Stena Line has reached another major milestone in the Newmax fleet investment program with a ceremony for Mark Stena Connecta was launched into water at the Chinese Jinling Shipyard, Weihai, China.
Stena Connecta is one of two new ships because it serves the Belfast route – Heysham, the main trading corridor throughout the Irish sea. Now Stena Connecta has entered the water, Shipyward will continue the interior installation.
Sister Ship, Stena Futura is currently being installed, and will enter service in the fall of 2025. Stena Connecta will follow in early 2026.
After operational, Stena Connecta and Stena Futura will increase transportation capacity by 40% on the Belfast-Heysham route in responding to an increase in customer demand for services between North Ireland and Great Britain.
Two hybrid ships are equipped to operate on methanol fuels, and will place the key role in the Stena Line sustainability. They will also be improved with innate technology that will be able to use battery propulsion and coastal power, if available. Stena Line works closely with methanol suppliers, ensuring the volume of e-Metanol in the future and meets the goal of cutting 30% of CO2 emissions in 2030.
Uniquely, Stena Connecta will be equipped with a rotor screen, which utilizes wind power to provide additional propulsions to ships, therefore reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Niclas Mårtenson, CEO of Stena Line said,
“We are very happy to celebrate the launch of Stena Connecta, a significant advanced step in our Newmax fleet investment program. Business has seen the growth of demand in Belfast – Heysham’s route over the past few years and we believe that extra capacity will be welcomed by the market. “
“This new hybrid ship, which is equipped with futureproofed technology, is proof of our commitment to sustainability and is the key to advancing our strategic ambitions to switch to renewable fuels. We are dedicated to being a leader in sustainable shipping and ensuring a bright future for our industry. “
Source: Stena Line
