Stena Connecta, the latest purpose-built freight vessel of two commissioned by Stena Line for the Irish Sea, arrived in Belfast Harbour and is due to go into commercial service on the Belfast-Heysham route this Friday, 23rd January.
The ro-ro newbuild, which arrived yesterday (with escorting Boluda tugs), is to join its twin Stena 'NewMax 2800 class Stena Futura, which went into service on the Belfast-Heysham service in September, and named in November. Together they offer an additional 40% freight capacity on the increasingly popular trade route between Northern Ireland and Britain.
Stena Connecta, likewise to its ‘New Max’ twin, was built for maximized freight capacity, with 2,848 lane meters across its 147-metre length. It uses a multi-hybrid propulsion system, enabling the use of battery power, biofuel, and methanol.
Uniquely, Stena Connecta has two 28 m x 4 m Norsepower Rotor Sails™, designed to enhance energy efficiency and could deliver up to 9% fuel savings on its Irish Sea route between Belfast and Heysham. Stena Futura is also ready for rotor sail installation.
Paul Grant, Stena Line Irish Sea North Trade Director, said, “Our significant investment in Stena Connecta and Stena Futura—more than £100m—demonstrates our strong confidence in the continued growth of the Irish Sea region and our commitment to strengthening trade and connectivity links.
“In 2025 our Heysham–Belfast freight service recorded its highest volumes in the last 5 years, with 113,000 units being shipped. These vessels were commissioned in response to this increasing customer demand for increased freight capacity on this route.
“Customer feedback on the recent introduction of Stena Futura has been extremely positive, and I have no doubt Stena Connecta will be equally well received across our customer base.”
Paul Grant added, “When operational, both vessels will offer a choice of up to 24 sailings per week on the increasingly popular Belfast-Heysham service. We are particularly pleased to introduce two of Stena Line’s most advanced vessels to the Irish Sea region, further enhancing Belfast’s significance as a key network business hub.
“These vessels represent the very latest in maritime technology and will not only play a crucial role in maintaining essential transport links in Ireland and the UK but also make a significant contribution to our sustainability goals of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30 percent by 2030.”
Michael Robinson, Port Director at Belfast Harbour, said, “We’re excited to welcome the second of Stena Line’s new hybrid vessels, Stena Connecta, to Belfast Harbour. Coming so soon after last year’s celebration of 30 years of Stena Line in Belfast and the launch of sister ship Stena Futura, this arrival underlines the strength of our partnership, which is essential for connecting people and transporting the goods we all rely on. Together with Stena Line, we’re connecting the island more reliably than ever and delivering long‑term economic benefits for businesses across Northern Ireland.”
Ship Stats—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)
- Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, and aside from its passenger/freight routes, the company has another freight-only service of Dublin–Liverpool (Birkenhead).
