Stena Line’s second new ship Stena Connecta has hit the water, marking the latest milestone for the NewMax fleet investment programme
A ceremony was held for Stena Connecta launching into the water at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, Weihai, China.
Stena Connecta is one of two new ships due to serve the Heysham – Belfast route, a key corridor across the Irish Sea.
The shipyard will continue with fitting out Stena Connecta’s interiors.
Sister ship, Stena Futura is currently being fitted out and is due to enter service in late August 2025.
Stena Connecta will follow in early 2026.
The two hybrid vessels are equipped to operate on methanol fuel.
They will also have built in technologies that will be able to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power, when available.
Uniquely, Stena Connecta will be fitted with rotor sails, which harness wind power to provide auxiliary propulsion to the vessel.
