I don't know what to expect now, either someone in stena advertising has got a bit carried away with themselves ,or they are slashing fares by 50%(which would be a momentous occasion. If this is only about the arrival of a 14 year old refurbished ship on the route ,then I will be disappointed.
She's 13 next week if you go by delivery date. Somewhat better than the arrival of a utilitarian chartered ropax which is billed as a budget option on one route and a full price offering in the other IMO... At least she's being 'designed' with the route she is serving in mind! Won't be long now until we see if she lives up to her billing!!! Given she's been pretty much gutted inside and rebuilt does it really matter when the hull was launched? There's a good 20 years life left in her anyway! Someone at Stena marketing seems to be enjoying themselves anyway :p.
I'm quite curious to see if she'll be as stylish as her sisters, or maybe more modern than the other 2. They seem to be making everybody curious on Facebook and their website, so we'll see what the big surprise is.
Quote from: Stena explorer on February 21, 2015, 08:47:46 AM
From stenaline website. (Momentous Occasion Greatness Awaits ,A great change is coming. The Irish Sea as we know it will never be the same again).wow I don't know what to expect now, either someone in stena advertising has got a bit carried away with themselves ,or they are slashing fares by 50%(which would be a momentous occasion. If this is only about the arrival of a 14 year old refurbished ship on the route ,then I will be disappointed.
;D
I'm definitely no longer part of their target market. My first reaction on seeing their new slogan was, "No it doesn't". It was always rather easier to agree with "The best is back".
I'm sure those who use the Nordica regularly anyway will be happy with the change but the proof will be in the change in passenger numbers of both the main ferry companies and airlines.
Superfast X AIS showing Destination Holyhead. Must be making a stop for berthing trials before taking up her new schedule starting in Dublin on 9th March. Plenty of negative comments on their facebook page seems not too many people are excited about the arrival of a 5th hand ferry.
Would not pay to much interest in Facebook comments as on average, a lot of the comments are beyond strange in context and meaning.
How can the introduction of a luxury passenger ferry replacing a smaller vessel be negative, if the HSS was so popular why was it running over half empty on most crossings last year, Stena have got to promote this massive investment and it has got to work, it is no longer an inferior product to the Adventurer and they need both ferries sailing at max passenger capacity. I think the finish and fit out to the Superfast X will be a big update for the route and only once people get a chance to sail on the ferry will its success be gauged.
The fact that the Superfast X has been through a few owners is irrelevant as the vessel is 12/13 years old, has just been rebuilt for the route and has a good 20+ years of full working life left, yes it's sad that the HSS is gone, but that was hardly a surprise and I think the introduction of the Superfast X is very positive, they could have put a glorified freighter on the route but took the decision to make a major investment in a proper passenger vessel, offering an upgraded passenger experience.
Quote from: giftgrub on February 22, 2015, 01:21:07 PM
Would not pay to much interest in Facebook comments as on average, a lot of the comments are beyond strange in context and meaning.
How can the introduction of a luxury passenger ferry replacing a smaller vessel be negative, if the HSS was so popular why was it running over half empty on most crossings last year, Stena have got to promote this massive investment and it has got to work, it is no longer an inferior product to the Adventurer and they need both ferries sailing at max passenger capacity. I think the finish and fit out to the Superfast X will be a big update for the route and only once people get a chance to sail on the ferry will its success be gauged.
The fact that the Superfast X has been through a few owners is irrelevant as the vessel is 12/13 years old, has just been rebuilt for the route and has a good 20+ years of full working life left, yes it's sad that the HSS is gone, but that was hardly a surprise and I think the introduction of the Superfast X is very positive, they could have put a glorified freighter on the route but took the decision to make a major investment in a proper passenger vessel, offering an upgraded passenger experience.
Oh dear I just have to comment on this
1st the having travrlled on the fantastic HSS on the Stranraer Belfast route and then s couple of times on the slow 'superfast' ferries
I felt stena had gone back 30 years in the Super fast (what a stupid name for a slow boat)
Now again the same is happening on the southern route
The 21st century HSS is off and 20th century slow boat on
Oh and I think you need to get real as those people on Facebook are probably mostly customers yes people that travel on the route and certainly won't be happy being ridiculed by a no all giftgrub
Quote from: Fast Ferry Fan on February 22, 2015, 08:29:00 AM
Quote from: Stena explorer on February 21, 2015, 08:47:46 AM
From stenaline website. (Momentous Occasion Greatness Awaits ,A great change is coming. The Irish Sea as we know it will never be the same again).wow I don't know what to expect now, either someone in stena advertising has got a bit carried away with themselves ,or they are slashing fares by 50%(which would be a momentous occasion. If this is only about the arrival of a 14 year old refurbished ship on the route ,then I will be disappointed.
;D
I'm definitely no longer part of their target market. My first reaction on seeing their new slogan was, "No it doesn't". It was always rather easier to agree with "The best is back".
I'm sure those who use the Nordica regularly anyway will be happy with the change but the proof will be in the change in passenger numbers of both the main ferry companies and airlines.
Looking at the numbers the HSS has been carrying, the number of people actually put out by the ending of the HSS service is a very small proportion of Stenas totals - and that's not even accounting for those who where doing the non-landers or travelling more than once. The HSS has left Belfast a few years now - apart from enthusiasts nobody seems that bothered. The craft wasn't making money and was going to cost a significant 7 figure sum just to keep going - money stena would never see back.
Back to Stena Superfast X - she is currently making about 22kts en route to the Irish sea.
No Ridiculing anyone, just basing reactions from Facebook comments is not a system I personally place too much faith in.
All academic now, it's on the way to Ireland leaving Gydnia and change is happening regardless of what we think, the paying public will decide if it's a success or not, I think it's an improvement to have two very nice vessels sailing all year round and the investment is a vote of confidence in the Holyhead service.
Unfortunately the HSS project has ended I was also a big fan of these magnificent futuristic ferries, but they just did not pay their way and like Concorde they have been pulled from service.
Image of the Superfast X leaving Gdynia
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1059918380701701&set=pcb.1059921974034675&type=1&theater
Regarding the facebook comments, it is a fact that the people who have a negative opinion/complain are always more vocal than those who have a positive experience or attitude. As with any change in a business, this is a gamble, but the writing has been on he wall for years. I agree that Stena should be applauded in investing in a proper passenger vessel rather than a glorified freighter - she's certainly more geared towards te route than something like Epsilon! As for her age, that's totally irrelevant if the rebuild and maintenance has been done right. I believe a significant sum was spent on getting her technical condition to Stena standards. Time will tell, but given te HSS service was not that fast anyways and only seasonal (and a single daily round trip), I dibt think Stena will be loosing too much sleep over the facebook comments!
