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June 25, 2025 Stena Line has announced that Stena Futura, the first of its new hybrid ferries destined for the Irish Sea, has successfully completed its sea trials. The completion of the sea trials is a significant milestone in the build Stena Futura and the vessel is on schedule to enter service on the Belfast-Heysham route in late summer. Sea trials are designed to test the vessel at sea to demonstrate the proper function of the ship to ensure that all systems are fully operational and in line with agreed specifications. The tests include areas such as engine performance and endurance, fuel consumption, navigation and radio equipment, emergency systems, speed tests, maneuverability, engine and thruster tests as well as safety tests. 
Hybrid ferry "Stena Futura". Image by Stena Line. 
Hybrid ferry "Stena Futura". Image by Stena Line.
The two hybrid vessels will play a key role in Stena Line's sustainability journey. They will be enhanced with built in technologies that will be able to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power, when available. Niclas Martensson, CEO of Stena Line said: "It is with great excitement that we announce that Stena Futura has successfully completed its sea trials. The Irish Sea region continues to be a booming market for Stena Line, and the significant boost these ships will provide to our freight capacity on the popular Belfast - Hesham route will be welcomed by the market. "These vessels represent a crucial step in our broader sustainability journey. By integrating battery propulsion and shore power capabilities, we are making significant strides towards our goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030, reinforcing Stena Line's position as a leader in sustainable shipping." Stena Line is one of Europe's leading ferry companies with approximately 40 vessels and 20 routes in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean Sea, operating 25,700 sailings each year. Stena Line is an important part of the European logistics network and develops new intermodal freight solutions by combining transport by rail, road and sea. Stena Line also plays an important role in tourism in Europe with its extensive passenger operations. The company is family-owned, was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Gothenburg. Stena Line has 6,200 employees and an annual turnover of 19.5 billion SEK. For more information please visit www.stenaline.com Stena Line, press release 
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