“Stena Britannica”, one of the largest ferries in the world

In Northern Europe, where large ferries have a strong presence, lies the vessel “Stena Britannica”, which, along with its twin “Stena Hollandica”, is one of the largest in the world. It is slightly surpassed in length by the vessel “Stena Scandinavica”, after two lengthening operations, although it has less tonnage and capacity than this one. The passenger capacity is not as significant, which is 1,200 – of which 540 are in cabins – as the 5,500 linear meters of rolling cargo in its garage, which gives us an idea of its spaciousness.

In the photo by Captain Eduardo González Luis, we see the vessel “Stena Britannica” photographed today at the port of Rotterdam, from the bridge of the vessel “Superfast Baleares”. The Stena terminal is not very large and is located in Hoek van Holland, at the entrance via the Nieuw Waterweg canal, about 15 miles from the central hub. The gates close in case of a sea level rise of three meters above high tide. It is not very comfortable for passengers, but the shipping company saves more than an hour on each maneuver.

Construction number 164 from the Wadan shipyard in Wismar (Germany), it entered service in September 2010. It was ordered in November 2006 and, launched in June 2009, the bankruptcy of the shipyard jeopardized the outfitting of the gigantic vessel, which forced Stena to negotiate to ensure its completion within the stipulated time.

Weighing 63,600 gross tons and 11,600 deadweight tons, it measures 240 m in total length, 32 m in beam, and 6.40 m in draft. It is powered by four MAN engines, two of the 8L48/60CR model and two of the 6L48/60CR model, which together provide a power of 33,600 kW over two shafts and variable pitch propellers, allowing it to maintain a speed of 22 knots. IMO Code 9419175.

Photo: Eduardo González Luis