Superfast X will deffo be a big upgrade on the Nordica , but she ain't no Ulysses who without a doubt is the king on the Irish Sea , a absolute legend of a ship .there is no doubt about it . Also interesting to see Irish ferries advertising that now they are the only fast ferry on the route now. But I must say the nordica is a great workhorse and was a very reliable warrior on the route.
Quote from: ste898 on February 22, 2015, 05:14:33 PM
Quote from: giftgrub on February 22, 2015, 01:21:07 PM
Would not pay to much interest in Facebook comments as on average, a lot of the comments are beyond strange in context and meaning.
How can the introduction of a luxury passenger ferry replacing a smaller vessel be negative, if the HSS was so popular why was it running over half empty on most crossings last year, Stena have got to promote this massive investment and it has got to work, it is no longer an inferior product to the Adventurer and they need both ferries sailing at max passenger capacity. I think the finish and fit out to the Superfast X will be a big update for the route and only once people get a chance to sail on the ferry will its success be gauged.
The fact that the Superfast X has been through a few owners is irrelevant as the vessel is 12/13 years old, has just been rebuilt for the route and has a good 20+ years of full working life left, yes it's sad that the HSS is gone, but that was hardly a surprise and I think the introduction of the Superfast X is very positive, they could have put a glorified freighter on the route but took the decision to make a major investment in a proper passenger vessel, offering an upgraded passenger experience.
Oh dear I just have to comment on this
1st the having travrlled on the fantastic HSS on the Stranraer Belfast route and then s couple of times on the slow 'superfast' ferries
I felt stena had gone back 30 years in the Super fast (what a stupid name for a slow boat)
Now again the same is happening on the southern route
The 21st century HSS is off and 20th century slow boat on
Oh and I think you need to get real as those people on Facebook are probably mostly customers yes people that travel on the route and certainly won't be happy being ridiculed by a no all giftgrub
Stena line have never meant the ferries being "superfast", the name comes from the original owners, Superfast Ferries. This has nothing to do with the fact that she's slower than the HSS, even though there called that. Its just a name.
Another nice image of the Superfast X here
http://www.portalmorski.pl/stocznie/remonty-przebudowy/39998-stena-superfast-x-gotowa-do-pracy-na-morzu-irlandzkim
The ship is looking fantastic, I have just booked a trip on her for the middle of march looking forward to having a good look round.
More images Here
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.640132319446013.1073742041.234396580019591
That's a great set of shots - she really does look well. Looking forward to getting a trip on her and seeing the job they have done on the interior.
I'm with Giftgrub on this one - I was a massive fan of both the concept and the HSS Ferries themselves and it's a real pity they won't be around anymore but the economics speak for themselves sadly. Makes me even sadder given that I'm from Dun Laoghaire and the port has lost it's fast ferry service (hopefully temporarily but that's a discussion for another thread!).
For now, lets see what impact Superfast X has on the route (and yes, expect Stena to make great capital of the name "Superfast" - It means a brand of ship to us as enthusiasts but something else entirely to Joe Punter!). Importantly, its good too that she should secure the jobs of UK/Irish Stena seafarers too and that has to be welcomed.
Pete
The fact is Irish Ferries took a lot of freight business from Stena by taking in a charter vessel at low risk and operating it on Dubin - Holyhead five days a week. The charter has paid off and the bonus of bringing cars in from France at the weekends has made the discision to bring her to Ireland a good business decision.
We will see in the coming weeks if Irish Ferries go to the well and purchase a modern high capacity vessel to work permanently on the route Dublin Holyhead route allowing Epsilon to develop new markets to the continent for the Irish Economy.
Superfast X will not increase freight capacity which was in itself not a good business decision although it will allow foot passengers more travel options which is a good thing.
Quote from: IFPete on February 24, 2015, 12:41:59 AM
The fact is Irish Ferries took a lot of freight business from Stena by taking in a charter vessel at low risk and operating it on Dubin - Holyhead five days a week. The charter has paid off and the bonus of bringing cars in from France at the weekends has made the discision to bring her to Ireland a good business decision.
We will see in the coming weeks if Irish Ferries go to the well and purchase a modern high capacity vessel to work permanently on the route Dublin Holyhead route allowing Epsilon to develop new markets to the continent for the Irish Economy.
Superfast X will not increase freight capacity which was in itself not a good business decision although it will allow foot passengers more travel options which is a good thing.
Why add more freight capacity - theres already too much on the central corridor! Stena have simply consolidated their peak passenger and freight capacity using 3 ships into 2 ships, with the resulting reduction in costs. Much of the business Epsilon has taken is the growth in the market from the economy improving rather than taken directly from competitors - Stena's numbers while slightly down haven't exactly collapsed, plus there has also been a significant increase on Liverpool-Belfast freight traffic. Time will tell what the next development will be of course, but Stena rarely make poor judgements in these matters. All that is certain is that there will be changes in the future, and not necessarily just amongst IF and Stena. It is often overlooked, but Seatruck and in particular P&O carry large volumes of unaccompanied traffic out of Liverpool.
Really great photos of the Superfast X, she looks splendid and thanks for posting them. I'm sure it's been said before, but it's good that we've got the lack of funnel fin tips to tell her a part from her North Channel Sisters. It's great to see she's on her way to Holyhead now, ETA 26th. Now is the plan to replace the Nordica, who will then cover for the Adventurer, or will the Nordica go North and cover there?
Also does anybody here think Stena will contemplate using the Superfast X to cover for her sisters in future years, which will risk dropping Holyhead route to one ship against Irish Ferries? I personally think yes as they are sister ships, but I am curious for other opinions.
Quote from: mrwtho07 on February 24, 2015, 09:35:24 AM
Really great photos of the Superfast X, she looks splendid and thanks for posting them. I'm sure it's been said before, but it's good that we've got the lack of funnel fin tips to tell her a part from her North Channel Sisters. It's great to see she's on her way to Holyhead now, ETA 26th. Now is the plan to replace the Nordica, who will then cover for the Adventurer, or will the Nordica go North and cover there?
Also does anybody here think Stena will contemplate using the Superfast X to cover for her sisters in future years, which will risk dropping Holyhead route to one ship against Irish Ferries? I personally think yes as they are sister ships, but I am curious for other opinions.
