Stena RoRo has announced the delivery of its latest vessel, the Saint-Malo, marking the eleventh ship in the E-Flexer series. This environmentally conscious ferry was constructed at the CMI Jinling shipyard in Weihai, China, and will soon join Brittany Ferries’ fleet under a long-term charter agreement.
The Saint-Malo is scheduled to commence service on the Portsmouth to Saint-Malo route in February 2025, replacing the Bretagne, which has been in operation since 1987. The ferry is currently making its way to Europe and is expected to arrive at its home port by the end of the year.
As with the previous four E-Flexer ships delivered to Brittany Ferries, the Saint-Malo boasts cutting-edge multi-fuel engines and the largest battery-hybrid system on the market, capable of 12 MWh. This innovative technology enables the ferry to operate solely on battery power while manoeuvring in and out of port, significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
The vessel is also fitted with a shore connection that provides 8 MW for high-speed battery charging, ensuring a completely fossil-free stay while docked. When operating on batteries alone, the Saint-Malo can reach speeds of up to 17.5 knots.
Designed by Figura Arkitekter AB, the ferry’s modern interior reflects the aesthetics of the Brittany region, featuring over 380 passenger cabins, making it the E-Flexer ship with the highest cabin capacity. Its engines can run on marine diesel (MGO), liquefied natural gas (LNG), biodiesel, or biogas, providing flexibility in fuel choice.
The scalability of the PTI/PTO system allows the Saint-Malo to adapt to future energy requirements, potentially operating entirely on battery power or a combination of various fuels.
Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo AB, expressed pride in the delivery of the Saint-Malo, noting that the E-Flexer series has evolved to meet current and future environmental standards. “Our innovative battery hybrid system means that the ship can operate optimally in line with regulatory developments or according to the operator’s own policies,” he said.
The charter agreement with Brittany Ferries spans ten years, with an option to purchase after four years. The five E-Flexer vessels ordered by the company aim to modernise its fleet of cargo and passenger ships, with the first vessel, Galicia, delivered in autumn 2020.
Stena RoRo has committed to building a total of 15 E-Flexer vessels and two New Max RoRo vessels at the CMI Jinling shipyard, with eleven vessels now delivered. The specifications of the Saint-Malo include a length of 240 metres, a draught of 6.4 metres, and a breadth of 27.8 metres, with a capacity for 1,290 passengers and 3,320 cargo metres.
As the maritime industry pivots towards sustainability, the Saint-Malo represents a significant step forward in environmentally friendly ferry design and operation.