- Stena Connecta Enters the Water, Moving Closer to Service.
- New Stena Line Hybrid Ships to Boost Irish Sea Trade.
- Stena Connecta and Stena Futura to Increase Freight Capacity by 40%.
Stena Line reports that it has celebrated a major milestone in its NewMax fleet investment programme with the launch of Stena Connecta at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, China. The vessel has been floated out, and the fitting out of its interior will continue.
Strengthening the Belfast-Heysham Route
Stena Connecta is one of two new ships to sail on the Belfast–Heysham route, an important trade route across the Irish Sea. Its sister vessel, Stena Futura, is already at final outfitting and will enter service in late August 2025. Stena Connecta will join in early 2026.
When in operation, these ships will boost freight capacity by 40%, responding to increased customer demand for transport services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Enhancing Sustainability with Hybrid and Methanol Fuel Technology
Both Stena Connecta and Stena Futura are hybrid ships capable of using methanol fuel, which further solidifies Stena Line’s sustainability agenda. The ships are also designed with state-of-the-art technologies that enable them to draw power from batteries and shore-based power when it is available.
Stena Line is already collaborating with methanol suppliers to arrange future volumes of e-methanol, as part of its strategic ambition to switch to renewable fuels and cut CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030. Stena Connecta will also be equipped with rotor sails, which harness wind energy for auxiliary propulsion, further minimizing fuel use and emissions.
Commitment to Trade and Innovation
Paul Grant, Trade Director, Stena Line, commented on the launch: “The launch of Stena Connecta marks a pivotal moment for Stena Line as we continue to enhance our service offerings on the Belfast-Heysham route. With a 40% increase in freight capacity, these new hybrid vessels will significantly boost our ability to meet the growing demand for efficient and reliable transport between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Stena Line is committed to supporting trade across the Irish Sea, and the advanced technologies on Stena Connecta and Stena Futura, including methanol fuel capabilities and rotor sails, underscore our dedication to innovation and sustainability. By investing in these state-of-the-art vessels, we are not only strengthening our commercial operations but also contributing to the economic vitality of the region.”
Industry Support for the New Vessels
Joe O’Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, highlighted the importance of the investment: “Stena Line is one of Belfast Harbour’s most valued strategic partners and we congratulate them on achieving the latest milestone in its plan to bring its new vessels into service on the Belfast-Heysham route. We welcome Stena Line’s commitment to investment in this key trade route for Northern Ireland and its ambition to build on the record freight volumes achieved last year, but also its prioritisation of sustainability in the design of these new ships. A commitment to sustainability and reaching net zero also underpins Belfast Harbour’s new strategy. We are excited by the potential for further success when the Stena Connecta and Stena Futura go into service on the Irish Sea over the next year.”
Phil Hall, Mersey Port Director, Peel Ports Group, added: “The launch of Stena Connecta marks another step forward in our longstanding partnership with Stena Line. As the Belfast-Heysham route continues to grow, we’re investing in port infrastructure to support this increased capacity, including a new terminal management system and expanded trailer parking. These enhancements will improve the customer experience while ensuring Heysham remains a key hub for efficient and sustainable freight movements across the Irish Sea.”
Stena Line’s investment in these hybrid vessels and sustainable technologies demonstrates its long-term commitment to enhancing trade, reducing emissions, and driving innovation in maritime transport.
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Source: Stena Line