Stena Superfast X would be unsuitable as cover for VII and VIII and she has not had her deck height raised. Stena Nordica is expected up here some time next week I am told.
Quote from: giftgrub on February 18, 2015, 09:34:28 PM
Some more behind the scenes images of the Superfast X rebuild here
http://www.sealink-holyhead.net/#!stena-superfast-x-refit/c1i6h
After reading this, I wonder if it is indeed Captain Richard Davies who is currently enroute with the Superfast X to Holyhead?
some more info on the Superfast X here:
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/first-look-superfast-x-new-8712754
Stena Superfast X is approaching Larne, Due in Holyhead 0530 AM.
Just crossed the path of her sisters run, and nearly met VII. They'd have been visible from each other at this distance
(https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11018902_1078765795471997_1301218969087875135_n.jpg?oh=b26230befb4ce16a453ed77967169119&oe=55807F35)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11002662_1078770318804878_8278608290311786630_n.jpg?oh=07319a0a4b32014de932be92485ac515&oe=558EB610&__gda__=1434156079_9cb567568cc34bf90b125959b63a9ddf)
Something not to be repeated for a while at least - all 3 Superfast sisters within a few miles of each other.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11014879_1078772345471342_2578940095472770101_n.jpg?oh=3927594dc206aba4b70b5c18d2f63fc8&oe=5586153D&__gda__=1434987629_1984b4ad5940930e4c56e098054ce798)
A fairly unique event, it's a pity itdidn't happen in daylight to allow somebody to get a few pictures (Stephen ;)).
However, the AIS shows it clearly. :) :) :)
Could have been arranged for daylight as Superfast X has been making its way very slowly today from Scotland down the coast, Stena marketing probably missed a trick, as would have been easy to have all three sailing together for a photo shoot and would not have delayed passengers on VII and VIII too much.
Would have looked good
It could still happen at some time in the future, perhaps in Belfast Lough
Quote from: IFPete on February 25, 2015, 09:59:06 PM
It could still happen at some time in the future, perhaps in Belfast Lough
Hopefully, though once in service it will not be until refit time they will get the chance to have them meet up. Looking forward to seeing it in Dublin bay in a few days time, should look good coming into Dublin port.
Doesn't surprise me really! in the past, there have been a few occasions when all 3 HSS sisters were together in Belfast. That would have been a fantastic shot in it's day, if they'd have been bothered to set it up.
Easier and cheaper to do a photoshop of it I would imagine! Theres also the problem of having such large vessels sailing close together I suppose.
She looks to have been put through her paces on the way anyway, there was some weaving action going on last night. No point in them putting the foot down to arrive early I guess. If it had been likely to happen in daylight, its fair to say a few of us would have been onboard whatever sister left Belfast!
So who's going to be first to book a trip on her and post a voyage report then? ;)
Not long now, she should easily make the morning arrival time.
(https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11033156_1078868222128421_4327416326126152626_n.jpg?oh=4d83cb47b9b71679be12cbc94dda42e7&oe=554B86CB)
Does anybody have any pictures of Stena Superfast X at Holyhead?
The first pictures at Holyhead have appeared on Facebook (hope these work, if not they are on the "Ferries and Ships of the Irish Sea" group.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1578061645803274&set=pcb.565055133597342&type=1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1578061645803274&set=pcb.565055133597342&type=1&theater)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205830723788393&set=oa.565033526932836&type=1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10205830723788393&set=oa.565033526932836&type=1&theater)
No, the links aren't working. Do you have the link to the ferries group you mentioned? I can't seem to find it when I search it through Google.
As we all know now, Stena Superfast X has arrived safe and sound at Holyhead. She had berthing trials at Holyhead this morning following Nordica's 9am departure, and will do crew training/familiarisation, then MCA and joint EU drills at Holyhead over the next few days before she does anything else (including making her way to Dublin). I'd say we are looking at her making her Dublin debut some time next week.
I have posted a link to some pics of her on Facebook in my post above for those interested.
Quote from: LiverpoolIrishLiam on February 26, 2015, 03:08:27 PM
No, the links aren't working. Do you have the link to the ferries group you mentioned? I can't seem to find it when I search it through Google.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Ferriesirish/
You need to be a member of the group to access IIRC. If you decide to join send me a pm on here with your Facebook name, as I'm an admin and will approve your membership request instantly instead of vetting you first ;).
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/stena-lines-superfast-x-sails-8727913
Some pictures of the Superfast X in Holyhead this morning.
Quote from: Ajmadden123 on February 26, 2015, 08:22:23 PM
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/stena-lines-superfast-x-sails-8727913
Some pictures of the Superfast X in Holyhead this morning.
"It can travel at 30.4 knots (56.30 km/h) - slower than the 40 knots that the Stena Explorer, which was recently removed from the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire route, could hit.
The ship will do the route over the Irish Sea in three hours and 15 minutes."Probably explains why the "Making Good Time" logo is missing! :D
Superfast X is scheduled to arrive in Dublin Port on the 3rd March at 23.15.
From Dublin Ports arrivals
(http://i57.tinypic.com/m7asya.jpg)
Quote from: Ajmadden123 on February 26, 2015, 08:22:23 PM
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/stena-lines-superfast-x-sails-8727913
Some pictures of the Superfast X in Holyhead this morning.
Thanks for the link to the pics. I was hoping that the refit would see the removal of the 'lip' at the top of the bow, which I think was fitted for the Calais upper linkspan. The VII and VIII don't have it. Anybody know why it's still there? At least the dreaded cow catcher has gone.
Matt
Quote from: Davy Jones on February 26, 2015, 09:41:45 PM
Quote from: Ajmadden123 on February 26, 2015, 08:22:23 PM
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/stena-lines-superfast-x-sails-8727913
Some pictures of the Superfast X in Holyhead this morning.
"It can travel at 30.4 knots (56.30 km/h) - slower than the 40 knots that the Stena Explorer, which was recently removed from the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire route, could hit.
The ship will do the route over the Irish Sea in three hours and 15 minutes."
Probably explains why the "Making Good Time" logo is missing! :D
If she can do 30.4 knots why not use that speed and give the journeys to Dublin and Holyhead better service at speed and reduce the crossing times. HSS was proabably traveling at this speed over the last couple years in service so you could expect the Superfast to do the route in about 2hrs 15/30 minutes. 3 hrs 15 minutes that same as the Adventurer and she travels the route at 21 knots you would expect a superfast to travel faster than a slow boat.
