Stena Line has reached another major milestone in its NewMax fleet investment programme with a ceremony to mark Stena Connecta launching into the water at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, Weihai, China.

Stena Connecta is one of two new ships due to serve the Belfast – Heysham route, a key trade corridor across the Irish Sea. Now that Stena Connecta has entered the water, the shipyward will continue with the installation of the interior.

Sister ship, Stena Futura is currently being fitted out, and is due to enter service in Autumn 2025. Stena Connectawill follow in early 2026.

Once operational, Stena Connecta and Stena Futura will enhance freight capacity by 40% on the Belfast-Heysham route in response to an increase in customer demand for services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

The two hybrid vessels are equipped to operate on methanol fuel, and will place a key role in Stena Line’s sustainability journey. They will also be enhanced with built in technologies that will be able to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power, when available. Stena Line is working closely with methanol suppliers, ensuring future volumes of e-methanol and fulfilling the goal of cutting 30% of its CO2 emissions by 2030.

Uniquely, Stena Connecta will be fitted with rotor sails, which harness wind power to provide auxiliary propulsion to the vessel, therefore reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

​Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line said,

“We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of Stena Connecta, a significant step forward in our NewMax fleet investment programme. The business has seen growth in demand on the Belfast – Heysham route over recent years and we are certain that the extra capacity will be welcomed by the market.”

“These new hybrid vessels, equipped with futureproofed technologies, are a testament to our commitment to sustainability and are key in advancing our strategic ambition to shift to renewable fuels. We are dedicated to being a leader in sustainable shipping and ensuring a bright future for our industry.”