Stena Line celebrates naming of Stena Futura in first Belfast Harbour ceremony for 20 years

Pictured at the naming ceremony for Stena Line’s newest ship – Stena Futura – in Belfast Harbour were (L-R): Captain Colin Fleming; Paul Grant (Trade Director, Stena Line); Deputy First Minister NI Emma Little-Pengelly; Stena FuturaGodmother, Dr Madeleine Olsson Ericksson; Bert Ake Eriksson;  Dan Sten Olsson (Owner, Stena Line), Jane Thorburn Olsson (Olsson family), Niclas Martensson (CEO, Stena Line) and Dr Philip McGarry (Deputy Lieutenant of the Borough of Belfast).

Belfast Harbour has hosted its first ship naming ceremony in two decades as more than 200 guests gathered today to witness the official naming of Stena Line’s newest hybrid freight ferry, Stena Futura.

The event marks a significant milestone in the operator’s 30-year partnership with Belfast and underscores its long-term commitment to sustainable shipping.

The 147-metre Stena Futura is the first of two next-generation “NewMax” vessels built specifically for the busy Belfast–Heysham route. Incorporating state-of-the-art technology, the ship is methanol-ready and features hybrid propulsion supported by battery power and shore-based charging capability.

These innovations form a central part of Stena Line’s ambition to reduce CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.

A milestone moment for Stena Line and Belfast Harbour

The naming ceremony was led by the vessel’s Godmother, Dr Madeleine Olsson Ericksson, a member of the Olsson family, owners of Stena Line.

Guests included the Deputy Lieutenant of the Borough of Belfast, Dr Philip McGarry, First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

The event also celebrated 30 years of Stena Line’s operations in Belfast, following the company’s move to the city in 1995.

Speaking at the ceremony, Stena Line CEO Niclas Martensson said:

“The naming of Stena Futura is a proud moment for Stena Line and Belfast Harbour. This vessel along with sister ship Stena Connecta represents over £100 million investment in our Irish Sea network and clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to meeting growing freight demand, while leading the way in sustainable shipping.”

Investment welcomed as a boost for Northern Ireland’s economy

Northern Ireland’s political leadership hailed the development as a major vote of confidence in the region.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said:

“Stena Line has been part of the fabric of the Northern Ireland economy for decades, connecting people, goods, and opportunities between Northern Ireland, GB and beyond.

“This investment of over £100 million is a testament to Stena’s belief in our potential and confidence in our region. This is a proud moment for our maritime sector, and for Northern Ireland.

“I thank Stena Line for its continued commitment, and I wish Stena Futura and sister ship Stena Connecta safe and successful voyages ahead.”

A new chapter for Belfast–Heysham freight trade

Joe O’Neil, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, added:

“We were proud to host the naming of Stena Futura at Belfast Harbour and to welcome the Olsson family for this special occasion, marking 30 years of strategic partnership that we truly value.

“The new vessel is already proving successful on the Belfast–Heysham route, and we can see significant potential for further growth in freight volumes when Stena Connecta enters service next year.

“We look forward to building on the incredibly strong ties we have with Stena Line, strengthening our collaboration and further enhancing the connectivity that drives long-term economic growth for the region.”

Stena Futura: Key Specifications

• Length: 147 metres

• Beam: 26.3 metres

• Freight capacity: 2,800 lane metres – an 80% increase on current capacity

• Propulsion: Dual-fuel methanol hybrid system with 9 MWh battery capability

• Sailings: 12 per week on the Belfast–Heysham route

• Future-ready: Prepared for wind-assist propulsion and full shore-power integration

Together with its sister vessel Stena Connecta, due to enter service in early 2026, Stena Futura will increase capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route by 40%, providing hauliers and exporters with more efficient, lower-emission freight transport options.