Stena Line has signed a new deal with Peel Ports to operate their 12 Quays port and ferry terminal in Birkenhead until the beginning of the 22nd Century.
Since 2011, the Swedish company has been providing ferry services to Belfast twice a day. Under the terms of the new agreement, they will continue to operate these services until at least 2100, securing a 77-year extension under the new deal.
The length of the agreement is a testament to the successful partnership between the two companies, which are seeking to deepen their long-term relationship. They have made substantial investments to address the evolving demands of their customers, ensuring that they have ample opportunities to expand. This strategy has proven to be fruitful, as evidenced by the steady growth of trade in Birkenhead over the past 12 years.
Stena Line operates 6 routes and 12 vessels across the region and Birkenhead has been a key focus for investment in recent years. In 2021 and 2022 Stena Line launched two new E-Flexer ferries on their Birkenhead to Belfast service, Stena Edda and Stena Embla. These brand-new state-of-the-art ferries increased passenger and freight capacity on the route to Belfast by a third.
Subsequently, Stena Line has made further investments with the recent purchase of two sites adjacent to the 12 Quays Terminal, to provide additional freight storage for its freight customers as they continue to expand their businesses there.
Niclas Martensson, CEO of Stena Line, said, “After 12 successful years in 12 Quays our business in Birkenhead continues to flourish year after year. This deal is a sign of our long-term commitment to Birkenhead and Peel Ports, with whom we have a very strong partnership. We will continue to make significant investments to increase our services to our customers across the Irish Sea.”
Carl-Johan Hellner, Chief Operating Officer Ports & Terminals said, “This deal signifies the strengthening of our partnership with Peel Ports. We have a long-term commitment to our Irish Sea customers, and together we will continue to provide value and to enable continued growth for their businesses here in Birkenhead and across this very important region for us.”
David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group said, “We have built a highly successful partnership with Stena Line over the years for the developing of services across the Irish Sea, and we are delighted this long-term agreement reaffirms our commitment to enable further investment into Birkenhead and the Mersey cluster.”
The value of the deal has not been disclosed.
Image: (L-R) Carl-Johan Hellner, COO Ports & Terminals of Stena Line and David Huck, Chief Operating Officer, Peel Ports Group
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