The 26,904gt/2008 built Visentini Ro-Pax Stena Flavia (above) is deputising for near sister, the 27,522gt/2006 built Stena Horizon, 14th January-8th March 2016 before returning to her usual Ventspils services on the Baltic.

The Stena Flavia sailed from the Baltic on 9th January bound for Rosslare. During this time the Stena Horizon will also provide cover at Holyhead for the refit of the Stena adventurer and the afloat refit and Cairnryan-Belfast relief duties of the Stena Superfast X. The Stena Europe is due at A&P Falmouth 16th February-7th March for refit.

The Fishguard-Rosslare route will close during this time, and a space charter is again provided on the Irish Ferries Rosslare-Pembroke dock service, as has become routine in recent years. A Rosslare to Cherbourg crossing of the Stena Horizon hit in adverse weather on 5th January. Restaurant windows were smashed in rough seas and power to some cabins was lost for a time, but the ship arrived safely at her destination.