Stena Line’s hybrid Irish Sea freight ferry, the Stena Futura, has been recognised with a prestigious industry accolade at the 2026 Shippax Awards.
Awarded by leading maritime publication Shippax, Stena Futura, which entered the Belfast-Heysham route last year, has been recognized as a breakthrough in next-generation Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) vessel design, underlining Stena Line’s continued leadership in sustainability and operational innovation across the Irish Sea.
In announcing the award, Shippax said: “Stena Futura represents the latest and most forward-thinking design standards for a RoRo vessel. Equipped with a multi-hybrid solution, the vessel is able to operate on battery, biofuel, and methanol, thus combining several technologies currently available on the road to net-zero emissions in shipping. Additionally, the Stena Futura has built-in technologies that prepare her to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power when available. Her flexibility will contribute to a long operational lifespan – something that further enhances the vessel’s overall sustainability.”
Stena Futura, which entered service on the freight-only route last September, is the first of two new hybrid freight ferries, alongside its twin Stena Connecta. The vessels were purpose-built for the Belfast - Heysham route, one of the UK and Ireland’s most critical freight arteries and represent a significant investment in regional connectivity, sustainability and freight capacity.
Magnus Lander, Group Head of Network & Business Development at Stena Line said, “Receiving the Shippax RoRo Award 2026 for Stena Futura is a great recognition of our continued commitment to innovation and sustainable shipping. It confirms that we are moving in the right direction by investing in future-proof vessel concepts and technologies that support reduced emissions and increased operational efficiency. For our customers, it demonstrates that we are actively working to provide more sustainable transport solutions without compromising reliability or service quality.
Paul Grant, Trade Director at Stena Line, commented, “Stena Futura and Stena Connecta represent a major step forward for our Belfast - Heysham route. These vessels are already delivering a positive impact on this vital trade corridor by significantly increasing freight capacity to meet growing customer demand. The investment Stena Line has made with these ships strengthens the resilience of our Irish Sea network and also supports our long-term sustainability ambitions. We are very proud of the ships and their crew and are delighted the Stena Futura has been recognised at the Shippax awards.”
By combining increased freight capacity with multi-fuel capabilities, the freight vessels demonstrate how operational efficiency and environmental performance can go hand-in-hand, supporting both economic growth and the transition toward lower-emission shipping.
