The first vessel in the series, STENA FUTURA, entered service on the Belfast–Heysham route on 22 September. However, STENA FUTURA has not yet been officially named, as the formal naming ceremony will take place in Belfast on 20 November.

The two dual fuel methanol/battery-hybrid newbuilds represent a 40% increase in capacity on the route once both are in service, replacing the previous tonnage.

STENA CONNECTA has two 28x4 metre Norsepower Rotor Sails™ installed that can save up to 9% in fuel on its Irish Sea route between Belfast and Heysham. Its sister vessel, STENA FUTURA, was delivered “Rotor Sail Ready,” meaning it is prepared for the retrofit installation of Norse Power rotor sails.

• Length: 147 m
• Beam: 26.3 m
• Yard: CMI Shipyard, Weihai, China
• Passenger capacity: 12
• Crew: 26
• Height clearance: 5.3 m
• Width clearance: 12 m
• Freight capacity: 2,848 lane metres
• Route: Belfast – Heysham (approx. 12 sailings per week)

© Shippax