Feature, Freight News, Sea

Stena Futura ready for Belfast-Heysham debut

[ June 25, 2025   //   Chris Lewis ]

The Stena Futura, the first of the ferry operators’s two new hybrid ferries destined for the Irish Sea, has completed sea trials in China, on schedule to enter service on the Belfast-Heysham route in late summer.

The tests included engine performance and endurance, fuel consumption, navigation and radio equipment, emergency systems, speed tests, engine and thruster tests as well as safety tests.

Stena Futura and sister ship Stena Connecta will boost capacity by 40% on the route.

The two hybrid vessels use both battery propulsion and shore power, when available.

Tags: Stena