Stena Line: Restricted & Dangerous Goods Guide

When planning your journey with Stena Line, understanding the regulations regarding what you can and cannot bring onboard is paramount for a safe and seamless travel experience. While the excitement of a ferry trip often focuses on the destination, it is equally important to be aware of the strict policies in place concerning restricted items and dangerous goods. These regulations are not arbitrary; they are meticulously crafted to ensure the safety of all passengers, crew, and the vessel itself, adhering to both international and national legislation.

Stena Line, like all reputable carriers, operates under stringent safety protocols. Your cooperation in adhering to these guidelines is crucial. Failing to declare restricted items or attempting to transport prohibited substances can lead to significant delays, refusal of shipment, or even legal repercussions. This comprehensive guide aims to clarify Stena Line's policies on various categories of goods, helping you prepare thoroughly for your voyage and ensure compliance with all necessary declarations and conditions.

Understanding Restricted Items: Why Declaration Matters

The core principle behind Stena Line's restricted items policy is safety through transparency. Certain items, even if seemingly innocuous, can pose a risk in the confined environment of a ferry. Therefore, it is often not just about whether an item is allowed, but whether it has been properly declared and transported according to specific conditions.

For many restricted items, particularly those requiring special handling or verification, you must declare them by calling your regional contact centre prior to travel. This advance notice allows Stena Line to make necessary arrangements and ensure compliance. Typically, 24 hours' notice is sufficient, though for specific routes, such as between Harwich and Hook of Holland, a longer period of at least 72 hours' notice is required. Always check the customer-centre opening hours for your region to ensure you can make your declaration within the specified timeframe. This proactive approach helps prevent any last-minute complications or delays at check-in.

Fuel and Gas: What's Allowed Onboard?

The carriage of fuel and gas on ferries is subject to strict regulations due to their inherent flammability and potential for hazards. Understanding these rules is essential to avoid issues before boarding.

Extra Fuel

Firstly, regarding extra fuel, Stena Line's policy is unequivocal: spare containers of fuel should not be carried in private vehicles. This regulation is in line with rigorous safety standards designed to minimise fire risks onboard.

Travelling with Gas

Carrying gases in cylinders (pressure or gas receptacles) requires compliance with specific provisions under International and UK legislation. Stena Line is obliged to apply these regulations, and the responsibility for checking if substances or articles need to be declared rests with the customer at all times. Failure to meet legal regulations or pre-advise Stena Line can result in delay or refusal of shipment.

Here’s a breakdown of permitted gases under specific conditions:

• Propane and Butane Gas: For private use only (e.g., camping purposes), these gases may be carried in cylinders up to a total of 47 kg (excluding the weight of the gas receptacle).
• Diving Gases (including air): For personal use, carried in private vehicles with personal diving equipment, up to six cylinders of size ‘F’ or smaller (up to 60 litres aggregate water capacity) are permitted. These must contain COMPRESSED AIR (UN1002), COMPRESSED OXYGEN (UN1072), or COMPRESSED GAS, OXIDISING N.O.S (Oxygen, Nitrous oxide) (UN3156, typically 'Entenox'). All cylinders must be secured within the vehicle to prevent movement. Crucially, other dangerous goods, including flammable gases and liquids, must not be carried in the same vehicle.
• Medical Oxygen: For personal use by sick or disabled persons, private vehicles may carry up to six cylinders of size ‘F’ or smaller (up to 60 litres aggregate water capacity) containing UN 1072 – Compressed Oxygen. A letter from a doctor stating the patient requires medical oxygen is mandatory.
• Calibration Gas: Non-toxic calibration gas, used solely for calibration purposes, may be carried if the aggregate water capacity of the pressure receptacles (cylinder) or small receptacles containing gas (gas cartridges) does not exceed 50 litres.
• Non-Flammable Gases (Class 2.2): These may be accepted if transported at a pressure of less than 200 kPa at 20ºC and are not a liquefied or refrigerated liquefied gas. A size F cylinder has a 9.4-litre water capacity, approximately 930mm x 140mm.
• Nominally Empty Cylinders: It is vital to note that transport requirements apply equally to nominally empty cylinders. International regulations consider 'empty' pressure receptacles as Dangerous Goods unless they have been purged and a certificate confirming this accompanies the cylinder.
• General Safety for Gas Carriage: Except when used in medical applications, the gas supply should always be shut off for carried cylinders. All cylinders must be adequately secured against ship movement and kept away from ignition and heat sources. Stena Line reserves the right to check if a cylinder is empty or request a cleaning/purging certificate.
• Acetylene Gas: This gas is not permitted for carriage at any time or under any circumstances.

