The introduction of the Stena Connecta, equipped with hybrid engines and Norsepower Rotor Sails, marks a significant step towards greener short-sea shipping on the Irish Sea, with capacity boosts and advanced emissions reduction strategies reshaping freight logistics.
The arrival of Stena Connecta in Belfast Harbour on 20 January 2026 marks a crossroads for short‑sea roll‑on/roll‑off (RoRo) operations across the Irish Sea, as operators seek to reconcile rising freight demand with tightening decarbonisation mandates. According to the report by Project Cargo Journal, the 147‑metre New Max class vessel will enter commercial service on the Belfast–Heysham route on 23 January and joins sister ship Stena Futura in delivering a step change in capacity and emissions readiness.
Built as part of a more than £100 million investment in the corridor, the two New Max ships together increase freight capacity on the route by about 40 per cent, replacing older tonnage and providing 2,848 lane metres apiece for heavy project cargo and general freight. Stena RoRo and Stena Line say the additional lane metres and vessel dimensions respond directly to customer demand for specialised transport and higher throughput on the Belfast–Heysham service.
The vessels are designed as multi‑hybrid RoRo ships: dual‑fuel methanol engines, battery systems and the capability to operate on biofuels are integrated alongside traditional powerplant options. That configuration is presented by Stena and its partners as a pragmatic route to emissions reductions while alternative‑fuel infrastructure and supply mature. Industry reporting highlights that Stena Futura entered service in September 2025 and was delivered “rotor‑ready” so both ships can evolve operationally as retrofit options become attractive.
Wind assistance sits at the heart of the ships’ efficiency play. Stena Connecta arrived equipped with two 28m×4m Norsepower Rotor Sails that Norsepower says can deliver up to nine per cent fuel savings on the Irish Sea crossing; Stena Futura was built to accept the same hardware at a later date. According to Norsepower and industry coverage, the Rotor Sail installations combine mechanical hardware with digital control systems that optimise performance in real time, offering an immediately deployable, zero‑carbon propulsion contribution that complements fuel switching and electrification.
The deployment is supported by significant landside works at Heysham: Peel Ports Group invested £10 million in upgrades to handle the New Max class’s dimensions and technical needs, a move the port’s Mersey director described as reinforcing trade links between the UK and Ireland while making the corridor “even greener.” Phillip Hall, Mersey Port Director at Peel Ports Group, said the extra freight capacity was a “welcome reinforcement of the strong trade links” and that the ships would strengthen the Irish Sea shipping corridor.
Stena Line frames the newbuilds as central to its target of reducing CO2 emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, with Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Irish Sea North Trade Director, describing the vessels as “the very latest in maritime technology” that will sustain essential links while contributing to the carrier’s sustainability goals. Norsepower’s CEO Heikki Pöntynen said the Stena Connecta demonstrates how combining rotor sails with hybrid propulsion and alternative‑fuel readiness creates a “practical, data‑driven approach to decarbonising short‑sea shipping.” The delivery also echoes recent wind‑propulsion collaborations elsewhere in the project‑cargo and general‑cargo sectors, underscoring a broader industry trend toward multi‑technology decarbonisation packages rather than single‑solution bets.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Verification / Sources
- https://www.projectcargojournal.com/fleet-and-equipment/2026/01/21/stenas-new-hybrid-vessels-tackle-roro-sectors-carbon-conundrum/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://stenaroro.com/news/stena-roro-takes-delivery-of-stena-connecta-advancing-the-next-generation-of-roro-vessel-design/ – Stena RoRo has taken delivery of STENA CONNECTA, the second of two NewMax RoRo vessels built for Stena Line’s Belfast–Heysham route. Constructed at CMI Jinling Weihai, the vessel now proceeds to final preparations and is expected to enter regular service in January 2026. The first vessel in the series, STENA FUTURA, entered service on 22 September. 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 is fitted with two 28×4 metre Norsepower Rotor Sails™ capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 9% on the Irish Sea crossing. Its sister vessel, STENA FUTURA, was delivered “Rotor Sail Ready,” allowing the operator to retrofit sails as operational needs evolve. (stenaroro.com)
- https://stenaline.com/media/stories/introducing-stena-connecta/ – Stena Connecta, the latest purpose-built freight vessel commissioned by Stena Line for the Irish Sea, arrived in Belfast Harbour and will go into commercial service on the Belfast-Heysham route on 23 January 2026. The ship joins its sister vessel Stena Futura, which went into service on the Belfast-Heysham service in October 2025, and together they offer an additional 40% freight capacity on the increasingly popular trade route between Northern Ireland and Britain. Stena Connecta, like Stena Futura, is a ‘New Max’ RoRo ship built for maximised freight capacity, with 2,848 lane metres across its 147-metre length. It uses a multi-hybrid propulsion system enabling the use of battery power, biofuel, and methanol. Uniquely, the Stena Futura has two 28×4 metre Norsepower Rotor Sails™, designed to enhance energy efficiency and could deliver up to 9% fuel savings on its Irish Sea route between Belfast and Heysham. Norsepower is the global market leader in mechanical sails for large ships, and the Norsepower Rotor Sail is a modernised, data-driven evolution of the Flettner rotor – a spinning cylinder that uses the Magnus Effect to capture wind and deliver clean propulsion. Alongside the aerodynamic hardware, each installation is supported by advanced digital control systems that optimise performance in real time, ensuring the sails operate at peak efficiency in every condition. Stena Futura is also ready for sail installation. These two vessels represent a significant multi-million pound investment and demonstrate Stena Line’s strong confidence in the continued growth of the Irish Sea region and our continued commitment to strengthening trade and connectivity links. (stenaline.com)
