STENA LINE INVESTS £200M IN NEW SCOTTISH PORT
Stena Line today announced investment details of approximately £200m in a new ferry port facility at Loch Ryan in Scotland. A 28 acre site two miles north of Cairnryan has been chosen to locate the facility which will be constructed to accommodate a mix of travel and freight customers all year round. The investment also includes the addition of two large modern ferries when the port becomes fully operational on its Irish Sea service to Belfast Port.
Construction work at the new port is anticipated to take approximately 20 months creating over 900 jobs and will be completed by Autumn 2011. A Harbour Empowerment Order (HEO) to allow the creation of the new port has just been approved by the Scottish Parliament. The new port facility represents the first in a number of projects across Scotland which have been assigned National Project status by the Scottish Government and will half the time it currently takes to turn vessels around.
Speaking at the announcement hosted by Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond, Dan Sten Olsson, Chairman of Stena Line outlined the importance of the development to the future prosperity of Scotland. He said: “Today is a historic day for the people of Scotland and indeed Northern Ireland. The investment we have announced will provide Scotland with a first class port facility which underlines and enhances the port’s prominence as the third largest gateway in the UK. The link between Scotland and Northern Ireland provides a huge number of benefits for both countries. Tourism and freight business betweenScotland and Northern Ireland has seen significant growth in recent years and despite the current difficult trading conditions, we are confident that an investment of this magnitude will pay dividends over the medium to long term. We believe that working in partnership with the Scottish Government and their counterparts in Northern Ireland we will have state-of-the-art facilities that everyone can be proud of.”
Speaking at the announcement, First Minister Alex Salmond said: “This new development will safeguard and create 1,400 jobs and trigger significant investment in Dumfries and Galloway. I am delighted to welcome the decision to approve this project and Stena Line’s commitment and continuing contribution to the Scottish economy. The relocation of the port to the new Loch Ryan Port will also aid tourism with faster crossings between Scotland and Northern Ireland and help the regeneration of Stranraer as a major marine leisure area. This is a significant day for transport and investment in Scotland, and today’s announcements highlight the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to working with investors to support jobs and the economy and to keep Scotland moving.”
Northern Ireland’s First Minister, Peter Robinson, applauded the investment.
He said: “Today’s announcement is a further demonstration of Stena Line’s commitment to enhancing and developing the vital transport link between Scotland and Northern Ireland. These new facilities coupled with the opening of a new terminal in Belfast in 2008 means that the link between Scotland and Northern Ireland is as secure and as vibrant as it has ever been.”
And Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said: “This cross channel link is vital to the health of both of our economies. Stena Line’s continued investment is a significant indication in their belief that this route continues to be viable and profitable.”
Northern Ireland’s Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, welcomed the major investment, too. He said: “The link across the North Channel is of great importance both to Scotland and to the North of Ireland. “The creation of this new Loch Ryan Port will complement the modern facilities already in place at the Port ofBelfast and help to strengthen further our transport links with Scotland. This announcement is good news for our respective economies. The new facility will assist the efficient transport of freight, will facilitate tourism and will benefit the great number of people visiting friends and relatives or travelling to sporting events
In 2008, Stena Line opened a new £37m port facility in Belfast harbour, which First Minister Salmond attended. Stena Line is the largest operator on the Irish Sea offering the biggest fleet and route choice between Britain and Ireland. Route choices for travel and freight customers include Stranraer -Belfast, Fleetwood-Larne, Holyhead-Dun Laoghaire/Dublin Port and Fishguard-Rosslare. Each year Stena Line carries over 400 000 freight units on the Irish Sea and approximately three million passengers, which is more than its rival ferry operators combined. 1.16 million of these travel between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
SAIL WITH STENA LINE IN 2010
Great value New Year fares released
Leading ferry company Stena Line has new 2010 fares on sale now. For customers who want the best deal for travel in 2010 the message is simple: book early and book online! With a choice of three different fare and product types - Economy - Flexi - Premium - choosing the right fare for your journey couldn't be easier!
