New hybrid rorro ships ordered for Stena Line

Stena RoRo, on behalf of Stena Line, has ordered two hybrid cargo ships from Chinese shipyard CMI Jinling in Weihai. These ships have been designed to run on either methanol or conventional fuel, keeping in mind future environmental requirements, such as battery-powered propulsion. The load capacity has been optimized and increased by 80%. These 147 meter-long ships have exceptional manoeuvrability and have been specially designed for Stena Line’s route between Belfast and Heysham in the Irish Sea. They are designed with a limited length and shallow draft to cope with the specific conditions in the narrow port of Heysham. Each ship has a loading capacity of 2,800 lane meters and can accommodate 12 passengers and 25 crew members.

Stena RoRo is responsible for their construction and delivery, scheduled for June and November 2025. “These ships are an evolution of our previous cargo ship concepts, with a focus on sustainability and future-proofing with multi-fuel internal combustion engines,” said Per Westling, Managing Director of Stena RoRo.

Stena Line has been focusing on sustainable transportation, reducing its carbon emissions and its environmental impact. The company aims to reduce 30% of its carbon footprint by 2030, contributing to achieving the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. Switching to hybrid ships is a step towards achieving these goals.

The hybrid vessels have been designed keeping in mind future environmental regulations. They can accommodate battery-powered propulsion by switching from an internal combustion engine to other alternative energy sources. This will help Stena Line to further reduce its carbon emissions while continuing to provide efficient and reliable transportation.

In conclusion, Stena Line’s move towards hybrid cargo ships is a step towards sustainable shipping, reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to climate change goals. By using renewable energy sources, the company will be future-proofing its operations, reducing operational risks and costs, and making the company more resilient in the long run. The hybrid vessels are designed to be environmentally friendly, efficient, and reliable while enhancing the services of Stena Line.


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