Swedish shipping company Stena Line has unveiled the concept design for the eco-friendly Stena Futuro. This innovative ro-ro ferry has been designed with efficiency and a low carbon footprint in mind, in line with the company’s ambitious goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.
Design and Technology
The Stena Futuro is a 240-metre vessel primarily designed for the transport of semi-trailers and cars. Its hull and superstructure have been designed from the ground up to maximise cargo capacity and fuel efficiency. The lightweight hull is optimised from both a hydrodynamic and aerodynamic perspectives, reducing water and air resistance.
In addition to the clever design, the vessel will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies to minimise emissions:
• Hybrid propulsion with highly efficient engines.
• Batteries working in tandem with solar panels, allowing the vessel to switch off its engines completely in ports.
• Heat recovery system, which will use residual heat from the engines for heating and electricity generation.
• Air lubrication system - a special technology that creates a layer of bubbles under the hull to reduce friction and improve fuel efficiency.
• 40-metre high retractable wing sails, which have already been tested and are expected to provide an additional fuel savings of up to 15%
Project outlook
The final design of Stena Futuro is expected to enter the production phase in the coming years. This new class of vessel will be a key element of Stena Line's strategy to reduce emissions and create environmentally sustainable shipping.