Don't think Superfast can do 30 knots anymore, props were changed in drydock for more fuel efficient ones for running at 21/22 knots on two engines, the former max speed was with four engines burning fuel, the major reason for failure of HSS was fuel burn, hence lower speed and props optimised for the lower speed.
Quote from: Andrew White on February 27, 2015, 07:20:42 PM
Quote from: Davy Jones on February 26, 2015, 09:41:45 PM
Quote from: Ajmadden123 on February 26, 2015, 08:22:23 PM
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/stena-lines-superfast-x-sails-8727913
Some pictures of the Superfast X in Holyhead this morning.
"It can travel at 30.4 knots (56.30 km/h) - slower than the 40 knots that the Stena Explorer, which was recently removed from the Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire route, could hit.
The ship will do the route over the Irish Sea in three hours and 15 minutes."
Probably explains why the "Making Good Time" logo is missing! :D
If she can do 30.4 knots why not use that speed and give the journeys to Dublin and Holyhead better service at speed and reduce the crossing times. HSS was proabably traveling at this speed over the last couple years in service so you could expect the Superfast to do the route in about 2hrs 15/30 minutes. 3 hrs 15 minutes that same as the Adventurer and she travels the route at 21 knots you would expect a superfast to travel faster than a slow boat.
Fuel burn. In their original guise, these were not very efficient ships - hence the modifications. Changing the prop's has made them even more efficient than just reducing engine power alone. 30.4kts was flat out giving it everything, service speed was more like 28 IIRC. The relationship between fuel consumption and speed is not linear - You could easily be looking at double the fuel burn for that extra 7 or 8 knots. People need to let go of the Superfast thing. The industry has changed, and the way things are going in 5-10 years there will be no fast craft in our waters at all (apart maybe from the services with a subsidised monopoly) unless there is a significant development in technology from present. 20-22 knots is still good speed - Cambria managed 19.5 all out IIRC. Yes its not much different, but then are jet aircraft going any faster than they where 20 years ago? Like airlines the industry has changed from a race for speed to maximising capacity/efficiency.
Making good time is being removed from all the ships AFAIK. It made sense in Swedish, but didn't translate that well.
Quote from: Steven on February 27, 2015, 09:13:30 PM
People need to let go of the Superfast thing.
Yes, I agree! - but that includes Stena who should have come up with a less poxy and more realistic Stena-type name. I can understand the retention of the names on VII and VIII as they are chartered vessels. X is a Stena ship and should have a Stena name. As for us, we are rapidly forgetting the "Superfast" thing already, and referring to the vessels just by their numbers - good job Peugeot and BMW don't make ships.
I couldn't agree more. I was under the impression that the X would be called Stena Endeavour and I don't see why the VII and VIII can't revert to Stena Caledonia and Stena Galloway.
Matt
Images of the Stena Superfast X arrival in Holyhead here at the bottom of the page
http://www.sealink-holyhead.net/#!stena-superfast-x/cy12
The vast majority of people won't care what the ship is called. No matter what the name, somebody will find fault. Its a brand name (just as HSS was), and a very successful one on the North Channel to boot.
Stena Superfast X still has not come to Dublin,
Its getting a bit tight now for entry into service on 9th March 2014,
What is causing the delay.
On the way should be in Dublin at around 9 this morning, finally
According to Dublinport.ie, leaving at 12 mid day.
More info on Superfast X here
http://www.stenaline.ie/sfx-10
Looks quite different onboard from the North channel pair
Some images of the Superfast X leaving Dublin port earlier today posted on FLICKR
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lizinitaly/16752678921/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lizinitaly/16727956136/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lizinitaly/16131541634/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lizinitaly/16567736929/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gm_076/16133390093/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gm_076/16727434466/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/gm_076/16753319465/in/photostream/
https://www.flickr.com/search/?text=stena%20superfast%20x
Here you go first view inside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M5lCbj-L7F0&feature=youtu.be
Superfast X officially launches on Holyhead-Dublin route...
http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business/business-news/superfast-x-officially-launches-holyhead-dublin-8821734
Internal and external pics of Stena Superfast X, courtesy of Scott Mackey. Pics are of course copyright Scott Mackey and shouldn't be used without credit (and permission if publishing elsewhere!)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/sets/72157650849385067/
What's the verdict on the SFXs first month in service? Is it doing what Stena wanted? What are forward bookings looking like compared with last summer? What's the feedback from passengers like? Roughly in what proportion are the 150,000 HSS passengers from last year dividing themselves amongst the other ships?
Quote from: Fast Ferry Fan on April 06, 2015, 11:03:50 PM
What's the verdict on the SFXs first month in service? Is it doing what Stena wanted? What are forward bookings looking like compared with last summer? What's the feedback from passengers like? Roughly in what proportion are the 150,000 HSS passengers from last year dividing themselves amongst the other ships?
No idea at present, but the verdict is largely that she needs to improve her reliability. It hasn't been a very good month for her tbh, with elements of her refit being finished in service and some reliability issues. She's taken a couple of bumps as well. Stena aren't a public company and so don't need to release any information. Likewise it is too early to get information from industry sources either.
Justin Merrigan has posted some pics of the conversion when it was underway in Gdynia (taken by Capt. Richard Davies) to his site.
http://www.sealink-holyhead.net/#!stena-superfast-x-refit/c1i6h
Well, has anybody else been on the Superfast X, what do you think?
Been on a return trip on the Superfast x today so thought I'll let you know how I got on.
Got up at 06:00 then drove via Bangor to Hokyhead. Morrisons closed at 07:30 so went to Tesco to stock up on food and stuff as much cheaper than on board!
As I was a bit early thought about going to the newsagents in Holyhead who sell Cruise and ferry review-but hey, thought I could spend my £7.50 better elsewhere, and this magazine is usually out of date and never has much news people don't know anyway!
Parking at Holyhead costs £3.50 so parked opposite the Travelodge near the port for free only a 10 minute walk,!
Waited a bit for check in to open but went through problem free, but when I followed the sign up to the terminal you used to board for the HSS I was told to veer left to a dark and gloomy part of the building with seated to wait for the footie bus. Nothing at all on the wall and nobody explained what was happening.
As time went by it was obvious that tbe footie bus would be boarding last so about 20 minutes before sailing time I was onboard. The bus would wait on the ship. There was no announcement to explain properly that footies needed to board the same bus to get off the ship in Dublin! Why.?
I boarded via the cafeteria and there were only a few tables, obviously far too small. Superfast left on time and arrived more or less on time in Dublim.
