For the first time in 20 years; Belfast Harbour hosted a naming ceremony for a new vessel last week.
Stena Line’s latest vessel, the hybrid Stena Futura ferry, was officially christened at the Harbour in front of over 200 guests.
Measuring in at 147-metres in length; the ferry is the first of two next-generation NewMax freight vessels that have been purpose-built for the Belfast-Heysham route.
Methanol-ready, the ship is fully equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, including battery capability and shore power connectivity, enabling Stena Line’s goal of a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030.
The naming ceremony was officiated by the ship’s Godmother, Dr Madeleine Olsson Ericksson, a member of the Olsson family, owners of Stena Line and guests included Deputy Lieutenant of the Borough of Belfast, Dr Philip McGarry, the First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, Deputy First Minister, Emma Little-Pengelly and Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners.
The ceremony also commemorated 30 years of Stena Line operations in Belfast after the company first moved their services to the city in 1995.
Stena Line CEO Niclas Mårtensson said:The naming of Stena Futura is a proud moment for Stena Line and Belfast Harbour. This vessel along with sister ship Stena Connecta represents over £100 million investment in our Irish Sea network and clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment to meeting growing freight demand, while leading the way in sustainable shipping.
With a freight capacity of 2,800 lane metres; the Stena Futura is set to undertake 12 weekly sailings along the Belfast–Heysham route once it enters service in early 2026, boosting freight capacity along the route by 40%.
