One of two new ships to serve the Heysham to Belfast freight route has been launched at a ceremony in China.
Stena Connecta entered the water for the first time at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, Weihai, China.
Sister ship, Stena Futura, is currently being fitted out and is due to enter service in late August 2025, said operators Stena Line.
Stena Connecta will follow in early 2026.
Once operational, the ships will enhance freight capacity by 40 per cent on the Belfast-Heysham Port route in response to an increase in customer trade demand for services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
This comes as Heysham Port invests in port infrastructure to support this increased capacity, including a new terminal management system and expanded trailer parking.
The two hybrid vessels are equipped to operate on methanol fuel. They will also be enhanced with built in technologies that will be able to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power, when available.
A Stena Line spokesperson said they are working closely with methanol suppliers, ensuring future volumes of e-methanol and fulfilling their strategic ambition of shifting to renewable fuels and cutting 30 per cent of its CO2 emissions by 2030.
Uniquely, Stena Connecta will be fitted with rotor sails, which harness wind power to provide auxiliary propulsion to the vessel, therefore reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
“The launch of Stena Connecta marks a pivotal moment for Stena Line as we continue to enhance our service offerings on the Belfast-Heysham route," said Paul Grant, trade director at Stena Line.
"With a 40 per cent increase in freight capacity, these new hybrid vessels will significantly boost our ability to meet the growing demand for efficient and reliable transport between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
“Stena Line is committed to supporting trade across the Irish Sea, and the advanced technologies on Stena Connecta and Stena Futura, including methanol fuel capabilities and rotor sails, underscore our dedication to innovation and sustainability. By investing in these state-of-the-art vessels, we are not only strengthening our commercial operations but also contributing to the economic vitality of the region.”
Phil Hall, Mersey Port Director at Peel Ports Group who run Heysham Port, said: "The launch of Stena Connecta marks another step forward in our longstanding partnership with Stena Line.
"As the Belfast-Heysham route continues to grow, we're investing in port infrastructure to support this increased capacity, including a new terminal management system and expanded trailer parking.
"These enhancements will improve the customer experience while ensuring Heysham remains a key hub for efficient and sustainable freight movements across the Irish Sea."
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