STENA Line is to switch its largest superferry from the North Sea to the Rosslare-Fishguard route next year in a move that will intensify competition in the southern corridor of the Irish Sea.

Stena is moving the 31,819 tonne Koningiti Bealrix superferry from the Harwich-Hook of Holland route to Rosslare-Fishguard, replacing the 23,775 tonne Stena Facility in August 1997.

According to Stena, the Koningin Beatrix is bigger than many cruise liners. It has six decks of on-board facilities with enough cabins to sleep 1,500 customers. The ferry has a maximum capacity of 2,100 passengers.