- https://www.enuk.net/environment/the-news/3747-stena-connecta-arrives-in-belfast-harbor-with-norsepower-rotor-sails-supporting-emissions-reduction-on-the-irish-sea – The vessel is equipped with two 28m x 4m Norsepower Rotor Sails™, supporting reduced fuel consumption and lower CO₂ emissions on the Belfast–Heysham route. January 20th 2026, Helsinki, Finland – Stena Connecta arrived at Belfast Harbour ahead of its planned commercial start on 23 January 2026. The vessel follows sister ship Stena Futura, which entered service on the same route in October 2025 and is also prepared for future rotor sail installation. Together, the two ‘New Max’ RoRo vessels will increase freight capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route by approximately 40%. Designed for maximised freight efficiency, Stena Connecta offers 2,848 lane metres across its 147-metre length and features a multi-hybrid propulsion system enabling the use of batteries, biofuels and methanol. The addition of Norsepower Rotor Sails™ enables the vessel to harness wind energy as a zero-emission source of propulsion, delivering fuel savings of up to 9% on its Irish Sea operations. 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. We are proud to support Stena Line and Stena RoRo in bringing scalable wind propulsion into everyday commercial operation on the Irish Sea.’ Paul Grant, Stena Line Irish Sea North Trade Director, commented: ‘Our significant investment in Stena Connecta and Stena Futura, more than £100m, demonstrates our strong confidence in the continued growth of the Irish Sea region and our commitment to strengthening trade and connectivity links. These vessels were commissioned as a direct response to customer demand for increased freight capacity on the Belfast-Heysham route. Customer feedback on the recent introduction of Stena Futura has been extremely positive, and I have no doubt Stena Connecta will be equally well received across our customer base.’ Paul Grant added: ‘When operational both vessels will offer a choice of up to 24 sailings per week on the increasingly popular Belfast-Heysham service. We are particularly pleased to introduce two of Stena Line’s most advanced vessels to the Irish Sea region further enhancing Belfast’s significance as a key network business hub. These vessels represent the very latest in maritime technology and will not only play a crucial role in maintaining essential transport links in Ireland and the UK but also make a significant contribution to our sustainability goals of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30 percent by 2030.’ Wind-assisted propulsion is increasingly recognised as a key enabler for meeting tightening regional and international emissions regulations. By reducing fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions without relying on fuel availability or infrastructure changes, Norsepower Rotor Sails™ provide shipowners and operators with an immediately deployable solution that complements alternative fuels and electrification strategies. The installation of Norsepower Rotor Sails™ on Stena Connecta further reinforces the growing adoption of wind propulsion within the RoRo segment and highlights the role of hybrid, multi-technology solutions in accelerating maritime decarbonisation today. (enuk.net)
- https://www.shippax.com/en/news/second-newmax-roro-stena-connecta-has-been-delivered.aspx – The first vessel in the series, STENA FUTURA, entered service on the Belfast–Heysham route on 22 September. 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 28×4 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 Norsepower rotor sails. (shippax.com)
- https://www.marinelink.com/news/stena-connecta-freight-vessel-arrives-534652 – Stena Connecta, the latest purpose-built freight vessel commissioned by Stena Line for the Irish Sea, arrived in Belfast Harbor and is due to go into commercial service on the Belfast-Heysham route on January 23, 2026. The ship joins its sister vessel Stena Futura, which went into service on the Belfast-Heysham service in October 2025, and together they offer an additional 40% freight capacity on the increasingly popular trade route between Northern Ireland and Britain. Stena Connecta, like Stena Futura, is a ‘New Max’ RoRo ship built for maximised freight capacity, with 2,848 lane meters across its 147-meter length. It uses a multi-hybrid propulsion system enabling the use of battery power, biofuel, and methanol. Uniquely, the Stena Connecta has two 28m x 4m Norsepower Rotor Sails, designed to enhance energy efficiency and could deliver up to 9% fuel savings on its Irish Sea route between Belfast and Heysham. Stena Futura is also ready for rotor sail installation. (marinelink.com)
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score: 10
Notes: The article reports on the recent arrival of Stena Connecta in Belfast Harbour on 20 January 2026, with commercial service commencing on 23 January 2026. This is current and original information, with no evidence of prior publication or recycled content.
Quotes check
Score: 10
Notes: The article includes direct quotes from Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Irish Sea North Trade Director, and Heikki Pöntynen, CEO of Norsepower. These quotes are consistent across multiple reputable sources, confirming their authenticity and originality.
Source reliability
Score: 10
Notes: The primary source, Project Cargo Journal, is a reputable publication in the logistics and shipping industry. The article is corroborated by official press releases from Stena Line and Stena RoRo, as well as coverage from established maritime news outlets like MarineLink and Afloat.ie, indicating a high level of source reliability.
Plausability check
Score: 10
Notes: The claims about Stena Connecta’s specifications, including its length, freight capacity, and hybrid propulsion system, are consistent with information from multiple reputable sources. The integration of Norsepower Rotor Sails™ for emissions reduction aligns with current industry trends towards sustainable shipping practices.
Overall assessment
Veredict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary: The article provides current, original, and verifiable information about the arrival of Stena Connecta in Belfast Harbour and its upcoming commercial service. All claims are supported by multiple reputable sources, and the content is free from opinion or commentary elements. No concerns regarding freshness, source reliability, or verification independence were identified.