Initial thoughts
Cafeteria too small
Wifi a disgrace about time Stena sorted this out or pay compensation. Could not log on for simple things.
No outside deck seating
Crew on deck smoking
Only 2 small decks for passengers
Stena plus takes half of one deck and very expensive
Corridors and stairs small and narrow
Layout not logical
No announcements re facilities closing and opening.
No forward views
Superfast is basically seafrance moliere with re laminated flooring and recovered seating
Despite busy outward sailing areas cordoned off - NOt GOZoD eNOZuGH
No charging points for laptops or phones - unacceptable
Arrived in Dublin and walked toe Irish ferries terminal and back to Stena. Boarded for return journey, sailing very full, full upper car deck and loads of coaches. No seating in cafeteria and choice of food poor. Had to sit in truckers lounge -again unacceptable.
No announcements for cinema this time - no idea why!!!!
Departed on time and arrived on time though a bit slow discharging.
One hour before arrival went to cafeteria hit food still there but told by person at door now closing, didn't,t want me to come in and buy food even though hot good still available.
I adored why close one hour before arrival and no announcements and no opening times outside and told well they just do!
Quite rankle this was totally unacceptable.
All in all Superfadt x is ok but not very Superfast but still far from perfect.
As a stop gap replacement for Stena Mordica ok, but not to replace 2 ships!
Obviously ndot built or adapted for Tourette and this shows!
Stena adventurer also suffers from not being purpose built.
If Irish ferries replaced Epsilon with a decent ship they would definitely be the better option.
There was nothing waw or memorable about Superfast x and Superfadt vIi and vIi are in my opinion are better.
I thought was the Superfast x better than St Columba in her days , and to be honest, not really!!
So Stena get a proper purpose built ferry, and upgrade wifi and customer service.
I left Holyheadon the a55 driving back the 1.5 hours to Dolgellau feeling a bit overwhelmed. I thought yeah she was ok but could definitely be much better. A bit like Porthmadog Tesco I thought, dies the job but not great by any means and I have no affinity or loyalty to the product.
Anyway be good to see what others think.
By the way Stena Explorer was on the berth inHo,the ad with name and Stena logo. What a waste of money I thought😉all that investment in port facilities only to return to what Stena should have
E done in 1996 - replace Stena Hibernia and Cambria with larger more luxurious ferries.
I think port manager CAptain Ian Davies is a bit over the top in his video on the Stena website when he extols the so called virtue of Superfadt x.
However, on a positive note I have to say that Stena customer services has been very good when I e nail the with questions.
Looking forward to any other Duperfast x trip reports
Arrived D
Thanks Bangor aye for a good report on the stena superfast x.as you say the fact that she is doing the job of two ships (hss+nordica) I just feel the passanger accommodation and facility's on her are just not big enough. She is going to be very busy in the summer, and will be booked out a lot. And there is nothing worse than being on a ship which is full of queuing and few spaces to sit.
Always interesting to read a review of a ship but suggesting you deserve compensation for poor Wifi is rather ridiculous.
Quote from: PaddyL on May 29, 2015, 03:51:03 PM
Always interesting to read a review of a ship but suggesting you deserve compensation for poor Wifi is rather ridiculous.
Free WiFi at that!!!
I think what Bangor aye meant was ,that Stena are promoting the wi fi onboard as a fantastic thing , but what you get is a system that is so slow it's just not worth wasting time on , Stena would be better off bringing in either a faster system ,where you pay extra for , but at least works ok .that way people would know if you want good wifi u pay extra for it.
The best thing for anyone to do is. If there anything customers are not happy about the Stena superfast X. Why not write things down on the suggestion paper and past or put it in the suggestion box on the ferry if there is one. As the Stena superfast X has only been in service for 3 mouths. Surely the staff knows there is going to be things that passingers are not going to be happy about.
The wifi provided by Stena is terrible. When I travelled on the HSS two years ago it was abysmal. Things have not improved on the Superfast x.
I do not expect to be able to play windows, but basic connection to send e mail or check timetables would be expected. Other people were complaining also.
I spent most of my crossing trying to connect and couldn't. This is unacceptable.
Stena advertise free wifi is available. If the said a free sandwich is available and there wasn't or it was inedible you would expect to be compensated for this.
I have travelled on coaches in rural Poland where wifi has been available, not perfect but far far better than Stena.
By the way I filled comments for, in the watpy out and back and hope to hear from Stena soon.
I'm not saying Superfadt x is rubbish, but apart from being bigger than say Dtena a Navigator or as arena Caakedonia ai don't think that antpy progress has been made and I feel she will e busy during the Summer which is a problem wiypth no outside seating.
All in all I ask again save for increased freight and car capacity, in what way is she better than Stena Hibernia ST Columba - in none I am afraid. In actual fact there was better choice of food and catering on that ferry.
Pas they say in Welsh mid da ole gellir well. Being ok is not good enough where there is better.
Stena please look again at your Holyhead offeting
You are right in so far as Stena are being foolish to boast of free Wifi when it is so poor. P&O at Larne charge a small fee for their WiFi but it is far more reliable than Stena at Belfast. Compensation is wrong though as legally you will find your contract covers the ferry crossing and excludes Stena having a duty to provide anything else. Complain to advertising standards authority though as you could say it is misleading advertising.
About catering, I thought it was ok on Superfast X and had a nice meal in Stena Plus but I seen many people bringing sandwiches and drinks onboard so maybe onboard sales are poor and Stena can't justify the range of outlets that used to be on the Stena Hibernia or HSS. I would agree that I think the self service will have problems coping on a busy day.
What did you eat in cafeteria?
Wi if is unacceptable and Stena needs to sort it out.
I only had coffee and a packet of biscuits in the cafeteria. I couldn't see any sandwiches there and the hot food wasblimited.
Satena Line are reporting the cancellatioin of Stena Superfast sialings later today and transfer to the Adventurer.
Why can the Adventurer sial and not SUoperfast? I do not understand.
Irish ferries have a 100% record with Ulysses. Why not SUperfast?
THis ship is starting to look disappointing in more thna one area. >:( :(http://www.irish-ferries-enthusiasts.com/forum/Smileys/default/angry
Quote from: Bangor aye on June 01, 2015, 12:17:21 AM
Wi if is unacceptable and Stena needs to sort it out.
What people don't seem to understand with ships Wi-Fi is that it's via a Satellite so will never have the performance of your home internet.
Added to that there is a few hundred people all trying to use the limited bandwidth at the same time.
How would your home broadband work if a 1000 people were all using your account at the same time??
