Sealink-Holyhead: St Columba

St Columba - Stena Years

History Repeats! En route to Bremerhaven for rebuilding and under the command of Capt Trevor Salmon, the St Columba calls at Dover for bunkers, 9th January 1991. The ship previously visited Dover on 3rd April 1977, on her delivery voyage from Aalborg to Holyhead. © Justin Merrigan Collection

A new owner, a new name; Stena Hibernia. © Christian Eckardt.	Alongside at Bremerhaven after her major refit, preparing for the voyage back to Holyhead. © Christian Eckardt.	Seen from the Stena Cambria, the Stena Hibernia waits to take up service, March 1991.
Seen at sea from the St Cybi.	Leaving Dun Laoghaire.	Leaving Holyhead for Dun Laoghaire.
Lifting off Dun Laoghaire's Carlisle Pier.	Swinging around the end of the Carlisle Pier.	Passing the Tinto Jetty at Holyhead.
Seen from Holyhead's Refit Berth.	Alongside at Dun Laoghaire.	Passing through Dublin Bay on her afternoon sailing from Holyhead.
Caught in a setting sun as she clears the harbour mouth at Dun Laoghaire.	The Stena Hibernia against a backdrop of the Sugarloaf Mountain, the Wicklow Mountains, Dalkey Island and Dalkey Hill.	The Stena Hibernia at sea, from the Stena Sea Lynx.
Dressed overall at Holyhead for the opening of the new HSS terminal, 10 July 1995.	Receiving a new coat of paint in drydock at Swansea. © Capt Richard Jones	Seen from the Stena Sea Lynx II, mid Irish Sea.
An unusual view from the Stena Cambria at Dun Laoghaire, the Stena Hibernia on the seldom used east side of the Carlisle Pier.	A busy Carlisle Pier scene brought about by construction works on the new HSS terminal. During this period the port could only offer one conventional ferry shore ramp.	Awaiting her slot on the ramp, the Stena Hibernia alongside the traditional Departure berth on the Carlisle Pier.
As the Stena Cambria vacates the berth, the Stena Hibernia moves around for the ramp.	Musical berths at Dun Laoghaire as the Stena Cambria goes out to anchor while the Stena Hibernia loads for Holyhead.	Sealink no more and another new name - Stena Adventurer. The transition from Sealink to Stena is complete.
The shape of things to come. The Stena Adventurer passes the HSS, the latter on her first visit to Dun Laoghaire.	Summer 1996 and the Stena Adventurer's days are numbered. Not long now until her 19 association with Holyhead draws to an end.	Alongside at Belfast, sold to Greek operators Agapitos Express Ferries. Astern of her the former St David loads for Belfast.