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 shipyard will continue with the installation of the interior.

Its sister ship, STENA FUTURA, is currently being fitted out and is due to enter service in autumn 2025. STENA CONNECTA will follow in early 2026.
Once operational, STENA CONNECTA and STENA FUTURA will enhance freight capacity by 40% on the Belfast–Heysham route, responding to increased customer demand for services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

The two hybrid vessels are equipped to operate on methanol fuel and will play a key role in Stena Line’s sustainability journey. They will also be enhanced with built-in technologies that enable them to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power when available. Stena Line is working closely with methanol suppliers to ensure future volumes of e-methanol, supporting 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, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of 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 growing demand on the Belfast–Heysham route over recent years, and we are confident that the extra capacity will be welcomed by the market.”

“These new hybrid vessels, equipped with future-proofed technologies, are a testament to our commitment to sustainability and are key to 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.”

Main particulars NewMax vessels:
Length: 147 metres
Beam: 26,3 metres
Draft: 5,2 metres
Freight capacity: 2,800 lane metres
Propulsion: Dual fuel methanol hybrid with 9 MWh battery capacity

© Shippax