Stena Line launches new hybrid ferry ‘Stena Connecta’ to boost Irish Sea freight by 40%

Stena Connecta pictured during the naming ceremony in the CMI Shipyard in Weihai, China.

Stena Line has officially named its newest vessel, Stena Connecta, at a ceremony held on 16 October at the CMI Shipyard in Weihai, China.

The ferry will soon begin her maiden voyage to the Irish Sea, where she will operate alongside her sister ship, Stena Futura, to deliver a 40 percent boost in freight capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route.

The event was attended by Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson, members of the company’s executive team, and Stena AB owner Dan Sten Olsson.

“It is with great pride that we celebrate yet another milestone for our fleet and our company today.

“Stena Connecta and her sister vessel represent the very latest in maritime technology and will not only play a crucial role in maintaining essential transport links in Ireland and the UK but also make a significant contribution to our sustainability goals of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30 percent by 2030,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line.

Next-Generation Hybrid Technology

Built at the CMI Shipyard between 2023 and 2025, Stena Connecta is a New Max RoRo vessel designed for maximum freight capacity, offering 2,800 lane metres across its 147-metre length.

The ship is equipped with a multi-hybrid propulsion system that allows it to use battery power, biofuel, and methanol, helping reduce its carbon footprint.

In addition, the vessel features two 28x4 metre Norsepower Rotor Sails™ — an innovative wind-assisted propulsion system capable of saving up to 9% in fuel consumption on the Irish Sea route.

Sister vessel Stena Futura sailing into Belfast to a water salute in September

Stena Futura, which entered service in September, is also ready for similar sail installation.

Strengthening UK–Ireland Connectivity

Stena Connecta is the latest addition to Stena Line’s extensive Irish Sea fleet, which now comprises 13 vessels, including passenger and freight services.

The company operates up to 238 weekly sailings, connecting Belfast with Cairnryan, Liverpool, and Heysham, as well as routes from Dublin to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard.

Niclas Martensson speaking at the Stena Connecta naming ceremony

This year marks 30 years since Stena Line began operations on the Irish Sea, during which it has played a vital role in supporting trade, transport, and communities across the UK and Ireland.

“Our investment in Stena Connecta and Stena Futura demonstrates our strong confidence in the continued growth of the Irish Sea region and our commitment to strengthening trade and connectivity.

“These vessels were commissioned as a direct response to customer demand for increased freight capacity on our routes,” added Mr Mårtensson.

Delivery and Service Entry

Following her naming ceremony, Stena Connecta will begin her delivery voyage from China to the Irish Sea — a journey expected to take several weeks. The ferry will officially enter service on the Belfast–Heysham route from January 2026, operating approximately 12 sailings per week.

Stena Connecta – Key Facts

• Length: 147 m

• Beam: 26.3 m

• Built: 2023–2025, CMI Shipyard, Weihai, China

• Passenger capacity: 12

• Crew: 26

• Height clearance: 5.3 m

• Width clearance: 12 m

• Freight capacity: 2,848 lane metres

• Route: Belfast – Heysham (approx. 12 sailings per week)