Stena Line and Norsepower have signed an agreement to install two Norsepower Rotor Sails™ on the new methanol-hybrid RoRo vessel, Stena Connecta. This initiative aligns with Stena Line’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and marks a significant step in the maritime industry’s transition to greener technologies.
Stena Connecta: A Step Towards Net-Zero
- Built by: Jinling Weihai Shipyard, China
- Length: 147 meters
- Delivery: Q4 2025
- Route: Belfast – Heysham (Irish Sea)
- Fuel savings: Up to 9% via wind-assisted propulsion
The vessel will be equipped with two 28x4m Norsepower Rotor Sails™, leveraging favourable wind conditions on its trade route to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Stena Line & Norsepower: A Strategic Collaboration
This partnership highlights the commitment of both Stena Line and Norsepower to sustainability and innovation.
“We are honoured to work with Stena Line, a company that has consistently led the way in sustainable shipping innovation,” said Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower. “This partnership underscores the reliability and quality of Norsepower’s products, as well as its alignment with Stena Line’s forward-thinking goals to cut CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030.”– Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower
“Stena Line recently launched our new ship, Stena Connecta, into the water and it will now be fitted out with two rotor sails. These sails will harness wind power to provide auxiliary propulsion to the vessel, therefore reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Innovations such as this are key to futureproofing our vessels and to reaching our emissions targets.”
– Dennis Tetzlaff, COO Fleet, Stena Line
Stena Line’s sister vessel, Stena Futura, is also being delivered “rotor sail ready,” demonstrating its long-term commitment to wind propulsion technology.
Sustainability in Execution & Beyond
To minimize environmental impact, the Norsepower Rotor Sails™ will be manufactured at Norsepower’s new production facility in Yancheng, China, reducing transportation costs and emissions.
- Methanol-powered vessel for cleaner energy
- Wind-assisted propulsion for additional fuel efficiency
- Sustainable production & installation process
Stena Line has been at the forefront of alternative fuel adoption, having introduced the world’s first methanol-powered ferry, Stena Germanica, in 2015. The addition of rotor sails further strengthens its position as a leader in decarbonizing maritime transport.
With the launch of Stena Connecta, Stena Line and Norsepower are driving the future of sustainable shipping. The integration of rotor sails and methanol propulsion marks a crucial step toward greener, more efficient maritime transport, setting a new industry benchmark for emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
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Source: Stena Line
