Over fifteen years ago they were hailed as being to the ferry industry 'what the jet plane was to aviation in the era of propeller aircraft'. Now, final preparations are underway for the departure from Belfast of the HSS 'Stena Voyager' on a one-way passage to the breakers.
The second of the three HSS 1500 fast craft, the 'Stena Voyager' and her sisters 'Stena Explorer' and 'Stena Discovery' took much of their technology from the world of aviation. The vessel series featured the maritime versions of gas turbines, fuelled by a light diesel oil with low sulphur content.
When the HSS started operating in 1996, oil was just USD18 a barrel. Fuel costs rose by 600 per cent since the introduction of the 'Stena Voyager', forcing reductions in speed and, consequently, slower running became the norm. Eventually, in November 2011, the craft was withdrawn from service.
With the earlier sale of the third HSS 'Stena Discovery' to Venezuela, this leaves the 'Stena Explorer' as the remaining craft in service. Her employment at Holyhead is reduced to just one round trip a day, down from a peak of five, on a seasonal basis.
The 'Stena Voyager's bunker tanks have been drained and she has been stripped of parts, equipment and furnishings for possible use in her remaining Stena sister. Departure under tow is expected in the coming days.
Justin Merrigan
