Feature, Freight News, Sea


A ferry exciting day for Belfast fiver-year-old

[ August 17, 2026   //   ]

When five-year-old Belfaster Frank Allen looks out across the Lough from his home in the north east of the city he dreams not of becoming a footballer or an astronaut but a ferry captain.

And now, thanks to Stena Line, his dream came true as Frank has been appointed Honorary Junior Captain.

Frank has a soft spot for the Stena Connecta and Stena Futura vessels which sail on Belfast Lough and came to management’s attention after his dad, Michael contacted the company to ask if they had any models or booklets that might make the young enthusiast’s day.

“Every day my son looks out onto Belfast Lough to see the ferries. He’s obsessed,” said Michael.

“He asks me to look up the ship details online and he knows all the different craft. He’s particularly fond of the new Stena Connecta and Stena Futura vessels but equally loves to look out at the Stena Superfast.

“We’ve been on the Stena Edda once and it was literally the best day of his life. He’s even made his own ferry model out of cardboard.”

However, the team at Stena Line felt that a few leaflets wouldn’t do Frank’s dedication justice and decided to name him their honorary Junior Captain.

As part of the role, Frank was Stena Line’s guest on board Stena Superfast, heading to the bridge to meet Senior Master David Howie to see he runs the ship. He also met members of the crew and was presented with his own binoculars, hat, and name badge to make it official plus a trip for his family on any of the Irish Sea routes.

Meanwhile Frank presented Captain David with a picture he had drawn of a Stena Line ship, to say thank-you for inviting him on board.

Travel manager Orla Noonan, said: “It’s not every day that we get to welcome a five-year-old captain aboard, but Frank has more than earned his stripes. We were delighted to welcome Frank onto the bridge, introduce him to the crew and give him a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life onboard.

“Seeing his excitement as he put on his captain’s hat was a real highlight for all of us, and we look forward to welcoming Captain Frank and his family back onboard again soon.”

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