Stena Line has ordered two hybrid ferries for its Gothenburg–Frederikshavn service, with delivery scheduled for 2030 and options for another two vessels, The Maritime Executive reports. China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry’s Weihai yard will build the ships, while Stena RoRo will oversee construction. The order extends the group’s E-Flexer platform with a design intended to accommodate future operation entirely on battery power.
The vessels will use diesel-electric propulsion capable of running on several fuels, including biodiesel, according to company details reported by the outlet. Their engines will also be prepared for methanol operation. Stena RoRo has reserved dedicated space for battery capacity of up to 85 MWh, although that figure describes the design’s provision rather than a confirmed installation at delivery.
Battery installation can be adapted to operators’ requirements and timetables as the technology develops. Stena RoRo says the capacity ultimately fitted could depend on battery prices, energy density and fire safety, alongside environmental policies and regulatory developments. Its chief executive, Per Westling, expects the design to be developed further for use across a variety of ferry routes.
Designed for daytime crossings between Sweden and Denmark, each ferry will measure 214.5 metres and accommodate 1,500 passengers. Three vehicle decks, comprising one for cars and two for trucks, will provide 2,750 lane metres. Passenger and crew accommodation will total 132 cabins, reflecting the vessels’ intended day-ferry role.
Christina Bromander, Stena Line’s trade director for its Denmark routes, linked the additional freight capacity to the company’s planned move to a new port location in Arendal. She said the rail connection there offered opportunities to develop intermodal freight business. The route’s current ships, Stena Danica and Stena Jutlandica, began serving it in 1984 and 1996 respectively.
The Maritime Executive reports that the E-Flexer class, developed by Stena RoRo a decade ago, has attracted orders for 17 vessels, with seven operated by Stena Line and 10 on long-term charter to Stena RoRo customers. The Weihai yard has delivered 13 E-Flexer RoPax ships and has four more on order. It is also building four Stena RoRo vessels based on two other designs.