Stena Line, through Stena RoRo, has placed an order for two new battery hybrid E-Flexer ferries, featuring full hybrid propulsion technology, allowing operation on both conventional fuel and electricity, and prepared for 100% electric operation once the necessary charging infrastructure is in place.
The two ro-paxes, scheduled to enter service in 2030, will have capacity for 1,500 passengers and 2,750 lane metres of freight. Designed as day ferries, with a total of 132 cabins for passengers and crew, they are intended to operate on the Gothenburg–Frederikshavn route. As Stena Line strives to maintain flexibility and redundancy across its fleet, the vessels will be capable of operating on other daytime routes within the company’s network.
Niclas Mårtensson, CEO Stena Line, said: “This is a historic investment for Stena Line, giving us the opportunity to take further steps towards the sustainable modernisation of our fleet. The two new ferries will strengthen our customer offering by taking the travel experience to a new level. At the same time, we are future-proofing our own CO₂ reduction targets while preparing for the stricter environmental requirements ahead.”
The vessels currently operating on Stena Line’s Gothenburg–Frederikshavn route, Stena Danica and Stena Jutlandica, have served the route for many years. Stena Danica entered service on the route as early as 1984, while Stena Jutlandica followed in 1996.
Christina Bromander, Stena Line Trade Director for Denmark routes, added: “Our existing vessels have been fantastic workhorses and have served us extremely well on our Denmark route for many years, but the next generation of E-Flexers will represent a major step forward for both our passengers and freight customers. They will enable us to offer a highly attractive and modern product, with significant improvements in sustainability, comfort, the onboard experience and freight capacity. With the new vessels, we are increasing our freight capacity, which we believe will be particularly valuable in connection with our upcoming move to a new port location in Arendal. The conditions there are excellent for developing our freight business, with opportunities for increased intermodality thanks to the rail connection.”
The two new 214.5m-long vessels will become the sixth and seventh E-Flexers in Stena Line’s fleet. The first entered service in 2019, and today three E-Flexers operate on the Irish Sea and two between Sweden and Poland. The vessels will be built at the China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard in China, which has so far built 15 E-Flexers, mostly for charter by Stena RoRo to various operators.
Mårtensson concluded: “This major investment demonstrates Stena Line’s long-term commitment, our determination to prioritise the sustainable transition and our confidence in the continued strong development of the Gothenburg–Frederikshavn route.”
Image: Two battery-hybrid e-Flexer ro-paxes, intended for conversion to all-electric operation, have been ordered for Stena Line’s Denmark operation (source: Stena Line)
