- Frank Allen aged five has received the title of Honorary Junior Captain from Stena Line after his father contacted the company
- The appointment ceremony occurred aboard Stena Superfast where Frank met Captain David Howie on the bridge
- Stena Line presented Frank with binoculars, a hat, and a name badge to mark his honorary position
- The company has offered Frank’s family a complimentary trip on any Irish Sea route
- Orla Noonan confirmed the company’s recognition of Frank’s exceptional ferry knowledge and enthusiasm
Five-year-old Frank Allen has been appointed Stena Line’s Honorary Junior Captain following his father’s email to the company about his son’s ferry enthusiasm. The young Belfast resident has received this title after demonstrating an exceptional knowledge of ferry vessels operating on Belfast Lough. Frank has spent his mornings observing the ferries sail across the waterway from his home in the north east of the city.
The appointment ceremony took place aboard Stena Superfast where Frank visited the bridge and met Senior Master David Howie. The young enthusiast has asked the captain numerous questions about ferry operations during his onboard visit. Stena Line presented Frank with binoculars, a hat, and a name badge to formalise his honorary position. The company has also offered his family a complimentary trip on any Irish Sea route as part of the recognition.
Orla Noonan, Travel Commercial Manager for the Irish Sea, confirmed the company’s delight in welcoming Frank aboard. The team at Stena Line decided that printed materials would not adequately acknowledge Frank’s dedication to maritime knowledge. Captain Frank presented Captain Howie with a drawing of a Stena Line vessel as a gesture of gratitude for the invitation. Stena Line has positioned ferry travel as a family-friendly option for summer getaways through this initiative.
Orla Noonan shared “When we read Michael’s email, we knew Frank was a very special ferry fan and someone we simply had to meet. It’s not every day that we get to welcome a five-year-old captain aboard, but Frank has more than earned his stripes.”
