The Stena Challenger

The arrival of the Stena Challenger on the Holyhead - Dublin freight service in September 1996 opened the fledgling route to passengers thanks to her ability to accommodate up to 500 passengers. This ability proved its worth during the winter months when adverse weather affected HSS sailings on the Dun Laoghaire run. July 1998 both she and the Koningin Beatrix were chartered to assist with the movement of people and equipment for the Tour de France. The Stena Challenger remained at Holyhead until her sale to Canadian operators in April 2001.