Not sure what's going on with this ship it was obviously rushed into service. This afternoons sailing cancelled due to the weather however at 15.30 the ship is off the coast of Dalkey presumably freeing up the berth for the incoming adventurer and taking the scenic route. The biggest issue for freight drivers is the lack of berths available apparently less than on Nordica. Disgruntled freight drivers will be more of an issue for Stena than us ordinary passengers not being happy with either their pathetic wi-fi or poor food selection.
Quote from: MAKman on June 01, 2015, 02:25:16 PM
Quote from: Bangor aye on June 01, 2015, 12:17:21 AM
Wi if is unacceptable and Stena needs to sort it out.
What people don't seem to understand with ships Wi-Fi is that it's via a Satellite so will never have the performance of your home internet.
Added to that there is a few hundred people all trying to use the limited bandwidth at the same time.
How would your home broadband work if a 1000 people were all using your account at the same time??
This is why free WiFi is a silly idea on ships. Unless you absolutely chuck money at it, it's difficult to provide a quality service if loads of people are using it.
P&O European Endavour a much smaller ship than Stena super fast x 22,000tns to stena superfast x at 30,000tns, and she has left Dublin port in last 20 mins for her trip to Liverpool so it must be something more to do than weather conditions that's the problem with superfast x,even the wee Ben my chree is en route to Douglas. Do Stena only have one berth available to them in Dublin port, .I am sure it's at times like this that Stena can look back at the facalaties they once had in Dunlaoghaire , back in the mid 1990s there was often 3 Stena ships berthed in dunlaoghaire at the same time. With it being the bank holiday Monday ,I would imagine this afternoons sailing would have been quite busy.
That must be what's happening No berth available for her. Swift hasn't sailed Ulysses is due in so that's 49 and 51A full Epsilon is on Ocean Pier 37 and Adventurer is berthing right now at 51. Superfast X may have to stay out circling the bay until Adventurer makes her evening departure.
If superfast can circle Dublin Bay then why not make her sailing to Holyhead. Sounds like the wrong ship for the route to me!!.
Whatever criticisms may, or many not, be levied at the ship's conversion, no one has ever seriously expressed any doubts about the abilities of this class or the Superfast V and VI which share the same hull design, to handle rough weather.
Just had a look at the Irish Sea weather data and in all fairness to the superfast , there was a 21foot wave at the M2Buoy this evening , which is a pretty big wave, the Endavour has battled her way across and is still about 30 minutes at least west of Holyhead port at present and she has been on the go well over 4and a half hours. So I think Stena made a good call with all the weather data they were given. As for the superfast a handy afternoon and evening for her crew anchored off dun laoghaire, eating their dinner enjoying a lovely panorama of Dublin bay ,
The Belfast ships sail in most conditions so maybe there is some technical issue why they would prefer to avoid bad weather.
I've heard of ships not sailing in bad weather due to stabiliser or thruster issues.
Stena say she was cancelled because of weather but most other sailings ran ok, so what's the reason.?
Regarding the wifi then if they advertise free wifi it should be available for all pax use. If ship capacity is 1000 it should cope with 1000. Pax.
It would cost but it's possible shriek to have more than be link.
If Stena want to attract traffic from low cost carriers free wifi is needed as a must.
Totally shocked Superfast has not enough cabins for fright drivers.
Seems to me that this ferry needs to be replace soon with a purpose built.
PAs for the Stenaadventurer I never understood her layout- a closed globetrotter a downstairs which I believe is now open. Also a Metropolitan upstairs.
Reading over the last number of post here, I just want to make a few points
1. The decision whether to sail or not will ultimately rest with the master. Perhaps a decision not to sail was taken due to compromising the comfort of those onboard?
2. As stated above, Wifi onboard ships is never going to be very fast. Put it this way, would your TV reception work very well if your aerial was constantly bobbing up and down?? To Stena's credit, at least they don't charge for the service (unlike some). As for having enough bandwidth for 1000 passengers, many land connections would struggle to cope with 1000 people simultaneously! Stena do provide free wifi - they do not however provide free broadband internet access, which I suspect is what is being expected here.
3.
Quote from: Stena explorer on June 01, 2015, 05:01:04 PM
P&O European Endavour a much smaller ship than Stena super fast x 22,000tns to stena superfast x at 30,000tns, and she has left Dublin port in last 20 mins for her trip to Liverpool so it must be something more to do than weather conditions that's the problem with superfast x,even the wee Ben my chree is en route to Douglas. Do Stena only have one berth available to them in Dublin port, .I am sure it's at times like this that Stena can look back at the facalaties they once had in Dunlaoghaire , back in the mid 1990s there was often 3 Stena ships berthed in dunlaoghaire at the same time. With it being the bank holiday Monday ,I would imagine this afternoons sailing would have been quite busy.
Docking in the enclosed lock system of Liverpool is a very different proposition to docking in Holyhead (and that is just one example of a variable you have not taken into account). Last time I looked, Douglas was quite a bit north of Holyhead, and also facing the opposite way, so again not like for like - a modern vessel can take a heck of a pounding in open sea, the issues increase dramatically though when trying to dock. As for Dun Laoghaire, they couldn't even fit one of the current vessels in there - vehicle capacity wise, one of the current vessels carries more than those 3 ships put together. I doubt that issues with Dublin Port caused the cancellation.
4. As PaddyL says, the Belfast pair sail in most (all but the worst) conditions. Either a decision has been taken locally not to sail due to it being perceived as being too risky/conditions being unacceptable for the passengers or cargo, or there is some sort of technical issue. The design can take a lot being thrown at it, and has proven itself on the North Channel. As for a purpose built ship, if ordered today it wouldn't appear for 4 years plus.
Quote from: Bangor aye on June 01, 2015, 10:58:52 PM
Regarding the wifi then if they advertise free wifi it should be available for all pax use. If ship capacity is 1000 it should cope with 1000. Pax.
I used to work for a company that provided Satellite broadband. If you had any grasp of how it technically works (or the insane cost involved), basically, the signal has to go 22,000 miles into space, then travel via the normal fiber optic network, and return to earth. There will always be a few seconds lag.
Quote from: Kieran on June 02, 2015, 07:57:48 AM
Quote from: Bangor aye on June 01, 2015, 10:58:52 PM
Regarding the wifi then if they advertise free wifi it should be available for all pax use. If ship capacity is 1000 it should cope with 1000. Pax.
