Dublin Port is set to welcome its newest addition as Stena Estrid is on its way home in the Irish sea.
Stena Line's new ship is currently on undertaking the six week journey from AVIC Weihai Shipyard in China to Dublin.
The 1,000 passenger ferry will begin service early next year, the Irish Mirror reports.
A further two of the new ferries are also destined for the Irish Sea with Stena Edda expected to start sailing from Belfast to Liverpool next spring, and a third vessel Stena Embla to be introduced on the same route in early 2021.
Stena Line’s Technical Operations Director Bjarne Koitrand and Stena Estrid’s Senior Master Matthew Lynch and crew officially took ownership of the vessel.
Mr Koitrand said: “Today has been six years in the planning and we are delighted to finally take ownership of the first of our five new ships.
“With the new crew now in place, they can start the long journey to the Irish Sea, where Stena Estrid will make her new home serving customers between Dublin and Holyhead.”
Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson added: “Taking ownership of Stena Estrid is a major milestone for Stena Line and is the result of a very significant investment in our Irish Sea operations that reflects our commitment to the region and will ultimately see three of the world’s most modern ferries operating between Ireland and Britain.
“Stena Estrid will provide a more environmentally sustainable way to travel with more efficient loading and unloading operations, increased freight capacity and the best Scandinavian quality, style and design in our facilities.”