In 2010 customers who book online 28 days before departure can travel from as little as £69 single for a car plus driver on Stena Line's Stranraer - Belfast route. With the flexibility of being able take the car on the new Stena Navigator, Stena HSS or conventional ferry, it has never been easier to visit Belfast!
For the best deals, travel must be booked at least 28 days before departure and fares are valid from January 6th, 2010. Additional adult passengers can travel from just £20 single and children can go from just £10 single. To book, click on www.stenaline.co.uk, call 08447 70 70 70 or visit your local travel agent.
GET A TASTE OF THE CONTINENT ON A DAY TRIP TO BELFAST
Sail with Stena Line from just £15* per adult
Leading ferry company Stena Line is offering Scottish shoppers the chance to enjoy the sweet, spicy aroma of mulled wine, freshly baked waffles and roasted chestnuts by sailing to one of Belfast's major seasonal attractions, the Continental Christmas Market.
The grounds of Belfast City Hall will come alive with dozens of market stalls offering a stunning range of crafts, food and decorations from across Europe, and beyond, to delight the Christmas shopper seeking original gifts.
From just £15 for adults and £10 for children Stena Line passengers can take a day return from Stranraer to Belfast daily from 17th November – 19th December 2009 and stock up on all sorts of wonderful festive goodies.
For more information or to book simply click on www.stenaline.co.uk/daytrip, call 08705 70 70 70 (£2 service fee will apply to phone bookings) or see your travel agent.
IT’S A GHOULISHLY GREAT HALF TERM DEAL FROM STENA LINE
Take the family to Ireland from £50!
It's always a treat to get away so why not take advantage of Stena Line’s great value offer to Belfast this half term.
The
leading ferry company is offering a ghoulishly great half term deal as
customers can travel by car to Belfast from Stranraer from only £50* day
return for a car plus four.
A fun packed half term starts onboard the Stena HSS where there is something
for all the family! Mum can relax in New York City Nails, while dad can take
a well earned break in the Barista Coffee House. The younger kids can play
in the Curious George themed play area, while older kids can take advantage
of Teen Town with the latest in video games and internet stations.
By taking the car you can set your own itinerary to discover Ireland as you
wish and pack the most into your break.
With such a great deal from Stena Line there are no tricks, just great
family treats this Halloween.
To find out more or make a booking, click on www.stenaline.co.uk, call 08705 204 204 or contact your local travel agent.
Leading ferry company Stena Line has announced details of a new addition to its Northern Corridor fleet. From early November the company will introduce a third ship, the Stena Navigator, on its Stranraer-Belfast route.
The vessel will cater for both passenger and freight traffic with a capacity of up to 1,500 passengers and up to 280 cars or 50 lorries. The addition of the vessel and an onboard upgrade programme that’s currently under way inBelfast Port represents a total investment in the route of over £6m.
Stena Navigator will be substantially upgraded and creates an opportunity to introduce a new cruiseferry concept. With substantial passenger areas and expanded free wifi and free movies, the ship will offer a new travelling experience.
The introduction of the Stena Navigator will expand Stena Line’s current fleet of the HSS Stena Voyager and Stena Caledonia and provides the company with an opportunity to make a number of changes to its existing timetable which better reflect the needs of its customer base. It means Stena Line can now offer up to 14 crossings on the route each day.
Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Stranraer-Belfast Route Manager, said: “The introduction of the Stena Navigator will give us the opportunity to provide our customers with an increased number of travel and timetable options. The additional capacity on the route will also enable us to expand in time for what we hope will be a more buoyant 2010.
“While trading conditions remain challenging, Stena Line is confident about the future and is putting the necessary investment in place to ensure that it can leverage a competitive advantage when the economic upturn arrives. We will announce details of our revised timetable over the next few weeks.”
