Stena Futura and its sister ship Stena Connecta represent “over £100 million investment

Belfast Harbour hosted its first ship naming ceremony in 20 years as more than 200 guests attended the official naming of Stena Line’s new hybrid freight ferry, Stena Futura, the company said in a news release. The event marked a milestone in the 30-year partnership between Stena Line and Belfast, where the company moved its services in 1995. 

The first of two next-generation New Max 

Stena Futura is the first of two next-generation New Max freight vessels built for the Belfast–Heysham route. The 147-metre ship is methanol-ready and equipped with hybrid propulsion, battery capability and shore power connectivity. According to the company, these technologies support Stena Line’s target of cutting CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030. The naming was performed by the vessel’s Godmother, Dr Madeleine Olsson Ericksson of the Olsson family, owners of Stena Line.

Advancing sustainable shipping

Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson said the vessel and its sister ship Stena Connecta represent “over £100 million investment” in the company’s Irish Sea network, aimed at supporting freight demand and advancing sustainable shipping. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly described the investment as “a testament to Stena’s belief in our potential and confidence in our region.”

Designed for wind-assist technology

Belfast Harbour Chief Executive Joe O’Neil said the vessel is already performing well on the Belfast–Heysham route and that further freight growth is expected when Stena Connecta enters service in 2026.  Stena Futura features 2,800 lane metres of freight capacity, an 80% increase on the current level, dual-fuel methanol hybrid propulsion with a 9 MWh battery, and is designed for wind-assist technology and shore power integration.

Operating 12 weekly sailings, the new vessel and its sister ship are expected to raise freight capacity on the route by 40% and provide more efficient and environmentally responsible transport options for hauliers and exporters.

About : Stena Line 

Stena Line is a Swedish ferry operator that is part of the privately owned Stena AB group. It runs passenger and freight services across several European routes. The company operates under Swedish corporate law and maintains one of the largest ferry networks in Northern Europe.

Related : Stena Line acquires NLC Ferry Ab Oy/Wasaline

Stena Line , Stena AB group ,Belfast Harbour ,Stena Connecta  , Belfast–Heysham route , Niclas Mårtensson , Emma Little-Pengelly ,  hybrid ferry Stena Futura