Twenty-seven years with Stena Line

Last time I travelled on the Stena Line ferry I wrote to their Chief Executive, Niclas Mårtensson, to congratulate him on their visible high standards.

This time, I'm sharing it here.

Travelling back from Rotterdam on Friday night we fell into conversation with one of the Stewards. I asked, as I always do, what it's like to work for his company.

He's been there 27 years, which speaks for itself. He and his colleagues do 6 months on and 2 months off, which is undoubtedly a challenging regimen at times but he clearly feels well looked after.

During the pandemic, the staff were worried they'd be stood down. Instead Stena kept them on full pay.

There were numerous other examples of the level of care shown to team members.

No one is slacking, everyone works hard, and there is real camaraderie between people. I'd even go so far as to say that they are happy.

And here's the thing: if you have happy staff who are clear about their responsibilities, your customers will be well looked after and happy too.

I'd also add that if you are utterly fed up of crowded airports with surly staff, grim 'planes and all the discomfort that entails, switch to ferries. Especially Stena. Not all the operators maintain such high standards.

The experience of being a foot passenger on the Harwich/Hoek express is actually pleasant. I use it a lot and always look forward to it.

Congratulations Stena Line. Long may you sail on.