{{Short description|2000 ferry}}
{{Use dmy dates|date = March 2018}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = MS Superfast VII, Neste Oilin edustalla matkalla Naantaliin Turun Korjaustelakalle, 14.5.2008 (cropped).JPG | image_caption = MS ''Stena Superfast VII'' in November 2011 }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = | name = '''''Stena Superfast VII''''' | owner = *2002–06: [[Superfast Ferries]] *2006–17: Baltic SF VII Ltd ([[Tallink]])<ref name=FoF>{{cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/superfast_VII_2001.htm |title=M/S ''Superfast VII'' (2001) |accessdate=2008-04-02 |last=Asklander |first=Micke |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=sv }}</ref> *2017 onwards: Stena Line<ref name=FoF /> | operator = *2002–06: Superfast Ferries *2006–11: Tallink<ref name=FoF /> *2011 onwards Stena Line<ref name=FoF /> | registry = *2002–06: [[Piraeus]], {{flag|Greece}} *2006–11: [[Paldiski]], {{flag|Estonia}} *2011 onwards: [[Belfast]] {{flag|United Kingdom|civil}}<ref name=FoF /> | route = [[Belfast]]–[[Cairnryan]] | ordered = | builder = [[Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft|HDW]], [[Kiel]], [[Germany]] | original_cost = | yard_number = 357<ref name=FoF /> | way_number = | laid_down = | launched = 18 November 2000<ref name=FoF /> | christened = | completed = | acquired = 8 May 2001<ref name=FoF /> | maiden_voyage = 17 May 2001<ref name=FoF /> | in_service = 17 May 2001<ref name=FoF /> | out_of_service = | identification = *{{IMO Number|9198941}}<ref name=FoF /> *[[Call sign]]: 2EZR3 *{{MMSI|235089435}} | fate = | status = In service | notes = }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = (as built)<ref name=FoF /> | class = ''Superfast VII'' class fast [[ropax]] [[ferry]] | tonnage = *{{GT|30,285}} *{{DWT|5,915|metric}} | length = {{convert|203.90|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|25.00|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|40.00|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | draught = {{convert|6.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | depth = | decks = 10<ref name=Tallink>{{cite web|url=http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/tab2/ships/superfast/technicalInformation/ |title=Tallink Superfast » Technical information |accessdate=2008-04-02 |publisher=Tallink official website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330233021/http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/tab2/ships/superfast/technicalInformation/ |archive-date=2008-03-30 }}</ref> | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = 1 A Super<ref name=Tallink /> | power = *4 × [[Wärtsilä]]-[[Sulzer (manufacturer)|Sulzer]] NSD ZA V40S diesels *combined 46,000 kW | propulsion = *2 propellers *2 bow thrusters *1 stern thruster<ref name=Onnettomuustutkintakeskus>{{cite web|url=http://www.onnettomuustutkinta.fi/uploads/qz40h.pdf |title=MS ''Superfast VII'', pohjakosketus Hangossa 12.11.2004 |accessdate=2008-09-17 |date=2006-05-23 |publisher=Onnettomuustutkintakeskus |language=fi, sv, en |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110614105148/http://www.onnettomuustutkinta.fi/uploads/qz40h.pdf |archive-date=2011-06-14 }}</ref> | speed = {{convert|30.4|kn|2|abbr=on}}<ref name=Tallink /> | capacity = *626 passengers *661 cars *1,920 lane meters | crew = 63<ref name=Onnettomuustutkintakeskus /> | notes = }}
|section4={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = (in Stena Service)<ref name=NIFS>{{cite web|publisher=NI Ferry Site|date=20 February 2014|title=Stena Superfast VII and Stena Superfast VIII|url=http://www.niferrysite.co.uk/?p=9}}</ref> | class = ''Superfast VII'' class fast [[ropax]] [[ferry]] | tonnage = *10769 [[Net Tonnage]] *30285 [[Gross Tonnage]] | displacement = 13315 tonnes (light) | length = {{convert|203.3|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|25|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = | draught = {{convert|6.6|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | depth = {{convert|9.1|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | decks = | deck_clearance = 4.7 m, 5.1 m on central 4 lanes of the upper vehicle deck | ramps = | ice_class = | power = *4 × [[Wärtsilä]]-[[Sulzer (manufacturer)|Sulzer]] NSD ZA V40S main engines producing 11,500 kW each(total {{convert|46000|kW|shp|abbr=on}}), coupled to 2 × 5.2 m KaMeWa propellers via 2 × Schelde dual input single output gearboxes *3 × MAN B&W 8L28/32H, producing a total of 1,848 kW each @ 720 rpm | propulsion = *2 × 5.2 m KaMeWa propellers *3 × 925 kW KaMeWa bow thrusters *1 × 1,350 kW stern thruster<ref name=NIFS /> | speed = {{convert|20|kn|1|abbr=on}} - {{convert|22|kn|1|abbr=on}}<ref name=NIFS /> Consumption: 50 tonnes at slow speed (16 - 18 knots), 75 tonnes at eco speed (19 - 21 knots) | capacity = *1,200 passengers *661 cars or 110 trailers (or a mix of both) *1924 lane metres *5920 [[Deadweight tonnage|Deadweight]] | crew = *65 - 80 (dependent on service requirements) *18 (Minimum Safe Manning) | notes = Entered Stena service along with her sister Stena Superfast VIII on 21/11/2011.