MPE Refurbises Stena Line Ferries

Birkenhead-based outfitter and manufacturer MPE Interiors has completed two contacts for Stena Line to redevelop the crew and officers' mess areas on two ferries.

The contracts involved replacing the mess rooms on the 980-passenger ferries the Stena Mersey and the Stena Lagan at Twelve Quays in Birkenhead.  Both ships operate the Birkenhead-Belfast route.

MPE director Cliff Grainger said, “We can offer the complete outfitting solution from detailed concept design, to manufacture of furniture and structures to installation and maintenance. On the Stena Mersey were brought in to do a total refurbishment of the mess hall, which was split between an officers' mess and a crew mess. We worked very closely on this job with the Captain who gave us a clear concept to work around. We have reimaged and reworked the whole layout of the area to better suit the crews’ needs.”

Mr. Grainger also said the contract included laying new floor coverings.

“This is about making the mess areas as comfortable and space as efficient as possible,” said he said. “That is why it is so important to work closely with Stena and understand the nature of the ferries and needs of the crew. These are bespoke designs which draw on all our experience of working on ferries and ships of all kinds for many years.  Key facilities now available on both vessels, within the same area, include a dedicated TV room, internet stations and a meeting room as well as maintaining the full messing facility for both officers and crew.”

MPE claims to be one of the leading and most experienced marine outfitters in the UK. It has a turnover in excess of £2 million and employs more than 30 staff at its Old Bidston Rd manufacturing site. Established in 2001 by former Cammell Laird managers John Whetnall and Cliff Grainger MPE specializes in designing, manufacturing and installing bespoke furniture, panels, doors and soft furnishings. It specializes in the installation of galleys, shops, restaurants and refrigerated storage on board ships.  It also works extensively in the residential and commercial property sector.

MPE has a track record of overhauling crew accommodation areas on both commercial and naval vessels. One of its biggest crew accommodation jobs in recent years was working for Cammell Laird on its contract to lengthen the cable laying vessel Nexans Skagerrak. MPE is further able to support refits for large passenger vessels as well as small commercials vessels such as tugs and work boats.

MPE has also refreshed the interiors of other Stena Line vessels in the past. In 2012 the firm completed a project to build prototype business and family class passenger cabins aboard the Stena Nordica Holyhead-Dublin ferry.