Newbuild €115m Stena Futura to operate on Belfast-Heysham Route from Monday next September 22

Stena Futura, a hybrid freight ferry, begins service on the Belfast-Heysham route on 22 September, offering 12 weekly sailings.

The vessel, costing over €115m, is methanol-ready and equipped for battery propulsion and shore power. Stena Futura and Stena Connecta will increase freight capacity by 40pc on the route, meeting growing demand.

The ferries support Stena Line’s goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 30pc by 2030. Belfast Harbour and Peel Ports Group support the initiative.

Paul Grant shared: “The arrival of Stena Futura in Belfast is a significant milestone in our 30-year association with the city. Stena Futura and sister vessel Stena Connecta represent an investment of over £100m, highlighting our commitment to our Irish Sea network.”

These vessels represent a crucial step in our broader sustainability journey. By integrating battery propulsion and shore power capabilities, we are making significant strides towards our goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30pc by 2030, reinforcing Stena Line’s position as a leader in sustainable shipping.”

Joe O’Neil shared: “It is fantastic to welcome the Stena Futura to Belfast. We would like to congratulate Paul and the team at Stena Line on this significant milestone and welcome their commitment to sustainability in shipping. The whole team at Belfast Harbour is looking forward to seeing this state-of-the-art vessel entering service on one of our most important freight routes.”

Phil Hall shared: “The arrival of Stena Futura marks an exciting new era of sustainable, greener shipping across the Irish Sea. Our own investments to upgrade the Port of Heysham, alongside the long-standing and valued partnership with Stena Line, will enable an improved, more resilient, and environmentally responsible gateway for our customers.”