Over the last 10 years Stena Line has invested over £100m in its Northern Corridor route including the opening of a new £37m terminal at Belfast Portlast June. At present a planning application to the Scottish Government to establish a similar facility to the north of Cairnryan is under consideration.
SAIL AND SURF WITH STENA LINE
Ride the waves of the North Coast from just £59*
Scottish surfers can make a break to Northern Ireland this year to test the waves of the NorthCoast with Stena Line - the North Coast is home to nine beaches of various difficulty ratings making a visit well worthwhile
But there’s no need for surfers to splash out for the perfect break as Stena Line customers can pack it all in, from their wet suit to their surf board and travel by car on the HSS and onto stay in the 3* Premier Travel Inn, in Coleraine on a bed and breakfast basis from as little as £59* per person per night.
From Downhill Magillian to Ballycastle Beach there is plenty of choice for the keen surfer and with the beautiful scenery and interesting attractions, the day won’t end when the tide goes out.
For more information on this offer, visit www.stenaline.com, call 08705 74 74 74 or visit your local travel agent.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: For further information, please contact Stephanie Campbell of Duffy Rafferty Communications (DRC) on 02890 730880.
GOLF ON THE GREENS OF THE EMERALD ISLE
Stena Line offers luxurious golfing breaks from only £195*
Golfing enthusiasts will be thrilled to read the great deals being offered by Stena Line this season, for breaks to some of Ireland’s award-winning courses.
From just £195* per person you could find yourself teeing-off on the courses at Kildare’s Carton House, or from £239** per person reenact the Irish Open on the Mariott Druids Glen Resort in Wicklow. Price includes two rounds of golf, two nights accommodation in a 4 or 5 star hotel, full Irish breakfast each morning and return Stena Line ferry travel with your car from Stranraer.
Both Resorts own two great courses giving you a different golfing experience each day of your stay. However, this Stena Line deal is offering more than just golf as the lavish resorts also boast comfortable rooms, a tasty choice of restaurants and superb spas to help you unwind after an exhilarating day on the fairways.
For more information and to book your Irish golf break, call 028 9751 1232 or e-mailjonathan@irishgolfbreaks.co.uk. Visit www.stenaline.co.uk to discover other great offers available.
ENJOY A SUPER STENA LINE STAG OR HEN PARTY IN BELFAST
Great value breaks from just £89pp!
Stena Line has launched a fantastic hotel offer which is perfect for those wanting to enjoy a great value stag or hen weekend in the Emerald Isle!
From just £89* per adult stags and hens can travel by rail from Glasgow to Stranraer, sail across to Belfast onboard the luxury Stena HSS and enjoy one night B&B accommodation in a 3 star hotel in Belfast. Anyone who wants their last weekend of freedom to go on a little longer can enjoy an additional night stay from only £39 per person.
Belfast is a lively, year-round festival city with loads for any stag or hen to see and do.
Enjoy an action packed day of pole dancing lessons in one of the dance studios in the city centre, try your hand at paint balling or indulge in some retail therapy at Victoria Centre, home to some of the world's coolest stores and biggest brands.
Those looking to do something a little less energetic during the day can relax and enjoy a pint of the black stuff in Robinsons bar or work through the extensive cocktail menu at The Merchant hotel, The Apartment or Café Vaudeville.
Boasting a vast variety of restaurants, numerous traditional bars and an influx of trendy new clubs including Ollie’s, the Pot House and Yellow , Belfast always has something on in the evening to entertain even the fussiest stag or hen.
PAMPER YOURSELF ON A STENA LINE BREAK
With the children back at school, busy mums and dads can relax after a summer entertaining the little ones and treat themselves to a pampering break with Stena Line.
From as little as £115* per adult Stena Line customers can travel via car and enjoy an overnight stay, including breakfast at The Radisson Hotel in Limavady. Those who want to stay a little longer can pay just £50 per person for an additional night.
The Radisson Hotel, Limavady is located to the east of Londonderry with beautiful sandy beaches nearby. The hotel boasts fantastic leisure facilities including its own golf course an up market spa.
