Stena Line has named its latest hybrid methanol-ready freight ferry, Stena Futura, at Belfast Harbour
The 147-metre vessel is the first of two new “NewMax” ships built for the Belfast–Heysham route and is designed to operate on methanol. It is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system, including battery capability and shore power connection.
Stena Line CEO Niclas Martensson said the vessel, together with sister ship Stena Connecta, represents more than £100 million of investment in the Irish Sea network and supports the company’s plan to cut CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.
The ship has a freight capacity of 2,800 lane metres, around 80% more than existing vessels on the route, and will operate 12 weekly sailings.
Its sister vessel, Stena Connecta, is scheduled to enter service in early 2026, with the pair expected to increase freight capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route by about 40%.
