Stena Line has held a naming ceremony for its new hybrid freight ferry Stena Futura at Belfast Harbour, the port’s first ship naming event in nearly 20 years. More than 200 guests attended the ceremony on 20th November, which also marked 30 years since Stena Line moved its operations to Belfast in 1995.
The 147-metre vessel is the first of two next-generation “NewMax” freight ferries purpose-built for the busy Belfast–Heysham route. Together with sister ship Stena Connecta, due to enter service in early 2026, the vessels form part of a combined investment of over £100 million in the company’s Irish Sea network. When both ships are in operation, Stena Line expects freight capacity on the route to increase by around 40%.
Stena Futura features dual-fuel methanol-capable hybrid propulsion with a 9 MWh battery system, shore-power connectivity and a design prepared for future wind-assist technology. The ship offers 2,800 lane metres of freight capacity, an 80% uplift compared to the vessels currently serving the route, and measures 26.3 metres in beam. Stena Line operates 12 weekly sailings between Belfast and Heysham.
The naming was carried out by the vessel’s Godmother, Dr Madeleine Olsson Ericksson of the Olsson family, owners of Stena Line. Attending dignitaries included Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, and Dr Philip McGarry, Deputy Lieutenant of the Borough of Belfast.
Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson said: “This vessel, along with sister ship Stena Connecta, represents over £100 million investment in our Irish Sea network and clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to meeting growing freight demand, while leading the way in sustainable shipping.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said: “This investment of over £100 million is a testament to Stena’s belief in our potential and confidence in our region. This is a proud moment for our maritime sector, and for Northern Ireland.”
The company claims the ship will help achieve its target of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.
Joe O’Neil, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: “The new vessel is already proving successful on the Belfast–Heysham route, and we can see significant potential for further growth in freight volumes when Stena Connecta enters service next year. We look forward to building on the incredibly strong ties we have with Stena Line, strengthening our collaboration and further enhancing the connectivity that drives long-term economic growth for the region.”
Stena Line operates approximately 40 vessels across 19 routes in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, and posted an annual turnover of 19.6 billion Swedish kronor ($1.78 billion) in the financial year ending December 31, 2024.
