Leading ship fit-out company MPE Interiors has completed a four week contract for Stena Line on its new flagship vessel operating on the Dublin – Holyhead route the Stena Superfast X.
Birkenhead based MPE supplied more than 30 men to work on the refit at a shipyard in Gydnia Poland and Holyhead. The Stena Superfast X is one of the biggest ferries in Britain and can carry up to 1200 passengers. It can offer almost two kilometres of lane space – a significant increase in capacity for leisure and freight customers.
MPE director John Whetnall said MPE had supplied decorators, joiners and electricians to work on the job.
“This was a substantial refit for Stena Line and we are proud to play our part,” he said. “Stena Line has really gone to massive efforts to create a modern, comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience. The newly refurbished ship will have a shop, deluxe cabins, restaurants, bars and 2 cinemas. Main works we undertook included upgrading the crew mess and accommodation areas as well as the family lounge which includes a childrens’ play area. MPE also manufactured a range of furniture and fittings as well as upholstery for seating. We further supplied safety shutters, safety handrails as well as a full toilet area refurbishment. All of this was undertaken to the highest marine safety standards.”
Mr Whetnall said the latest Stena Line contract follows a two-year working relationship with the vessel operator. Past projects have involved designing, manufacturing and installing furniture and fittings for a freight lorry drivers’ lounge at Stena Line’s 12 Quays terminal in Birkenhead, serving the Liverpool-Belfast route.
Mr Whetnall said very few companies can match MPE’s experience and expertise of installing and manufacturing ship interiors.
“As well as a broad range of ferries, like the Stena Line fleet, we have also worked on military ships, superyachts and offshore support vessels,” he said. “Our experience benefits the customer as our workmanship is fast, efficient and meets all classification standards. This saves our customers time and money, minimising disruption and maximising afloat time. Moreover, MPE has a mobile team and is able to travel to ships and shipyards worldwide to undertake work as we did with the Stena Superfast X.”
MPE has turnover in excess of £2m and it employs more than 30 staff at its manufacturing base in Birkenhead.