<ref name=NIFS /> }} }} '''MS ''Stena Superfast VII''''' is a fast [[Ro-Pax]] [[ferry]] owned by [[Stena Line]] and operated on their service between [[Belfast]] and [[Cairnryan]]. Built in 2001 by [[Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft|Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW)]] in [[Kiel]], [[Germany]] for [[Attica Group]]'s subsidiary [[Superfast Ferries]], The ship was sold to its current owners in 2017.<ref name=FoF />
==Concept and construction==
''Stena Superfast VII'' was the first ship in a series of four ice-classified ropax ferries built by HDW in Kiel for [[Superfast Ferries]]' [[Baltic Sea]] services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.marinelink.com/Story/Attica+Receives+New+Superfast+Ferry-5557.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419161540/http://www.marinelink.com/story/attica%2Breceives%2Bnew%2Bsuperfast%2Bferry-5557.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2012-04-19 |title=Attica Receives New Superfast Ferry |accessdate=2008-09-17 |date=2001-05-09 |work=Marine Link.com |publisher=Maritime Activity Reports, Inc. }}</ref> The ship was ordered in 1998, alongside sister ship {{MS|Superfast VIII}},<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.superfastferry.com/ |title=About Superfast Ferries |accessdate=2008-09-17 |publisher=Superfast Ferries }}</ref> launched from dry dock on 8 November 2000 and was delivered to Superfast Ferries on 8 May 2001.<ref name=FoF />
==Service history==
===2001–06: Superfast Ferries=== Following delivery the ''Superfast VII'' visited [[Rosyth]], [[Scotland]] and [[Helsinki]], [[Finland]] where it was displayed to the public. It inaugurated Superfast Ferries' [[Hanko, Finland|Hanko]] (Finland) – [[Rostock]] (Germany) service on 17 May 2001. On 18 January 2002 a pregnant passenger went into [[Childbirth|labour]] on board while the ''Superfast VII'' was en route from Hanko to Rostock. Taking the ship to [[Karlshamn]], [[Sweden]], where the expecting mother could be taken to a hospital, was considered, but in the end the decision was made to bring a [[midwife]] on board by a [[pilot boat]]. The child had already been born by the time the midwife arrived on board, with the captain's wife assisting in childbirth.<ref name=FoF />
On 12 November 2004 the ''Superfast VII'' was entering Hanko harbour in heavy wind with the help of two [[tug]]s when she was grounded near the Hanko [[Breakwater (structure)|breakwater]] at 19:24 [[Eastern European Time]]. The grounding resulted in no major damage and the ship was able to continue to the harbour soon afterwards. 140 passengers were on board at the time of the incident. Subsequent enquiries revealed the [[safety management system]] instructions provided for the crew by Superfast Ferries had not included instructions for port steering during a storm, which had led to an incorrect estimation of the wind effect and insufficient utilization of the ship's navigational equipment.<ref name=Onnettomuustutkintakeskus /> Following the grounding the ship sailed to [[Turku Repair Yard]] in [[Naantali]], Finland on 14 November 2004 and returned to service after repairs on 27 November 2004.<ref name=FoF />
===2006–11: Tallink=== On 21 March 2006 Superfast Ferries sold their Baltic Sea operations (''Superfast VII'', ''Superfast VIII'' and {{MS|Superfast IX||2}}) to the [[Estonia]]-based [[Tallink]], with the delivery date set for 10 April 2006. According to the agreement Tallink could continue utilising the Superfast brand until the end of 2007 at latest.<ref name=FoF /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aferry.co.uk/news/viewpost.asp?news=94&Lang=UK |title=Sale of ''Superfast VII'', ''VIII'' and ''IX'' to AS Tallink Grupp |accessdate=2008-09-17 |date=2006-04-10 |work=Ferry News |publisher=aferry.to }}</ref> Following delivery to the new owners the ship was moved from Finnish to Estonian registry, and the ship's route changed to Hanko–[[Paldiski]]–Rostock on 17 April 2006.<ref name=FoF /> The route change caused problems however as Estonia was not a member of the [[Schengen Treaty]] (unlike Finland and Germany), and passport control facilities had to be built in all ports.{{Citation needed|date=September 2008}} Already in June of the same year the route reverted to Hanko–Rostock. Around the same time the "Superfast" text on the ship's side was altered into "Superfast operated by Tallink".<ref name=FoF />
