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Stena’s new ships to maximize Heysham freight potential

[ May 10, 2023   //   ]

Stena Line is constructing two new bespoke freight ferries for its Heysham-Belfast route.

Each of the two new 147-meter vessels has been designed to maximise freight volumes and will provide 2,800 lane meters of capacity, an 80% increase on current ship capacities.

The new vessels, the first of which is due to enter service on the route in autumn 2025, will be able to carry 12 passengers and 26 crew.

The ‘NewMax’ vessels will be able to operate on methanol fuel. Stena Line is currently working closely with suppliers and has secured future volumes of e-methanol to fulfil its ambition to shift to renewable fuels and cutting 30% of its CO2 emissions by 2030.

The vessels are also future proofed for electrification with in-built technologies that can use either battery propulsion or shore power, where this is available.

The unique tidal systems prevailing in Heysham can be challenging, so each vessel will be fitted with a bespoke configuration  with three bow thrusters for maneuverability and reliability and a specially designed engine/propeller configuration to enhance berthing capability in extreme weather.

Stena Line trade director, Paul Grant, said: “This is very significant day for Heysham-Belfast freight traffic.  By adding an extra 80% capacity to the route, Stena Line has responded to growing demands from customers. 

“We have operated a very popular service on Heysham-Belfast for several years now but with restricted capacity it has been challenging to meet increased market growth. With the extra capacity, we will now be able to significantly enhance our service on this route and complement our Birkenhead, Cairnryan and Holyhead services.”

Mersey port director at Peel Ports Group, Phil Hall, added: “The Heysham-Belfast freight service is extremely important to the Port of Heysham. The construction of Stena Line’s two new ferries will go a long way towards meeting increased customer demand, while the additional capacity will allow for enhanced services for our port users. It’s a fantastic project to be supporting, and we look forward to delivering a bigger and better freight service for our customers from 2025 onwards.”

Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, also offers a direct service from Rosslare to Cherbourg  and will be introducing an upgraded ship, Stena Vision, to this route for summer 2023, making this route the most frequent service from Ireland to France with 12 sailings per week.

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