Stena Line posts record freight volumes on Belfast routes as demand continues to rise

Stena Futura

Stena Line has recorded its highest ever freight volumes on its Belfast services, underscoring the city’s growing importance as a key logistics and transport hub linking Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

During 2025, almost 600,000 freight units were shipped across Stena Line’s three Belfast routes to Cairnryan, Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Heysham, representing a 1.0% year-on-year increase and marking another record-breaking year for the ferry operator.

The milestone comes in a landmark year for Stena Line, which marked 30 years of operations from Belfast Harbour following its relocation from Larne in 1995. Over the past three decades, the company’s Belfast services have evolved into a cornerstone of cross-channel trade, supporting businesses, supply chains and communities on both sides of the Irish Sea.

Strong growth across Belfast routes

Demand for freight services to and from Belfast has risen steadily in recent years, with the Belfast–Liverpool (Birkenhead) route emerging as a particular growth driver. In 2025, more than 270,000 freight units were shipped on the route – the highest figure ever recorded.

The Belfast–Heysham freight-only service also achieved its strongest performance in the past five years. Stena Line expects further significant growth on this route in the year ahead, supported by major fleet investment.

On 23 January, the newly built Stena Connecta will enter service alongside sister ship Stena Futura, which was launched on the route in November 2025. When fully operational, the two vessels will deliver an additional 40% freight capacity, offering customers a choice of 24 sailings per week.

Belfast’s strategic role highlighted

Paul Grant, Stena Line Irish Sea North Trade Director

Paul Grant, Stena Line Irish Sea North Trade Director, said the results highlight Belfast’s central role within the company’s network.

“The 2025 results underscore Belfast’s position as one of the most strategically important business hubs across the Stena Line network.

“These routes provide vital infrastructure linking NI and GB. Our Irish Sea business has been transformed over the last three decades through a combination of fleet and port investments along with the continued support of our customers.

“It was fitting that we were able to name and launch a new purpose-built ship, Stena Futura in Belfast Harbour in our record 2025 year, and our 30th anniversary year in Belfast Harbour.

“Stena Line continues to have a positive outlook for its Belfast services which is why we are about to introduce a second purpose-built ship Stena Connecta on our Belfast-Heysham service.”

Beyond the operational statistics, the growth reflects the daily realities of trade across the Irish Sea – from food and drink supplies to manufacturing components – and the role Belfast plays in keeping those goods moving efficiently.

Investment in sustainability and future growth

Mr Grant also highlighted the environmental benefits of the new vessels, as Stena Line continues to invest in more sustainable shipping.

“Stena Futura and Stena Connecta are hybrid vessels which will play a key role in developing Stena Line’s sustainability journey as they will both be able to operate on methanol fuel.

“They will also be enhanced with built in technologies that will be able to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power, when available.

“In addition, Stena Connecta will also be able to utilise wind power with two 28x4 metre Norsepower Rotor Sails™ that can help save up to 9% in fuel consumption.”

Irish Sea market leader

Stena Line remains the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, operating the biggest fleet and providing up to 242 weekly sailings. Its network offers the widest choice of routes, including combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard, alongside dedicated freight-only routes from Belfast to Heysham and Dublin to Liverpool.

With record volumes, major fleet investment and a strong sustainability focus, Stena Line’s Belfast operations look set to remain a vital link in the UK-Ireland transport network for years to come.