Stena Line Rotor Sail Truck Ferry at Heysham

Stena Connecta departing from Heysham harbour on 24th April heading for Belfast

Stena Line introduced their second ‘New Max’ RoRo truck ferry on the Belfast to Heysham service in January. Stena Connecta is similar to her sister ship Stena Futura, but with the addition of two rather prominent 28 metre high Norsepower Rotor Sails. These innovative rotor sails work by compressing and thinning the air to create thrust which assists in powering the vessel, in a similar process to that which makes a football spin. Stena Connecta entered service on the Heysham to Belfast route on 23rd January, and together the new larger ferries offer an additional 40% increase in freight capacity over the previous ships. Stena Connecta has a multi-hybrid propulsion system, enabling the use of battery power, biofuel, and methanol.

 Stena Connecta passing the remains of the old wooden South Jetty at Heysham

Stena Connecta drawing away slowly from her berth in Heysham harbour

Stena Connecta passing between the entrance piers at Heysham harbour

The old order - Stena Hibernia arriving at Heysham from Belfast in May 2021