Horsa - Stena Horsa
Built for Sealink's Folkestone services in 1972 the Horsa was transferred to the Irish Sea in March 1990, initially to replace the chartered Lady of Mann which was maintaining the Holyhead - Dun Laoghaire service in place of a fire-damaged St Columba.
On 23rd May 1990 the Horsa reintroduced a seasonal two ship passenger service on the Dun Laoghaire run. She was a most popular addition to the route and to give her an Irish Sea 'feel' many of her lounges were named after Welsh and Irish towns and regions.
Having finished her summer season on 5th September the Horsa took up the Fishguard - Rosslare service while the Felicity went off for mechanical attention. Within a matter of days the St Columba suffered engine trouble forcing Sealink's new owners, Stena Line, to return the Felicity to service and dispatch the Horsa back to Holyhead and the Dun Laoghaire crossing. The St Columba finally returned to service on 12th October releasing the Horsa once again.
Under Stena Line ownership the ship was transferred back to Folkestone in 1991 as the Stena Horsa, being replaced at Holyhead by the larger Stena Cambria. En route to the English Channel from overhaul at Birkenhead the Stena Horsa was diverted to Holyhead on 12th February when the Stena Cambria was withdrawn for emergency dry docking. The ship made two round trips to Dun Laoghaire before continuing on her voyage south.
Closing the Folkestone-Boulogne service on 31st December 1991 the Stena Horsa was withdrawn and laid-up pending sale at Milford Haven. The ship was sold for further service in Greece and has enjoyed a long and successful career in warmer climes.