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Stena launches first Heysham-Belfast dual-fuel ship

[ October 30, 2024   //   Chris Lewis ]

Stena Line has launched the first of its NewMax ships, the Stena Futura and has laid the keel of the second, the Stena Connecta at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, Weihai.

The Stena Futura is due to go into service in Autumn 2025

They will increase freight capacity on the Belfast-Heysham route by 40% and will be able to operate on methanol fuel. They will also be enhanced with built in technologies able to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power, when available. Stena Line is working closely with methanol suppliers, with the aim of shifting to renewable fuels and cutting 30% of its CO₂ emissions by 2030.

Stena Line chief executive Niclas Mårtensson, said: “These new vessels are the first RoRo ships equipped with a multi hybrid solution, enabling them to operate on battery, biofuel, and methanol. This not only complies with upcoming regulations but also reduces our CO₂ emissions, aiding our customers in achieving their Scope 3 targets.”

Tags: Stena Line