MacGregor Conversion Expertise Secures Order from Stena

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has received a contract from Stena North Sea Ltd to convert the 29,800gt RoPax ferry Dieppe Seaways to optimise it for its new route between Dublin and Holyhead in Ireland. The order further strengthens MacGregor's position as the first choice supplier for RoRo conversions and was booked into the second quarter 2014 order intake.

MacGregor's RoRo conversion team is no stranger to the vessel, which will be renamed Stena Superfast X, originally altering the ferry in 2008 to suit new operations across the English Channel. Its present needs dictate a return to the vessel's original design.

"MacGregor's long relationship and close cooperation with Stena RoRo on previous conversion and newbuilding projects secured the order," says Stefan Wide, Director of RoRo Conversion & Port Solutions at MacGregor. "It shows that our customers appreciate our ability to provide solutions for their vessels not only at the newbuilding stage, but also when the vessels are in operation."

MacGregor will supply a complete 'turnkey' delivery of RoRo cargo access equipment which includes the design, hardware and installation of bow doors, a bow ramp, a new watertight door and a stern ramp. The installation will be completed in January 2015.

The contract also included a wide range of feasibility studies to verify the interfaces between the onboard ramps and port-side equipment.

"We work closely with customers during all stages of a project to find the best technical and cost-efficient solutions to suit each individual vessel, both on board and at the port interface," adds Mr Wide.