Leading ferry operator, Stena Line, in partnership with Mersey Maritime, welcomed industry peers onboard Stena Embla at 12 Quays Birkenhead, on Monday 15 June for a unique behind-the-scenes event.
‘Onboard with Stena Line’ brought together professionals from across the region, and provided first-hand insight into the company’s operations, strategy and investment across the Irish Sea. The event created a platform to share best practice and address the challenges that are facing many organisations across the maritime industry, such as, decarbonisation, global uncertainty and workforce development.
Following the UK Government’s recent recognition of Stena Line as one of only three ferry operators to achieve Chartered Seafarer status, Scarlett Black, Talent Acquisition Lead, shared further insight into the company as an employer. From the ‘A Life Less Ordinary’ crewing campaign to port apprenticeships and the successful partnership Wirral Met, Scarlett shared how the Stena Line attracts, develops and retains talent.
Attendees were also given a rare ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at the vessel’s systems and operations exploring key areas of the ship, further reinforcing the scale of investment and innovation underpinning Stena Line’s Irish Sea operations.
“Events like this provide an important opportunity to engage with industry partners on key issues and showcase the work taking place across our network,” said Richard James, Stena Line Regional Port Operations Manager. “The UK maritime sector is navigating a period of significant change, and it is important that we make the most of these opportunities to come together and learn from each other.”
Ruth Wood, CEO of Mersey Maritime said: “Mersey Maritime was delighted to partner with Stena Line to bring our members and partners onboard Stena Embla for such a valuable insight into the company’s Irish Sea operations. Events like this demonstrate the strength of collaboration across the sector, while also highlighting the scale of Stena Line’s continued investment in the region, its people and its services. That commitment is helping to drive innovation, support skills development and strengthen the maritime cluster across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.”
Scarlett Black added, “We were delighted that we could offer a genuine insight into life at Stena Line during this unique event. Attracting and retaining talent is critical to our success, and it was great to highlight the opportunities available across our business as well as the people who make it happen every day. Like many of our counterparts in the maritime industry we face increasing challenges in recruiting British seafarers and this offered us the opportunity to come together and share our knowledge.”
Stena Line is one of Europe’s leading ferry operators, renowned for its extensive route network and dedication to innovation, sustainability, and customer service. The company’s Irish Sea operations remain a vital link for both leisure and freight customers, connecting Ireland and Great Britain with reliable, comfortable, and efficient crossings. The company recently announced a substantial investment of approximately £14 million in the ongoing refit and upgrades of its Irish Sea fleet. The investment underscores the company’s commitment to delivering best-in-class service, safety, efficiency and comfort for its customers.
