Stena to Install Wind Rotors on New Hybrid Methanol-Fueled Ro-Ro

Continuing its efforts to incorporate new technologies to advance its efforts at reducing emissions, Stena Line is adding two wind rotor sails to one of its two NewMax hybrid vessels and completing the other sister ship “rotor sail ready.” The two vessels currently under construction in China are among the most advanced designs incorporating new technologies to be “future proof” as the company seeks to expand on its strategic ambition of shifting to renewable fuels and cutting CO2 emissions by 30 percent by 2030.

The NewNax vessels were ordered in early 2023 to be built by China Merchant’s Jinling Shipyard in WeiHai. At 147 meters (428 feet) in length and with 2,800 lane meters of capacity, the vessels represent an 80 increase over the current ships operating the freight service on the route from Belfast, Northern Ireland to Heysham, England. The ships will be equipped to carry 12 passengers and 26 crew.

Among the advanced features incorporated into the design is a hybrid propulsion plant able to operate on methanol fuel. In addition, to future proof the design, Stena reported during construction it was incorporating technologies that would take advantage of both battery propulsion and shore power when it becomes available.

The company reports it has now completed a deal with Norsepower to add two Rotor Sails to one of the vessels. Each rotor will measure 28 x 4 meters (approximately 92 x 13 feet) and is expected to deliver a further nine percent fuel savings on the planned route. The sister ship will be delivered ready for the future addition of rotor sails.

According to Stena, operating on the Irish Sea between Belfast and Heysham, the vessels will have wind conditions that are very favorable for wind-assisted propulsion. The company has also said that the unique tidal systems