More than 200 guests attended the official naming ceremony of Stena Line’s newest vessel, the hybrid freight ferry Stena Futura, held at the Port of Belfast.
The 147-metre Stena Futura is the first of two next-generation “NewMax” freight ferries purpose-built for the busy Belfast–Heysham route. The vessel is methanol-ready and fitted with a hybrid propulsion system, including a 9 MWh battery and shore power capability. These innovations are key to helping Stena Line achieve its target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.
The naming ceremony was carried out by the vessel’s godmother, Dr. Madeleine Olsson Eriksson, a member of the Olsson family, owners of Stena Line. Among the dignitaries present were:
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Dr. Philip McGarry, Deputy Lieutenant for the Borough of Belfast
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Michelle O’Neill, First Minister
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Emma Little-Pengelly, Deputy First Minister
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Dr. Theresa Donaldson, Chair of the Belfast Harbour Commissioners
The event also marked a major milestone for the company: 30 years of Stena Line operations in Belfast, following the relocation of services to the port in 1995.
Investment in the Irish Sea and sustainable shipping
Speaking at the event, Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson underlined the significance of the new ferry for both the company and the region:
“The naming of Stena Futura is a proud moment for Stena Line and Belfast Harbour. This vessel, together with her sister ship Stena Connecta, represents an investment of more than £100 million in our Irish Sea network and is a clear demonstration of our firm commitment to meeting growing freight demand while leading the way in sustainable shipping.”
Key specifications of
Stena Futura
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Length: 147 m
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Beam: 26.3 m
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Freight capacity: 2,800 lane metres – an 80% increase on current capacity
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Propulsion: hybrid, dual-fuel (including methanol) with a 9 MWh battery system
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Service frequency: 12 sailings per week on the Belfast–Heysham route
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Future-ready: designed for wind-assist technologies and full shore power integration
40% capacity boost on the Belfast–Heysham route
Together with its sister vessel Stena Connecta, due to enter service in early 2026, Stena Futura will increase freight capacity on the Belfast–Heysham corridor by around 40%.
For hauliers and exporters, this means:
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more available freight space,
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more efficient and reliable schedules,
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and greener transport solutions across the Irish Sea.
Stena Futura is a key step in Stena Line’s wider fleet renewal strategy and its transition towards cleaner, more energy-efficient ferry operations.
