A SOUTHAMPTON marine refurbishment specialist has comprehensively transformed a passenger ferry.

The Stena Feronia, used on the Gothenburg to Kiel route, has been renamed the Strait Feronia after it was acquired by New Zealand ferry operator Strait Shipping.

And to prepare it for its new route the company gave Trimline, based on Paget Street, Southampton, just 30 days' notice to spruce up the vessel.

Trimline CEO Andrew Richards said: “This was a key project for our business.

“Sending a multidisciplinary team to Sweden to meet such a strict deadline represented a considerable logistical challenge, but I'm pleased to say we completed the assignment on schedule.

“I am confident that the new Strait Feronia will set new standards in comfort for crossing the Cook Strait.”

The refurbishment work included upgrading the bar and restaurant areas, installing a new serving counter, installing a wifi area with computer terminals, and revamping the public toilets.

Additionally work was carried out to refresh the family room, create a new nursing mothers' room and apply new wall and floor finishes throughout all public areas.

The 43-strong team, including joiners, decorators, plumbers and electrical specialists, completed the assignment at Oresund Drydocks in Landskrona, Sweden.