Working Conditions Aboard the Stena-Futura

The innovative vessel 'Stena Futura' has officially docked in Belfast on September 12 after an extensive delivery journey from the Jinling Weihai shipyard. The ferry's route took it through the Cape of Good Hope and included a notable stop in Cape Verde, as it prepares to commence operations on the Belfast-Heysham route. As the first of two newly designed hybrid roll-on/roll-off ferries by Naos, 'Stena Futura' is equipped for methanol use, showcasing a commitment to sustainable maritime practices. Its sister ship, the 'Stena Connecta', is slated to arrive in early 2026, and together they are projected to boost cargo capacity on the Belfast-Heysham route by an impressive 40%, in response to the rising demand for transportation services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Both ferries not only utilize methanol but also incorporate cutting-edge technology for 9 MWh battery propulsion and the ability to connect to shore power when available, aiming to lower CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030. Notably, the 'Stena Connecta' will feature two 28 x 4 meter Norsepower rotor sails, anticipated to enhance fuel efficiency by up to 9% on their designated trade routes, while the 'Stena Futura' has already been outfitted with these advanced installations.

In June 2025, the Stena Futura, a cutting-edge hybrid ferry developed by Stena Line and constructed by the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, accomplished successful sea trials off the Yellow Sea. This significant milestone paves the way for the ferry's introduction on the Belfast-Heysham route, set for late summer. The comprehensive sea trials were designed to rigorously assess the vessel's operational efficiency and functionality, ensuring compliance with all specifications. Key performance indicators assessed included engine performance, fuel consumption, navigational accuracy, emergency system reliability, speed capabilities, and overall maneuverability. Additionally, thorough testing of the engine and thruster systems was conducted to validate their effectiveness. The Stena Futura, along with its sister vessel, the Stena Connecta, is poised to enhance cargo capacity on the Belfast-Heysham route by an impressive 40 percent. Both ships are engineered to operate on methanol fuel, significantly contributing to Stena Line's sustainability initiatives. Furthermore, they are outfitted with advanced technologies that support battery propulsion and shore power utilization when available, reinforcing the company's commitment to environmentally friendly transportation solutions. For more details, view the full report with images here: https://news.cision.com/de/stena-line-deutschland/r/stena-futura-schliesst-seeerprobung-in-china-erfolgreich-ab,c4162674