Stena RoRo Charters Ice-Class Ferry for Canada's Vital Atlantic Route

GOTHENBURG, Sweden – January 06, 2026 – Swedish shipping leader Stena RoRo has finalized a five-year charter agreement with Marine Atlantic Inc., a Canadian Crown Corporation, for the RoPax ferry 'A Nepita'. The vessel is slated to join Marine Atlantic's fleet in the fall of 2026, reinforcing a service that acts as a critical lifeline between the island of Newfoundland and mainland Canada.

The deal secures a modern, capable vessel for what Stena RoRo's CEO, Per Westling, described as "one of the most demanding ferry services in the world." Before entering service, the ship will undergo significant customization to meet the specific operational needs of the challenging North Atlantic routes.

A Critical Lifeline in Demanding Waters

Marine Atlantic provides an essential public service, operating the only year-round, drive-on ferry connection to the island of Newfoundland. The primary route between North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, is a 96-nautical-mile journey across the Cabot Strait—a waterway notorious for severe weather and significant sea ice during the winter months. The reliability of this service is paramount, directly impacting the flow of goods, commercial transport, and passenger travel for the entire province.

In recent years, Marine Atlantic has faced the dual challenges of managing an aging fleet and addressing a growing demand for capacity. The 'A Nepita' is designated to replace the MV Leif Ericson, a vessel built in 1991, representing a significant modernization effort. The move comes after a market survey conducted by the Canadian corporation in 2025 revealed a pressing need for additional tonnage to avoid a capacity crunch, particularly during the peak summer tourism season and for year-round commercial freight.

The decision to charter, rather than purchase or commission a new build, allows Marine Atlantic to address these capacity needs swiftly. Building a new vessel with the required specifications would take several years, whereas this charter agreement provides a near-term solution, ensuring service continuity and stability.

The Right Ship for a Tough Job

The 'A Nepita', built in 2002 and formerly known as 'Superfast X', is particularly well-suited for the rigors of the Cabot Strait. Its most crucial feature is an Ice Class 1A rating, the highest classification for commercial vessels operating in icy conditions, making it capable of navigating the thick sea ice that can choke the strait in winter. This feature is a fundamental requirement for any vessel tasked with maintaining year-round service on the route.

Beyond its ice-strengthened hull, the ship's design incorporates superior maneuverability. It is equipped with three bow thrusters and a stern thruster, providing the captain with enhanced control during berthing operations in the often-windy conditions of Port aux Basques and North Sydney, as well as navigating through ice fields. With a length of over 203 meters, the vessel offers substantial capacity, designed to carry approximately 1,200 passengers and offering 1,920 lane meters for a mix of commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. This capacity is comparable to other modern vessels in the Marine Atlantic fleet, allowing for seamless integration into its scheduling and logistics.

Interestingly, this class of vessel is not new to Marine Atlantic. A sister ship, the 'Superfast IX', was previously chartered by the corporation from 2008 to 2024 and operated successfully as the MV Atlantic Vision, proving the design's suitability and reliability on these very routes.

Customization and Strategic Expertise

Before the 'A Nepita' begins its Canadian service, it will undergo an extensive customization and refit period. Stena RoRo will oversee modifications to the ship-to-shore ramp arrangements to ensure perfect compatibility with Marine Atlantic's port infrastructure. The vessel, currently operating in the Mediterranean for French operator Corsica Linea, will also be repainted in Marine Atlantic's livery and undergo a comprehensive five-year preventive maintenance program to ensure peak operational readiness from day one.

This process highlights Stena RoRo's specialized business model, which the company calls "Stenability." It focuses on leveraging deep technical expertise to adapt and optimize existing vessels for tailor-made transport solutions. "We are pleased to be able to offer such a suitable ship to Marine Atlantic, which we will adapt and optimize for one of the most demanding ferry services in the world," said Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo AB.

For Stena RoRo, this long-term charter is a significant strategic achievement. It reinforces the company's position as a global leader in the RoRo and RoPax charter market, particularly for complex operations that require more than a standard, off-the-shelf vessel. The deal adds a high-profile contract to its portfolio of approximately fifteen leased vessels worldwide.

Bolstering Regional Economy and Service Reliability

The announcement has been met with positive reception in Atlantic Canada, where the ferry service is a cornerstone of the regional economy. For Newfoundland and Labrador, the ferries are the primary conduit for everything from groceries and building supplies to manufactured goods. The tourism industry, a vital economic driver, is also heavily dependent on the capacity and reliability of the ferry service to bring visitors to the island.

Organizations such as Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador have lauded the move as positive news for the province's tourism sector. While the 'A Nepita' will not be in service for the peak 2026 summer season, its arrival in the fall is anticipated to increase overall system capacity and reliability moving forward, providing greater confidence for both commercial clients and tourists.

The charter provides a cost-effective and flexible solution for Marine Atlantic, a federal Crown corporation accountable for public funds. It allows the organization to modernize its fleet and enhance service without the massive, multi-year capital expenditure required for a new build. The limited availability of suitable ice-class RoPax vessels on the global charter market underscores the strategic importance of securing the 'A Nepita' when the opportunity arose. The vessel is expected to arrive in Canadian waters during the summer of 2026 for final preparations and crew training before it officially commences its five-year term of service in the fall.