Stena Line has launched the Stena Connecta on the Belfast-Heysham route, part of a £100 million investment that boosts freight capacity by 40 per cent. 

Based in Sweden, Stena Line is a key player in short-sea RoRo shipping and project cargo logistics.

The 147-metre Stena Connecta joins the Stena Futura, which launched in October 2025. 

The vessels are supported by landside investment from Peel Ports Group, which has upgraded the Port of Heysham with a £10 million expansion to handle the larger vessels. 

Mersey Port Director at Peel Ports Group Phillip Hall said, “The additional freight capacity marks a very welcome reinforcement of the strong trade links between the UK and Ireland. The Stena Connecta and its sister vessel will also make the Irish Sea shipping corridor even greener.”

In 2025, the Heysham–Belfast service handled a record 113,000 units, and each New Max vessel provides 2,848 lane metres, meeting growing demand for high-volume and specialised freight.

Stena Line’s Irish Sea North Trade Director Paul Grant commented, “These vessels represent the very latest in maritime technology and will play a crucial role in maintaining essential transport links.”

The integration of hybrid propulsion, alternative fuels, and wind-assisted technology demonstrates the sector’s shift towards decarbonisation while maintaining operational efficiency. 

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

Explore the full details of Stena Line’s hybrid RoRo expansion and technical design in the complete report.