Introducing Stena Connecta: Stena Line’s New Methanol-Ready Hybrid Vessel
Swedish ferry operator Stena Line recently held a naming ceremony for its latest hybrid vessel, Stena Connecta, at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai on October 16, 2025. This new NewMax hybrid Ro-Ro vessel is designed to serve the Belfast–Heysham route and is expected to commence regular operations in January 2026.
Stena Connecta, which measures 147 meters in length and boasts approximately 2,848 lane meters of freight capacity, is a sister ship to Stena Futura, which began service in September 2025. The introduction of these vessels aims to enhance freight capacity on the route by about 40%.
Equipped with a multi-hybrid propulsion system, Stena Connecta can operate on battery power, bio-fuel, and methanol. Additionally, it features two Norsepower Rotor Sails that provide potential fuel savings of up to 9% during operations in the Irish Sea.
Stena Line’s Chief Executive Officer, Niclas Mårtensson, emphasized that these vessels represent cutting-edge maritime technology and will be essential in maintaining transport links between Ireland and the UK, while also helping the company achieve its goal of a 30% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030.
Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.
At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising.
Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry.
Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
Editorial Team
At CruiseShip.net, our editorial team is made up of passionate travelers, seasoned cruisers, and maritime industry enthusiasts who live and breathe life at sea. From the latest ship launches and destination spotlights to detailed reviews and onboard tips, we are dedicated to helping readers discover the joy of cruising. Our mission is to make every article both inspiring and useful, whether you are planning your first voyage or your fiftieth. We research, fact-check, and collaborate with cruise insiders around the world to bring you accurate, up-to-date, and exciting coverage of the global cruise industry. Join us as we chart new horizons, exploring one port, one ship, and one unforgettable experience at a time.
Leave a Reply