HOEK VAN HOLLAND – Every truck driver in Europe must take at least eleven consecutive hours of rest within every 24-hour period. That is why ferry crossings of around eleven hours are particularly popular among drivers operating routes to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Greece.
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Recently, PortNews published a list of the five most popular European “rest-time ferries” for truck drivers. However, one notable connection was missing: Stena Line’s freight service between Hoek van Holland and Immingham. Shortly after publication, the editorial team received an email from Mark Mulder, the recently appointed Managing Director of Stena Line Hoek van Holland.
“It is regretful to see that the published list of Europe’s Five Most Popular Rest-Time Ferry Routes is incomplete and does not include Stena Line’s daily routes Europoort to Immingham and Hoek of Holland to Immingham. Both routes are operated daily and offer 12-hour crossings with excellent onboard facilities, allowing drivers to complete their mandatory daily rest period of eleven hours. In addition, arrival in Immingham provides easy access to the M18 and M62 motorways, avoiding up to 60 minutes of traffic delays compared with routes via Hull.”
A Visit to the Stena Transporter
The email led to a telephone conversation and, shortly afterwards, an invitation to visit the terminal in Hoek van Holland and one of the vessels operating the route. Today, PortNews.eu accepted that invitation and was welcomed aboard the Stena Transporter. Together with Mark Mulder, our editor in chief met the vessel’s captain, chief officer and onboard sales and service manager.
The Stena Transporter and her sister ship Stena Transit, both measuring 212 metres in length, can carry up to 300 freight units and 300 drivers on a single crossing. The captain proudly pointed out that the vessel offers approximately four kilometres of trailer lane capacity. Stena Line’s vessels based in Hoek van Holland were also among the first ships in Rotterdam to use shore power, a practice that has been in place since 2013.
Daily Service to Immingham
The Stena Transporter and Stena Transit alternate on the daily service to Immingham. Every evening at 20:00, a vessel departs from Hoek van Holland and arrives in England at approximately 07:15 the following morning. In addition, Stena Britannica and Stena Hollandica sail daily from Hoek van Holland to Harwich, departing at 14:15 and 22:00 respectively. These crossings take just over seven hours. According to Mulder, drivers travelling on the Harwich route are welcome on the terminal up to four hours before departure. Combined with the crossing itself, this allows drivers to fulfil the legally required eleven-hour rest period. Mulder also noted that Stena Line operates two daily unaccompanied freight services between Europoort and Harwich.
Fresh Produce Dominates Traffic
While Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte terminals handle large volumes of chemicals and hazardous cargo, freight moving through Hoek van Holland is largely made up of fresh produce. Many trailers carry fruit and vegetables from The Greenery, flowers and plants from Royal FloraHolland, and other perishable products such as milk, meat and eggs destined for the British market. That does not mean dangerous goods are excluded. On the contrary, ADR cargo can also be transported via Hoek van Holland, provided it is declared in advance and complies with the relevant regulations.
Comfort On Board
Drivers and other passengers can make use of comfortable private cabins, each equipped with its own shower and toilet facilities. The vessel also features a buffet restaurant, spacious bar, various leisure facilities and ample seating areas for working, dining or relaxing during the crossing. In short, passengers are well provided for during the journey.
New Terminal Planned for Immingham
Stena Line is not only investing in its onboard services. In the United Kingdom, the company is currently investing millions of euros in a new terminal at Immingham, designed to accommodate growing freight volumes and meet the evolving needs of transport operators. The new terminal is expected to open in early 2028, further strengthening the strategic freight corridor between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. PortNews.eu will be there to report on the opening.