Stena Line launches freight-only ferry on Belfast to Heysham route

The 147-metre Stena Futura will operate 12 sailings per week, boosting freight capacity on the route.

The launch is part of a £100m investment which will see a second ferry launched early next year on the route - once the construction of Stena Futura’s sister ship Stena Connecta is completed.

These two new additions to the fleet will see freight capacity on the Belfast-Heysham route increase by 40%.

Paul Grant, Stena Line route director, said: “The arrival of Stena Futura in Belfast is a significant milestone in our 30-year association with the city.

“Stena Futura and sister vessel Stena Connecta represent an investment of over £100m, highlighting our commitment to our Irish Sea network.

“The ships were commissioned in direct response to customer demand for an increase in freight capacity on our routes and we are delighted to see the first ship enter service.”

He added: “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.”

Joe O’Neil, Belfast Harbour chief executive, said: “It is fantastic to welcome the Stena Futura to Belfast. We would like to congratulate Paul and the team at Stena Line on this significant milestone and welcome their commitment to sustainability in shipping.

“The whole team at Belfast Harbour is looking forward to seeing this state-of-the-art vessel entering service on one of our most important freight routes.

“Stena Line is a valued strategic partner and we are confident that there will be further opportunity for growth in freight volumes on the already successful Belfast-Heysham route following the introduction of the Stena Futura.”

Phil Hall, Peel Ports Group port director, commented: “The arrival of Stena Futura marks an exciting new era of sustainable, greener shipping across the Irish Sea.

“Our own investments to upgrade the Port of Heysham, alongside the long-standing and valued partnership with Stena Line, will enable an improved, more resilient, and environmentally responsible gateway for our customers.”

Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea and provides up to 238 weekly sailings including combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, and Rosslare to Fishguard. It also provides a dedicated freight only routes from Belfast to Heysham in Lancashire and Dublin.