I used to work for a company that provided Satellite broadband. If you had any grasp of how it technically works (or the insane cost involved), basically, the signal has to go 22,000 miles into space, then travel via the normal fiber optic network, and return to earth. There will always be a few seconds lag.
And I imagine pretty darn costly!
Passengers do not take decisions based on free Wifi, but price yet to provide high quality wifi to all passengers would put up the cost of travel, this is just silly really! Most people don't really NEED Wifi, whatever happened to reading a book, enjoying the sea air or just having a pint of Ireland's finest? Even a businessman can be away from his emails for the hour and a half or so of no connection to 3G.
As I said before, the only Wifi on a ferry that works well is that on P&O's Cairnryan ships, it's free to Club Class passengers and only £3 to everyone else. I'd rather pay a meagre £3 and have good Wifi than have free poor quality Wifi, though as I say you really can live without wifi. Most people just want it to look up Facebook or Twitter!
Have been on Superfast X a good few times now so thought a reply was needed.....
quote author=Bangor aye
Cafeteria too small - agreed
Wifi a disgrace about time Stena sorted this out or pay compensation. Could not log on for simple things - only works well in port
No outside deck seating - plenty on deck 7 at the rear of the ship
Crew on deck smoking - maybe at end of shift?
Only 2 small decks for passengers - ever been on Nordica?
Stena plus takes half of one deck and very expensive - I would say one quarter
Corridors and stairs small and narrow - Corridors are, but stairs are not
Layout not logical - it is strange
No announcements re facilities closing and opening - agreed
No forward views - only in Stena plus
No charging points for laptops or phones - unacceptable - I have used charging points on deck 8
No announcements for cinema this time - no idea why!!!! - agreed and dont know why
Departed on time and arrived on time though a bit slow discharging - especially if on car deck two
Stena adventurer also suffers from not being purpose built - I prefer Stena Adventurer
If Irish ferries replaced Epsilon with a decent ship they would definitely be the better option - I am sure we will see IOI very soon at Holyhead
After all of this, I still wish the Explorer was still running!!
Was just looking back at stenaline advertising from last February with regards to the Stena Super fast X arrival,in Dublin.. It went as follows,,,,,, ""Momentous Occasion""Greatness awaits ,,A great change is coming,,The Irish Sea as we know it will never be the same again,, You know It reminds me of the last general election 2011 when Eamon gilmores Labour Party, promised so much , but in the end ,most of it,turned out to be a lot of hot air.
Wee article in Sea Breezes this month about Stena's three Superfast's for anyone interested
http://www.seabreezes.co.im/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1820:transforming-the-irish-sea&catid=38:companies&Itemid=60
Good article on the three Stena super fasts ,anyone know what is their current maximum speed they are capable of doing.another observation I have made is that the superfast when she was in the Dfds two tone colours looked much bigger than in the all white current colour,
Quote from: Stena explorer on June 21, 2015, 08:09:04 PM
Good article on the three Stena super fasts ,anyone know what is their current maximum speed they are capable of doing.another observation I have made is that the superfast when she was in the Dfds two tone colours looked much bigger than in the all white current colour,
Don't know what they are capable of, but on at least one occasion VII or VIII has pushed 25 knots when making time.
Superfast X can do 23 knots but usually stays around 21 knots
Quote from: MVW85 on June 24, 2015, 04:35:17 AM
Superfast X can do 23 knots but usually stays around 21 knots
I believe she is still able to do 29kts if required, just like her sisters ;)
Quote from: Steven on June 24, 2015, 01:50:01 PM
I believe she is still able to do 29kts if required, just like her sisters ;)
Did the propeller change that the Stena Superfasts all receive not trade top speed for fuel efficiency? ISTR it was 29kts on the old props, but somewhat lower on the new...
I travelled back from Holyhead last night on Stena Superfast X at 2030 PM,
The ship looks in great shape with most of the interior refurbishment now complete.
The ship incorporates a lot of lessons learned from Superfast VII and Superfast VIII and
is configured with more cabins instead of lounge space due to the longer length of the route,
The Deck plan is also inverted in many respects to accomodate the changes.
Deck 7 FWD end had an enlarged Stena Plus lounge almost twice as big as the northern twins with is own kitchen for cooking and serving food. Fried food is prepared in the main ships Galley.
The shop is behind the Stena Plus lounge with normal lounge space either side.
Behind this area on the port side is the reception area - bureau de change.
Midships on the port side is a Truckers lounge with a bar area on the starboard side.
Aft of deck 7 either side are two cinemas.
At the Aft end of Deck 8 is the self service cafe with lots of open seating. Self Service coffee machine.
Fwd of Deck 8 on port side and Fwd is where most of the cabins are based with VIP Cabins FWD and behind these on starboard side is a lounge with interactive games equipment.
The ship also has a kids play area on port side on deck 7.
Deck 9 is for crew quarters and on deck 10 there are two cabins forward of the spa area which is currently undergoing refurbishment
The toilets have standard doors with bright wood paneling unlike the north twins with their fancy sliding doors and associated issues in rough weather.
A disabled toilet will be installed beside the reception area on the port side in the coming weeks.
We drove onto deck 5 which was gleaming in white paint with proper fire proof paint on the floors and everything as it should be.
The ship had a load of 100 cars and was had a moderate loading of trucks.
It did not appear very full inside and there was plenty of space for passangers.
The Shop and Bureau De Change closed half way though the voyage due to the low passenger numbers.
Stena Superfast X is now taking coaches on day sailings due to the passenger capacity which Stena Nordica could not cope with.
The ship midweek is underutilized with passenger and cars and busy at weekends.
Quote from: maehara on June 24, 2015, 04:08:40 PM
Quote from: Steven on June 24, 2015, 01:50:01 PM
I believe she is still able to do 29kts if required, just like her sisters ;)
Did the propeller change that the Stena Superfasts all receive not trade top speed for fuel efficiency? ISTR it was 29kts on the old props, but somewhat lower on the new...
It appears not. 25kts has been achieved on the North Channel, and I believe that wasn't at max power.
Quote from: Steven on June 26, 2015, 04:04:21 PM
Quote from: maehara on June 24, 2015, 04:08:40 PM
Quote from: Steven on June 24, 2015, 01:50:01 PM
I believe she is still able to do 29kts if required, just like her sisters ;)
Did the propeller change that the Stena Superfasts all receive not trade top speed for fuel efficiency? ISTR it was 29kts on the old props, but somewhat lower on the new...
It appears not. 25kts has been achieved on the North Channel, and I believe that wasn't at max power.