Open 7-days a week, The Roe Spa is one of the most popular spas in Northern Ireland and is the ideal place to relax, unwind and forget about the stresses of the world outside. With specially commissioned equipment and signature treatments the spa offers a uniquely affordable experience set in an atmosphere of peace, elegance and charm.
* Terms and conditions apply. This offer is valid for travel from 30 August – 18 December. Weekend supplements may apply.
For further information click on www.stenaline.co.uk, call 08704 006 700 or visit your local travel agent.
ENJOY A DAY AT THE ZOO THIS SUMMER WITH STENA LINE
Day trips to Belfast Zoo from only £30 per adult
Scottish families can give their children a treat this summer with a fantastic day away to Belfast’s award winning zoo.
Customers can make the short journey across the Irish Sea on the Stena HSS on any Tuesday or Thursday this summer and spend the day at Belfast Zoo, famous for its beautifully landscaped parkland with spectacular views over Belfast Lough.
From just £30 per adult day trippers can enjoy the huge variety of animals on display many of which are rare or endangered including Barbary lions, Malayan tapirs and the Madagascan fossa. The zoo also celebrated the arrival of 2 new elephants in January 2009.
This fare includes return travel on the Stena HSS from Stranraer to Belfast, coach transfers and admission to Belfast Zoo. Children (4-15 years) can travel for £22.
For more information or to book call 08705 70 70 70, log on to www.stenaline.co.uk/daytrip or visit your local travel agent.
LUXURY SPRING SHOPPING WITH STENA LINE
Get in style for summer from just £15* per adult
Stena Line is providing great value summer day trips to Belfast so customers can take the chance to visit the city’s latest shopping haven, Victoria Square.
From just £15* passengers can travel from Stranraer on the 09:50HSS and shop ‘til they drop in Belfast before sailing back on either the 17:05hrs or 22:35hrs crossing.
It takes just 120 minutes on board the luxury Stena HSS to reach Belfast,
home to the £400m shopping centre that opened just over a year ago
increasing Belfast’s city centre shops by one third and bringing the UK’s
biggest House of Fraser store among its 98 designer and high street shops,
as well as a range of restaurants, bars and cafés.
Those who want the convenience of packing all those shopping bags into their car can travel from only £50* for a car + up to four passengers and just £10* for each additional passenger.
For more information or to book your Day Trip to Belfast log on to www.stenaline.co.uk/daytrip, call 08705 70 70 70 or visit your local travel agent.
* Subject to date chosen for travel. Terms and conditions apply.
SUMMER MADNESS WITH STENA LINE
Sail away on one of TEN great value day trips to Northern Ireland
With the summer holidays almost upon us, Stena Line, has compiled a list of TEN top day trip hot spots customers can sail to in Northern Ireland to help them beat the boredom and spend the perfect summer day away:
These Stena Line day trips range from as little as £15* per adult for a trip to visit Belfast any day to £50* for a car plus four to head to Belfast any Tuesday - Wednesday throughout the summer to take a full day to explore the history and culture of Belfast and even indulge in a little retail therapy. A car plus four fare of £100 is available to those travelling on Thursday - Monday.
Customers who want to take a scenic day trip out of the city centre can head away to the Antrim Coast, Giants Causeway or the Mountains of Mourne from only £32* per adult and family fun at Belfast Zoo starts at only £30* per adult and £22* for children.
To find out more or to make a booking, click on www.stenaline.co.uk/daytrip, call 08705 70 70 70 or contact your local travel agent or Tourist Information Centre.
ENJOY A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT WITH STENA LINE
Sail to the Balmoral Show from just £35 per adult
For a fun-filled family day out with a difference look no further than Stena Line as the leading ferry company offers customers the chance to sail to the Balmoral Show in Belfast.
