Stena Line’s newest vessel, STENA CONNECTA, was officially named at the CMI Shipyard in Weihai, China, on 16 October. She will soon begin her maiden voyage to her new home port on the Irish Sea.
Together with STENA FUTURA, which entered service in September, the two new freight ferries will boost freight capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route by 40%.
The naming ceremony was attended by Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson, members of the executive team, and Stena AB owner Dan Sten Olsson.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate yet another milestone for our fleet and our company today,” said Niclas Mårtensson. “STENA CONNECTA and her sister vessel represent the very latest in maritime technology and will play a crucial role in maintaining essential transport links in Ireland and the UK, while contributing to our goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.”
STENA CONNECTA is a New Max RoRo vessel built for maximised freight capacity, offering 2,848 lane metres across 147 metres. She features a multi-hybrid propulsion system enabling the use of battery power, biofuel, and methanol, and two Norsepower Rotor Sails™ (28 x 4 m) that can save up to 9% in fuel on the Irish Sea route.
Her sister vessel, STENA FUTURA, is also ready for sail installation.
Stena Line, marking 30 years of operations on the Irish Sea, operates 13 vessels (including STENA CONNECTA) and up to 238 weekly sailings. Its network includes passenger and freight routes from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard, as well as dedicated freight routes from Belfast to Heysham and Dublin.
STENA CONNECTA will begin her delivery voyage from China to the Irish Sea soon and is expected to enter regular service on the Belfast–Heysham route from January 2026.
Facts – STENA CONNECTA
- Length: 147 m
- Beam: 26.3 m
- Built: 2023–2025, CMI Shipyard, Weihai, China
- Passenger capacity: 12
- Crew: 26
- Height clearance: 5.3 m
- Width clearance: 12 m
- Freight capacity: 2,848 lane metres
- Route: Belfast – Heysham (approx. 12 sailings per week)