Recently, the aging vessel “Stena Vision” entered the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar to conduct berthing tests at the ports of Tangier Med and Algeciras. This is part of its preparations for operations on the shipping line for the Moroccan company AML.
This move represents an attempt by the company to replace the “Morocco Sun,” which has been out of service since September.
Questions arise regarding the modernity and effectiveness of the new vessel. The “Stena Vision” is considered outdated, having first entered service in 1987 under the name “Stena Germanica,” with its basic structure dating back to 1982. This makes it one of the oldest vessels still operating in this type of service.
Since its inception, the ship has faced challenges, particularly due to delays in its delivery that led to contractual issues with the Polish shipyard struggling to meet its obligations to the Swedish Stena Group.
The vessel has a gross tonnage of 39,178 tons and a capacity of 33,098 kilowatts, theoretically allowing it to reach speeds of 21 knots. However, given its long operational history, doubts persist about the efficiency of its mechanical and safety systems compared to modern ships.
While AML promotes this step as an upgrade to its fleet, the choice of a vessel over 40 years old is contentious, especially considering safety concerns, high energy consumption, and potentially elevated maintenance costs associated with operating such aging ships.
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