Wedoany.com Report-Jun 27, Stena Line, a Swedish ferry company, has successfully completed sea trials for Stena Futura, its first methanol-ready NewMax hybrid ship, at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, China, in 2025. The 147-meter vessel, with its first steel cut in January 2024 and launched ten months later, is on track to begin operations on the Belfast-Heysham route in the Irish Sea by late summer 2025.

Stena Futura, alongside its sister ship Stena Connecta, will increase freight capacity by 40% on this key route. Stena Connecta, scheduled for delivery in late 2025, will feature Norsepower rotor sails, a wind propulsion technology from Finnish company Norsepower, while Stena Futura is designed as “rotor sail ready.” Both vessels incorporate advanced technologies, including battery propulsion and shore power capabilities, enabling operation on methanol fuel to support Stena Line’s sustainability goals.

The company has collaborated with methanol suppliers to secure e-methanol, aligning with its target to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030. “It is with great excitement that we announce that Stena Futura has successfully completed its sea trials,” said Niclas Martensson, CEO of Stena Line. “These vessels represent a crucial step in our broader sustainability journey. By integrating battery propulsion and shore power capabilities, we are making significant strides towards our goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, reinforcing Stena Line’s position as a leader in sustainable shipping.”

Stena Line recently introduced a new vessel concept, Stena Futuro, a 240-meter roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ship designed for semi-trailers and cars. This hybrid vessel, capable of operating on multiple fuels, uses wind power and low-consumption engines to reduce energy use by at least 20%, further advancing the company’s commitment to sustainable maritime transport.

The completion of Stena Futura’s sea trials marks a significant milestone in enhancing freight services and reducing environmental impact. By leveraging innovative propulsion technologies and renewable fuels, Stena Line is strengthening its operations in the Irish Sea while contributing to a more sustainable shipping industry.