Industry body Mersey Maritime takes delegation of local maritime sector leaders on board a Stena ferry at Birkenhead to learn more about the company’s Irish sea operations. Tony McDonough reports

A delegation of maritime business leaders have taken a behind-the-scenes look at Stena Lines Irish Sea operations.

In an event organised by industry body Mersey Maritime and Stena, the party boarded Stena Embla at the 12 Quays Birkenhead terminal. This vessel makes daily crossings between the Mersey and Belfast along with its sister vessel Stena Edda.

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.

This 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 with Wirral Met College, Scarlett shared how the Stena Line attracts, develops and retains talent.

Attendees were also given a rare 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.”

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Ruth Wood, chief executive of Mersey Maritime, added: “Events such as 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 Liverpool city region and beyond.”