Stena Ro Ro Orders Next-Generation Future Freight Proofed C-Flexer Newbuilds

30th January 2026

Jehan Ashmore

Stena Ro Ro’s next generation of C-Flexer class which will involve an initial order for two and an option of a further four to be built at the CMI Weihai Shipyard, which has been synonymous with the successful passenger E-Flexers. Afloat adds the leadship Stena Estrid was launched on the Irish Sea in January 2020, with the vessel able to contend with Storm Brendan during its maiden sailing. Six years later, 12 of the class have entered service, with three more to be built, one to be delivered this year and the remaining new builds during 2027.

Stena Ro Ro’s next generation of the C-Flexer class will involve an initial order for two and an option of a further four to be built at the CMI Weihai Shipyard, which has been synonymous with the successful passenger E-Flexers. Afloat adds the leadship Stena Estrid was launched on the Irish Sea in January 2020, with the vessel able to contend with Storm Brendan during its maiden sailing. Six years later, 12 of the class have entered service, with three more to be built, one to be delivered this year and the remaining new builds during 2027. Credit: Stena C-Flexer 200 mode (Illustration Peter Mild)

Since Stena’s first innovative E-Flexer ferry entered service on the Irish Sea in 2020, as Afloat reported, the successful design has led to rival operators chartering more than half, but another new generation in the form of the C-Flexer freight class has been announced.

The new vessels have been developed by Stena RoRo, which has placed a historic order for the new generation of RoRo’s comprising two firm vessels of the C-Flexer type with an option for an additional four at a shipyard in China.

The deal marks an important step in the Swedish company’s long-term strategy to offer flexible and future-proof RoRo ships to the global market. Stena RoRo has, in close cooperation, worked with the Italian design company NAOS Ship and Boat Design.

Commenting on the order, says Per Westling, CEO of Stena RoRo. AB “With Stena RoRo’s extensive experience and market knowledge, combined with NAOS’ outstanding expertise in designing fuel-efficient RoRo and RoPax vessels, we have developed ships that are built for today and designed for tomorrow.”

The first two C-Flexer RoRo vessels are scheduled for delivery in March and June 2029, respectively, and the optional vessels will be delivered at three-month intervals thereafter.

Partnership with China Merchants Industry (CMI) Weihai Shipyard

The vessels will be built at China Merchants Industry (CMI) Weihai Shipyard, where a decade-long partnership between Stena RoRo and China has been established.
The merchant industry has so far resulted in 17 vessels ordered at the shipyard, and cooperation began in 2016 with an order for 4 E-Flexer RoPax vessels and has since grown to a total of 15 vessels, 12 of which have already been delivered. In addition, 2 RoRo vessels of the Stena NewMax 2,800 concept have been delivered, with the newest second twin, Stena Connecta, having only entered Irish Sea service last Friday.

“The cooperation between CMI Weihai and Stena RoRo has been crucial to the success of the RoPax and RoRo concepts delivered so far,” says Per Westling. “It has enabled us to supply both Stena Line and external customers with tailor-made vessels delivered on time and with very high quality.”

C-Flexer technical features

The new C-Flexer design offers a high degree of flexibility, enabling Stena RoRo to provide customers with vessels tailored to their specific operational needs. A highly developed hull form, multi-fuel engines, and a scalable battery-hybrid system ensure that the vessels are future-proofed and can be progressively “greened” in line with both technological advances and regulatory developments.

“In the future the C-Flexer will be able to operate entirely on batteries. Until then, the installed diesel-battery hybrid system will provide the necessary flexibility and redundancy for many years to come,” concluded Per Westling.

Stena C-Flexer, basic specifications:

Length: 200 m

Beam: 31 m

DWT: about 15,000 tons

Draft: 7.5 m

Speed: 21 knots

Lm: 3-deck version: 3.400 lane meters

Lm: 4-deck version: 4,750 lane meters

Published in Stena Line

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About The Author

Jehan Ashmore

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Jehan Ashmore is a marine correspondent, researcher and photographer, specialising in Irish ports, shipping and the ferry sector serving the UK and directly to mainland Europe. Jehan also occasionally writes a column, 'Maritime' Dalkey for the (Dalkey Community Council Newsletter) in addition to contributing to UK marine periodicals.

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