All items mentioned above must be declared to Stena Line by calling at least 24 hours prior to departure and again at the check-in booth/desk upon arrival at the port.

Firearms and Ammunition: Strict Carriage Rules

The carriage of firearms, sporting weapons, and ammunition on Stena Line vessels is subject to extremely strict Company Policy, which fully incorporates all applicable statutory and legislative regulations for each route. Safety and security are paramount, necessitating rigorous adherence to these rules.

Any firearms, sporting weapons, or ammunition must be declared to Stena Line at the time of booking by calling their dedicated line. Depending on the specific items being transported, you may also be required to travel on a freight ticket, rather than a standard passenger ticket. It is important to note that legislation can change, and Stena Line reserves the right to amend its terms and conditions of carriage accordingly, even at short notice.

For ammunition, a maximum of 1000 cartridges of UN Class 1.4s may be carried in a private vehicle without additional documentation, provided the cartridges are in their original manufacturers' packaging. Quantities exceeding this amount, or those not classified as Class 1.4s, must be declared and carried in strict accordance with the full provisions of the IMDG Code. Such carriage is only permitted if the vessel's "Dangerous Goods Document of Compliance" allows it. Higher quantities of ammunition (over 1000 cartridges) requiring a Dangerous Goods declaration must be booked and ticketed via Stena Line's Freight Department. This also depends on the specific vessel and route requested, and whether it is authorised by statutory vessel certification. All such enquiries should be directed to the Freight Reservations department.

A critical requirement is that any firearm must always be supported by a valid licence appropriate to the country of departure and/or destination. This licence must be available for inspection upon request.

Upon a vehicle's arrival at the port with firearms, the Duty Manager and Port Security will be notified. Local documented procedures will then be implemented to ensure the following actions occur:

• The firearms, sporting weapons, and ammunition must remain in the vehicle for the entire duration of the crossing.
• They must be out of sight and securely stored in a suitable locked box in the boot of the vehicle.
• The loading officer or their nominated deputy must confirm that all doors to the vehicle are locked.
• Vehicle passengers will remain under close supervision until they have left the car deck.

Upon arrival at the destination port, the reverse procedure will be followed according to local documented procedures. It remains the guest's responsibility to possess all necessary information regarding the weapons, serial numbers, hunting licences, and weapons permits as required.

Foot Passengers

For foot passengers, the carriage of firearms, sporting weapons, ammunition, swords, knives, edged weapons, and hazardous substances is strictly prohibited at all times. Further information, if needed, can be obtained from the Duty Manager at the port of departure.

Dangerous Goods: A Comprehensive Overview

Travelling with Dangerous Goods, Firearms, or Ammunition without Stena Line's prior permission is strictly prohibited. The person responsible for the vehicle must always adhere to all applicable regulations prevailing at the time of booking and travel, and be prepared to present any relevant declarations or licences upon request.

The International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code regulates Dangerous Goods for Transport by Sea. This code classifies and identifies substances or articles that pose a risk during maritime transport. While it is impractical to list every specific item, as it is a non-exhaustive list, the responsibility for checking if substances or articles being transported need to be declared rests solely with the customer at all times. Stena Line cannot accept responsibility for any delay or refusal of shipment if legal regulations or conditions have not been met.

