Contact of the roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry Stena Estrid
On January 7, 2026, at 0750 UTC, the Stena Estrid, a roll-on/roll-off passenger (RoPax) ferry, encountered an unprotected turning fender while docking at Terminal 3 in Holyhead Port, Wales. The ferry was on its regular route from Dublin, Ireland, when it made contact, resulting in significant damage to its hull. The incident caused approximately 500 tonnes of water to flood into the starboard engine room and an adjacent void space. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 157 individuals on board, which included 91 passengers and 66 crew members.
The crew acted swiftly to manage the situation, shoring up the hull below the waterline and pumping out the flooded areas. They also transferred ballast to create a port list, raising the damaged sections above the waterline. After stabilizing the vessel, Stena Estrid successfully completed its berthing process, allowing for the disembarkation of passengers and unloading of vehicles without significant delays. Holyhead Port was temporarily closed to ferry traffic but reopened later that evening after a damage assessment confirmed no significant harm to the jetty.
Findings from the Incident
The preliminary assessment revealed several critical factors contributing to the incident. Holyhead Port had a history of ferry-related incidents, including two previous collisions in May and December 2025. In July 2025, the Holyhead Port Authority had issued a Local Notice to Mariners, advising against the use of the turning fender involved in the incident. Despite this warning, the master of Stena Estrid was unable to avoid the fender due to unexpected circumstances, including strong westerly winds and the vessel’s rapid approach to the jetty.
Conflicting communications between the Stena Estrid and the tugboat further complicated the situation. The tug’s effectiveness was limited due to its positioning on the ferry’s port aft quarter, which could have exacerbated the impact if it had attempted to pull the vessel further to port. An inspection of the turning fender revealed sharp protrusions and the absence of a rubber fender structure, which the crew had not previously been aware of, highlighting potential safety concerns.
Actions Taken and Future Improvements
In response to the incident, Stena Line Limited has implemented several measures to enhance safety and operational protocols. The company has reviewed and reduced the operating parameters for all ferries at Holyhead Port and requested the Holyhead Harbour Authority to inspect and repair the damaged fendering at Terminal 3. Additionally, a memo was issued to all deck officers emphasizing the importance of accurately reporting distances during mooring operations.
Stena Line Ports Limited has also undertaken a comprehensive restructuring of its UK harbour authorities, appointing new personnel to improve oversight. They have removed the sharp protrusions from the turning fender and initiated a project to enhance the resilience of both terminals at Holyhead Port, scheduled for completion by October 2026. Planned improvements include installing new anodes, replacing deficient fenders, and renewing mooring dolphins. Following these actions and the planned upgrades, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has closed its investigation into the incident.