Ireland’s largest annual agricultural show is the perfect day out for old and young alike, combining the best of Northern Ireland livestock with agricultural equipment and machinery displays, not to forget over 400 trade stands and opportunities for visitors to hold, stroke and even feed baby farm animals at the Children’s Farm.
Back by popular demand will be live master classes with celebrity chef Jenny Bristow, an appearance from Titan the Robot, who took up residence at last year's event, roaming the Showgrounds treating amazed onlookers to a quick one liner and the rodeo bull, a firm favourite for those with nerves of steel who like to entertain an audience.
The show runs from May 13th-15th. Prices start from just £35 per adult, £25 for students and £19 for children (2-11 years old) and travel from Stranraer at 0950 arriving in Belfast at 11:50, return coach transfers and admission to the show are included in the price. Return from Belfast is at 22:35.
EGGS-ELLENT EASTER OFFERS FROM STENA LINE
Sail away on one of FIVE cracking Easter getaways to Ireland
WITH the holidays upon us leading Ferry Company Stena Line has pulled together a list of five top holiday hot spots to help customers in Scotland beat the boredom and sail away on their perfect getaway to Ireland this Easter.
· Enjoy a day out to Belfast including return fast ferry crossing and an open top sightseeing tour of the city for only £28 per person - http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/day-trips/daytrip-belfast-city-sightseeing-tour
· Drive off to Ireland and explore this Easter from only £89 single for car + driver - www.stenaline.co.uk
· Make the most of a two night city break in Belfast from only £69 per person per night sharing, including 3* city-centre hotel accommodation and return Stena Line ferry travel with your car from Stranraer. Plus up to two kids go free! - www.stenaline.co.uk/belfast
· Take off with a family break to the 4* Hilton Templepatrick Hotel & Country Club, just 25 minutes drive from Belfast, from only £145 per adult sharing for a 2 night break including return travel with your car and the kids go free! -http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/accommodation/hotel-breaks-ireland
· Tee off with a 5 star golfing break to the K-Club, home of the 2006 Ryder Cup. For only £235 per person sharing, based on 4 travelling, you will tee off with two rounds of golf (one on each course including the actual Ryder Cup course), one night’s accommodation, full Irish breakfast and return Stena Line fast-ferry travel with your car from Stranraer. Spa option available for non-golfers! - http://www.irishgolfbreaks.co.uk/destinations/kildare/k-club
STRANRAER TO BELFAST FROM JUST £80*
Stena Line has new 2009 fares on sale now.
For customers who want the best deal for travel in
2009 the message is simple, just book early and book online! With a choice of three different fare and product types - Economy - Flexi - Premium - choosing the right fare for your journey couldn't be easier!
In 2009 customers who book online 28 days before departure can travel from as little as £69* single for a car plus driver on Stena Line's Stranraer - Belfast route. With the flexibility of being able take the car, it has never been easier to visit Belfast!
SHIP THE KIDS BACK TO UNIVERSITY FOR FREE WITH A FESTIVE OFFER FROM STENA LINE!
With the Christmas celebrations getting underway Stena Line is bringing extra sparkle to the festive season by offering parents the chance to ship their kids back to university for FREE!
Parents who book early can travel from Stranraer to Belfast by car from only £69* single for a car and driver and take their student, their friends and all their belongings back to university for FREE!
This means you can pack in all the washing that they brought back after first semester and all their new Christmas goodies and drive them safely back to their university destination without any baggage restrictions.
To find out more or to make a booking, click on www.stenaline.co.uk/student, call 08705 74 74 74 or contact your local travel agent.
Shop-a-holics in Scotland wanting to get great presents for their loved ones this Christmas should check out Stena Line’s overnight shopping breaks by rail to Belfast. From just £80* per person you can travel from Stranraer to Belfast on the Stena HSS, and indulge in some serious retail therapy in the city before spending the night in a city centre hotel suchThe Premier Inn, situated just 5 minutes walk from the city centre.
* Price per person based on two people travelling and staying in the three hotel and valid for travel up to December 19th.