Stena’s wind hybrid ferry arrives in Belfast

Norsepower and Stena Line confirmed the January 2026 arrival of Stena Connecta ahead of its commercial launch on 23 January, strengthening capacity and sustainability on the Belfast to Heysham route.

”Stena Connecta is a strong example of how forward-looking vessel design can combine operational efficiency with tangible emissions reductions,” said Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower.

”By integrating Norsepower Rotor Sails alongside hybrid propulsion and alternative fuel readiness, Stena Line is demonstrating a practical, data-driven approach to decarbonising short-sea shipping.”

Zero-emission energy

Commissioned by Stena Line and built specifically for short-sea freight operations, Stena Connecta is equipped with two 28m by 4m Norsepower Rotor Sails, enabling the vessel to harness wind propulsion as a zero-emission energy source.

The technology is expected to deliver fuel savings of up to 9 percent, directly reducing shipping emissions during Irish Sea operations.

The vessel is the second of Stena Line’s ‘New Max’ RoRo ships, following Stena Futura, which entered service on the same route in October 2025.

Together, the two vessels will increase freight capacity by around 40 percent, responding to growing customer demand while supporting decarbonisation objectives.

At 147 metres long, Stena Connecta offers 2,848 lane metres of freight capacity and features a multi-hybrid propulsion system. This hybrid ferry configuration enables operation using batteries, biofuels and methanol, alongside wind-assisted propulsion.

Stena Line said the more than GB£100m investment underlines its confidence in Irish Sea trade and its goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.