Stena Line has announced the successful completion of sea trials for its hybrid ferry Stena Futura, the first of a new generation of vessels for the Irish Sea.
The completion of these trials marks a key milestone in the construction of Stena Futura, which remains on schedule to enter service on the Belfast–Heysham route later this summer.
Sea trials are conducted to test all systems of the vessel under real marine conditions, including engine performance, fuel consumption, navigation and emergency systems, manoeuvrability, and overall safety. This ensures the vessel is fully operational and meets the required technical specifications before entering service.
Once operational, Stena Futura and its sister vessel, Stena Connecta, will increase freight capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route by 40% in response to growing customer demand for services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
Both hybrid vessels will play a key role in Stena Line’s sustainability strategy. They will be equipped with advanced technology that allows for battery-powered propulsion and shore power connections in port, helping to reduce emissions and the company’s overall carbon footprint.
