Stena Futura, the first of two new hybrid freight ferries for Stena Line destined for the Irish Sea, has successfully completed sea trials in China.
The completion of the sea trials is a significant milestone in the build of the Stena Futura, and the freight ferry is on schedule to enter service on the Belfast-Heysham route in late summer.
Sea trials are designed to test the newbuild at sea to demonstrate the proper function of the ship to ensure that all systems are fully operational and in line with agreed specifications. The tests include areas such as engine performance and endurance, fuel consumption, navigation and radio equipment, emergency systems, speed tests, maneuverability, engine and thruster tests, as well as safety tests.
Once operational, Stena Futura and sister ship Stena Connecta will enhance freight capacity by 40% on the Belfast-Heysham route in response to an increase in customer demand for services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
The two hybrid vessels will play a key role in Stena Line’s sustainability journey. They will be enhanced with built-in technologies that will be able to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power when available.