The route of the ''Superfast VII'' was changed to [[Helsinki]]–Rostock on 1 January 2007 and Tallinn–Helsinki–Rostock on 14 January 2007. Coinciding with this all remaining Superfast logos on the ships were painted over with Tallink logos, but otherwise the original Superfast livery was maintained.<ref name=FoF /> Due to falling passenger numbers and rising fuel costs the route of ''Superfast VII'' and ''VIII'' reverted to Helsinki–Rostock in late 2008, while the ''Superfast IX'' began a charter to [[Marine Atlantic]] in October 2008.<ref name=HS>{{cite web |url=http://www.hs.fi/talous/artikkeli/Tallink+harkitsee+Superfast-pikalaivojen+vet%C3%A4mist%C3%A4+It%C3%A4merelt%C3%A4/1135237637365 |title=Tallink harkitsee Superfast-pikalaivojen vetämistä Itämereltä |accessdate=2008-09-17 |date=2008-07-23 |work=HS.fi |publisher=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tallink.com/mainMenu/pressRoom/stockExchangeReleases/sr_25042008_sf9_charter.htm |title=Charter of MS ''Superfast IX'' |accessdate=2008-09-17 |date=2008-04-25 |work=Tallink press release |publisher=Tallink Grupp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506095132/http://www.tallink.com/mainMenu/pressRoom/stockExchangeReleases/sr_25042008_sf9_charter.htm |archive-date=2008-05-06 }}</ref> Reportedly Tallink are considering the closure of the entire Tallink Superfast -division.<ref name=HS /> In January 2010, the ''Superfast VII'' and her sister were removed from service and laid up in Tallinn, but they resumed service on the Helsinki-Rostock route at the end of April 2010 and continuing during the summer and autumn season. On 29 and 30 December 2010, ''Superfast VII'' replaced ''[[MS Superstar]]'' on the route Tallinn-Helsinki due to scheduled docking.<ref name=FoF />
===2011 onwards: Stena Line=== In March 2011, Stena Line announced they will be chartering the ''Superfast VII'' and sister ship [[MS Superfast VIII|''Superfast VIII'']]. ''Superfast VII'' and ''Superfast VIII'' commenced operations on 21 November 2011 after major refit by MJM Marine in Remontowa Shipyard in Poland.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=www.remontowa.com.pl|year= 2011|title=Two Stena Line chartered sister ferries come to Remontowa for major refit |url=http://www.remontowa.com.pl/index.php?n=566}}</ref> The vessels now operate between [[Belfast]] and [[Stena Line]]'s new terminal at [[Cairnryan]].<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Stena Line|date=7 March 2011|title=New ships for Scotland - NI service|url=http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/media/news/newships/|access-date=9 March 2011|archive-date=23 July 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723154314/http://www.stenaline.co.uk/ferry/media/news/newships/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In February 2014, Stena renewed the charter of these ships until Autumn 2019. However, Stena decided to purchase both vessels outright for a combined price of €133.5m during 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|last=ERR|date=2017-07-13|title=Tallink to sell two Superfast vessels for €133.5 million|url=https://news.err.ee/607261/tallink-to-sell-two-superfast-vessels-for-133-5-million|access-date=2021-11-04|website=ERR|language=en}}</ref>
== Conversion to day ferries == Before the two ships entered service for Stena Line, an extensive refurbishment and conversion was undertaken, overseen by Stena Ro-Ro and Knud E Hansen, at the Remontowa Shipyard in [[Gdańsk]], [[Poland]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-12-07|title=STENA SUPERFAST VII and STENA SUPERFAST VIII|url=https://www.niferry.co.uk/stena-superfast-vii-stena-superfast-viii/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=The Ferry News and Information Site|language=en-GB}}</ref> This was rumoured at the time to have cost a total of €14M.
