Stena Line Introduces New Mandatory Check-In Requirements for Accompanied Freight

From 11 November 2026, the ferry operator, Stena Line, will introduce a new mandatory check-in requirement for accompanied freight vehicles travelling on selected ferry routes.

Under the new requirements, drivers' dates of birth must now be recorded in Stena Line's booking system and provided during check-in.

Which routes are affected?

The new requirement applies to accompanied freight vehicles travelling on the following Stena Line routes:

• Belfast – Birkenhead
• Belfast – Heysham
• Belfast – Cairnryan

The change aligns Stena Line's check-in procedures with existing maritime industry practices and the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's requirements for collecting passenger information.

What do hauliers and drivers need to do?

If you're travelling on any of the affected routes from Wednesday 11 November 2026, you'll need to make sure drivers' dates of birth are included in Stena Line's booking system.

Drivers should also be prepared to provide this information at check-in.

We recommend making your drivers aware of the change ahead of their journey to help avoid any unnecessary delays during boarding.