The IMDG Code categories include, but are not limited to:

• Class 1: Explosive substances or articles
• Class 2: Gases (2.1 Flammable, 2.2 Non-flammable, 2.3 Toxic)
• Class 3: Flammable Liquids
• Class 4: Flammable Solids (4.1 Flammable Solids, 4.2 Spontaneously Combustible, 4.3 Dangerous When Wet)
• Class 5: Oxidizing Substances and Organic Peroxides (5.1 Oxidizing Substances, 5.2 Organic Peroxides)
• Class 6: Toxic and Infectious Substances (6.1 Toxic Substances, 6.2 Infectious Substances)
• Class 7: Radioactive material
• Class 8: Corrosive Substances
• Class 9: Miscellaneous Dangerous substances and articles
• Marine Pollutants: (according to MARPOL regulations)

Specific Import Restrictions: Pork Products

Beyond general dangerous goods, specific import regulations can also affect what you can bring onboard. A notable change has occurred regarding pork and pork products when travelling to Great Britain.

From 1 September 2022, it became illegal to bring pork or pork products exceeding 2kg into Great Britain from the EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries. This restriction applies unless these products bear the EU health mark or are commercially packaged as ‘of EU origin’. It is important to note that this regulation does not apply to commercial imports, which remain unaffected by this measure. Passengers should be mindful of this specific restriction to avoid confiscation or penalties upon arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take extra fuel on a Stena Line ferry?

No. In line with strict safety regulations, spare containers of fuel should not be carried in private vehicles due to the inherent fire risk.

What are the rules for travelling with gas on Stena Line?

You can carry certain types of gases, such as propane and butane for camping, diving gases, medical oxygen, and calibration gas, under specific conditions. These include weight limits, securing requirements, and the necessity of a doctor's letter for medical oxygen. Acetylene gas is strictly prohibited. All gases must be declared to Stena Line at least 24 hours prior to departure and again at check-in. For detailed conditions, please refer to the 'Fuel and Gas: What's Allowed Onboard?' section above.

Can I travel on a ferry with firearms and/or ammunition?

Yes, but under very strict Company Policy and legal regulations. Firearms, sporting weapons, and ammunition must be declared to Stena Line at the time of booking. They must remain secured, locked, and out of sight in your vehicle during the crossing, and a valid licence is always required. Foot passengers are strictly prohibited from carrying such items. For specific ammunition limits and procedures, please refer to the 'Firearms and Ammunition: Strict Carriage Rules' section.

What are 'dangerous goods' and can I bring them on Stena Line?

Dangerous Goods are substances or articles classified under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code, ranging from explosives and flammable liquids to toxic substances and marine pollutants. It is generally not permitted to travel with Dangerous Goods without Stena Line's prior permission and full compliance with all applicable regulations. The customer is always responsible for checking if items need declaration. Refer to the 'Dangerous Goods: A Comprehensive Overview' section for more details on classifications.

Are there restrictions on bringing pork products into Great Britain from the EU or EFTA with Stena Line?

Yes, from 1 September 2022, it is illegal to bring more than 2kg of pork or pork products into Great Britain from the EU and EFTA countries unless they have an EU health mark or are commercially packaged as 'of EU origin'. This does not apply to commercial imports.

What is my responsibility regarding declaring restricted items to avoid issues with Stena Line?

It is the customer's responsibility at all times to check if substances or articles being transported need to be declared. Stena Line explicitly states it cannot accept responsibility for delay or refusal to accept such items for shipment if legal regulations or conditions have not been met or pre-advised. Proactive declaration (usually 24 hours, or 72 hours for Harwich-Hook of Holland) and compliance at check-in are crucial to ensure a smooth journey.

Navigating the regulations for restricted and dangerous goods on Stena Line ferries is a vital part of preparing for your journey. By understanding and adhering to these policies, you contribute significantly to the safety and efficiency of maritime travel for everyone onboard. Always remember that transparency and proactive declaration are key. If you are ever in doubt about whether an item is permitted or requires special declaration, the best course of action is always to contact Stena Line's regional contact centre well in advance of your travel date. Their expert teams can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, ensuring your voyage is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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