As part of this conversion, the free height of the upper vehicle deck (deck 5) was raised to 5.05 m allowing Stena to carry full height freight. This included removing the passenger areas on deck 6, where there were areas such as a bar and a conference room. There still is a blue lift exit on deck 6, which only leads to the stairway.
Both ships also received an additional bow thruster to improve manoeuvrability. This took their complement to three bow thrusters and one stern thruster.
As the new port in Scotland had a TTS automated mooring system installed, the ships were also adapted to work with this by adding three steel bollards on the starboard side bow.<ref name="NIFS" /> The conversion of the vessels and construction of the new port in Scotland were part of a £200m rolling investment in the route between Scotland and Northern Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web|title=New Stena Line Superfast Ship Arrives in Loch Ryan Port|url=https://pressreleases.responsesource.com/news/68609/new-stena-line-superfast-ship-arrives-in-loch-ryan-port/|access-date=2021-11-04|website=ResponseSource Press Release Wire}}</ref> There were also 2 remote controlled arms installed at Belfast Victoria Terminal 4, which attach to the stern of each vessel.
== Incidents == On 6 November 2018, ''Stena Superfast VII'' had a near-miss with a [[Royal Navy Submarine Service|Royal Navy nuclear submarine]] submerged at periscope depth.<ref name="bbc-20190121">{{cite news |date=21 January 2019 |title=Royal Navy nuclear submarine's near miss with ferry |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-tayside-central-46954212 |accessdate=22 January 2019}}</ref> The periscope passed about 50 - 100m off the ships starboard side.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Near miss between ro-ro ferry Stena Superfast VII and Royal Navy submarine |url=https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/near-miss-between-ro-ro-ferry-stena-superfast-vii-and-royal-navy-submarine |access-date=2023-05-12 |website=GOV.UK |language=en}}</ref>
On 19 July 2023, a small fire broke out in an emergency generator room onboard the ''Stena Superfast VII'' while docked in Belfast, as it prepared to sail for the 11.30 crossing from Belfast Harbour to Cairnryan.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-07-19 |title=Emergency services respond as fire breaks out on Stena Line ferry docked in Belfast |language=en-GB |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/emergency-services-respond-as-fire-breaks-out-on-stena-line-ferry-docked-in-belfast/a535560958.html |access-date=2023-07-23 |issn=0307-1235}}</ref> The sailing and all subsequent sailings were cancelled as a result.
== Other information ==
''Stena Superfast VII'' and ''Stena Superfast VIII'' are managed by Northern Marine Management, a Stena owned company.
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category|IMO 9198941}} * [http://www.niferry.co.uk/?p=9 Stena Superfast VII and VIII at NI Ferry Site] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20110719234756/http://www.marinetraffic.com/ais/shipdetails.aspx?MMSI=276647000 Superfast VII at marinetraffic.com]
{{Superfast VII class}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Stena Superfast VII}} [[Category:Ferries of Estonia]] [[Category:Ferries of Finland]] [[Category:Ferries of Northern Ireland]] [[Category:Ferries of the United Kingdom]] [[Category:Ships built in Kiel]] [[Category:2000 ships]] [[Category:Ships of the Stena Line]] [[Category:Superfast VII-class fast ropax ferries|07]]