MV Union Wellington 1973-2013

The Union Wellington was built in 1973 by A. Vuijk & Zonen at Capelle, Netherlands and at the time was named Stena Shipper. The name was changed on 2nd November 1973 when purchased by the Union Steam Ship Company (USSCo.). USSCo. intended to charter Union Wellington but had to buy it to allow New Zealand crew to be employed on the ship. Union Wellington was a motor vessel throughout its life, despite an extensive rebuild in 1981 when it was owned by Stena Cargo Line, and again called Stena Shipper.

Union Wellington was only in service to USSCo. for 2 years and was one of the first vessels with all accommodation forward to be used on the Tasman. It had a long career with many changes of name, owner and nationality after being sold by the USSCo.

One notable incident led to a tragic loss of life, when chartered to Sealink in 1982 as Speedlink Vanguard, it was involved in a collision with European Gateway. As a result of the collision European Gateway sank causing the loss of 6 lives. 

When scrapped at Aliağa, Türkiye on 1 June 2013 Union Wellington was called Birlik 1.

Stena Shipper (1973) Stena Line

Union Wellington (1973–1976) USSCo.

Alpha Express (1976–1980) Stena Line

Stena Shipper (1980–1981) Stena Cargo

Speedlink Vanguard (1981–1987) Stena Cargo

Caribe Express (1987–1988) Stena Cargo

Stena Shipper (1988) Northern Marine Ltd

Kirk Shipper (1988–1989) Stena Ferries Ltd

Normandie Shipper (1989–1999) Stena Ferries

Bonavista (1999–2001) Adecon Shipping Ltd

Boa Vista (2001–2007) Kyst-Link A/S, Trond A Kittelson Shipping, Kittilssen Shipping, Thrace Shipping

Birlik 1 (2007–2013) Birlik RoRo Isletmeleri AS