Stena Line launches new hybrid freight ferry on Belfast-Heysham route

Stena Line has welcomed the first of its new hybrid freight ferries to Belfast Harbour, with the multimillion-pound purpose-built Stena Futura entering service on the freight-only Belfast to Heysham route.

The 147-metre vessel will operate 12 sailings a week, providing additional freight capacity on a route which connects hauliers directly into the key north of England road freight network.

Stena Futura and its sister ship Stena Connecta (currently under construction and also due to enter service in early 2026) will enhance freight capacity by 40% on the Belfast-Heysham in response to an increase in customer demand for services between Northern Ireland and Britain.

The two 'methanol-ready' vessels will play a key role in Stena Line's sustainability journey.

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

Stena Futura represents a significant step forward in sustainable shipping, built to operate on methanol and is part of a broader initiative to integrate sustainable technologies.

The sister vessel in the same series is being delivered "rotor sail ready," further demonstrating Stena Line's commitment to wind propulsion.

Stena Line route director Paul Grant said: "The arrival of Stena Futura in Belfast is a significant milestone in our 30-year association with the city.

"Stena Futura and sister vessel Stena Connecta represent an investment of more than GBP100 million, highlighting our commitment to our Irish Sea network.

"The ships were commissioned in direct response to customer demand for an increase in freight capacity on our routes and we are delighted to see the first ship enter service.

"These vessels also represent a crucial step in our broader sustainability journey.

By integrating battery propulsion and shore power capabilities, we are making significant strides towards our goal of reducing Co2 emissions by 30% by 2030, reinforcing Stena Line's position as a leader in sustainable shipping."

Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, providing up to 238 weekly sailings including combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard, in addition to the dedicated freight only routes from Belfast to Heysham and Dublin.