Just thought I should add, that the original propellers where also designed to operate in very different conditions. The original propellers where designed to operate in the frozen baltic sea. That requirement has now gone, so no need in having a sub-optimal propeller shape any more.
Of course, the top speed is theoretical as it stands. Until they try to run them flat out (not likely any time soon), we won't know. In the original sea trials they actually exceeded 30 knots.
I would imagine they could get about 30 - 32 knots. I'd be very surprised if they could go any quicker. Just as a comparison, P&O's Express Incat HSC has a top speed of 42 knots, (a much smaller vessel), designed more for speed, than moving large numbers of freight and cars. Still though, 30 knots is good going for a vessel of that size, and weight. The bow is good design.
European Highlander and European Causeway have operated at round 23 knots before. Ironically around the time of the introduction of the Superfasts. You could say it was P&O's way of trying to compete on the time factor. Funny enough in a promotional video, P&O boasted their Larne - Cairnryan was 'still' the quickest and most frequent route on the Irish Sea.
Quote from: TC on June 27, 2015, 07:27:41 PM
I would imagine they could get about 30 - 32 knots. I'd be very surprised if they could go any quicker. Just as a comparison, P&O's Express Incat HSC has a top speed of 42 knots, (a much smaller vessel), designed more for speed, than moving large numbers of freight and cars. Still though, 30 knots is good going for a vessel of that size, and weight. The bow is good design.
European Highlander and European Causeway have operated at round 23 knots before. Ironically around the time of the introduction of the Superfasts. You could say it was P&O's way of trying to compete on the time factor. Funny enough in a promotional video, P&O boasted their Larne - Cairnryan was 'still' the quickest and most frequent route on the Irish Sea.
It is, but only because it is a much shorter crossing distance wise. In reality, the time difference is around 20 minutes, but both operators could do it quicker if they wanted/needed to. Likewise with the central corridor. P&O cross at around 18kts on the North Corridor, Stena 20-22 kts. Bouquets' latest Incat Francisco can attain some 51.8 knots, or a light ship speed of 58 knots! She is gas turbine powered (2 LM2500's - same as the main engines in the HSS) though - I wouldn't like to be paying the fuel bill!!
Any idea Steven what will happen with the engines from either HSS Explorer & HSS Voyager? I would imagine they are all still in pretty good condition, and still have plenty of life still left in them. When you think some of the old Sealink and Townsend Thoresen (P&O)vessels are still plodding on at 30 - 40 years of age, the HSS's are still fairly youthful. The whole prospect and design of the HSS's is still pretty amazing, and to this day I would say the HSS is still the smoothest of all the HSC vessels. Unfortunately, like the SRN4 Hovercrafts, profits and loss all come into play.
Quote from: TC on June 28, 2015, 01:18:10 AM
Any idea Steven what will happen with the engines from either HSS Explorer & HSS Voyager? I would imagine they are all still in pretty good condition, and still have plenty of life still left in them. When you think some of the old Sealink and Townsend Thoresen (P&O)vessels are still plodding on at 30 - 40 years of age, the HSS's are still fairly youthful. The whole prospect and design of the HSS's is still pretty amazing, and to this day I would say the HSS is still the smoothest of all the HSC vessels. Unfortunately, like the SRN4 Hovercrafts, profits and loss all come into play.
Explorer's engines I believe require major and very expensive work
They will proply be worth more in piece parts than it is worth overhauling the engines for further use.
I've not seen it run over 22.5 knots since its been in operation. She's a very thirsty ship indeed
Quote from: MVW85 on June 30, 2015, 07:13:10 PM
I've not seen it run over 22.5 knots since its been in operation. She's a very thirsty ship indeed
That she is, which is why they won't push her unless they really have to!
Glad to hear the Superfast X settling in well into the route, I'm sure she'll be a great asset for Stena Line.
reliability is a lot better now and also not half as late leaving and arriving so much better
Some pictures, taken earlier today, added to Scott Mackey's flickr page
https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottmackey/albums/72157650849385067
Last Friday, I traveled on the Superfast X from Dublin. As we were departing, I noticed a Tug along side. I presume it was to stop us from been blown against the Swift as we were coming out from the berth, As soon as the ship was straight, the Tug left.
I have never seen this before when leaving Dublin Port.
This is quite normal when you have strong winds/rough sea, it has happened when I have been onboard, normal with Adventurer too.
Traveled on Stena Superfast X unexpectedly last night , was to return by Stena Europe which was cancelled due to adverse weather and as I had a critically ill passenger was diverted to Holyhead , as always Stena Line staff were a joy to deal with and they could not have done more to accommodate us , I have to say I was very impressed with Stena Superfast X , so far as I can see it has settled down very well onto the route and Stena have done a great job reversing the damage SeaFrance did to its interior , all in all I would give the ship the full 10 out of 10 even though we had howling gales and strong swells outside giving us a bit of a bumpy crossing.
Quote from: Collision-course on January 27, 2016, 03:47:54 PM
Traveled on Stena Superfast X unexpectedly last night , was to return by Stena Europe which was cancelled due to adverse weather and as I had a critically ill passenger was diverted to Holyhead , as always Stena Line staff were a joy to deal with and they could not have done more to accommodate us , I have to say I was very impressed with Stena Superfast X , so far as I can see it has settled down very well onto the route and Stena have done a great job reversing the damage SeaFrance did to its interior , all in all I would give the ship the full 10 out of 10 even though we had howling gales and strong swells outside giving us a bit of a bumpy crossing.
Nice to hear some positive feedback on her. I'll get a chance to sample her in the next few weeks myself and be able to compare her directly to her sisters. Im sure there will be positives and negatives of course.
I think it is the Stena Superfast X birthday on the D-H route, 1 year and counting...
Nice SFX video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AAT2dGpQzU
Stena Superfast X still docking in Dublin stern first. Does she have bow door issues and when is it expected a repair wiĺl take place.
Quote from: St Columba on March 05, 2018, 11:17:30 PM
Stena Superfast X still docking in Dublin stern first. Does she have bow door issues and when is it expected a repair wiĺl take place.
Yes, I believe she was due to go off for repairs at the weekend but this has been postponed due to the weather.
Quote from: St Columba on March 05, 2018, 11:17:30 PM
Stena Superfast X still docking in Dublin stern first. Does she have bow door issues and when is it expected a repair wiĺl take place.
Crew posted its to do with the bow ramp on Facebook. I imagine they'll get her in as soon as practicable as it's a far from ideal situation to be running her as a stern loader. Especially with Adventurer coming off service as well.