Stena RoRo Orders New Battery-Fueled Ferry Vessels

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, Sept. 24, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Stena RoRo has ordered two new-generation E-Flexer 2.0 RoPax vessels from the Chinese shipyard CMI Weihai, marking a decade-long partnership that has already resulted in 21 vessels being ordered. The order, which also includes options for two additional vessels, represents the next generation of passenger ferries, offering significant capacity for both passengers and rolling cargo. The vessels are designed to operate on battery power, with a diesel-electric propulsion system and dedicated spaces for up to 85 MWh of battery capacity. The two new ferries will enter service on Stena Line's route between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn, Denmark, in 2030.

The E-Flexer series, which now comprises 17 vessels, was developed in collaboration with Stena Line, and the new orders are part of a ten-year partnership that has seen the shipyard deliver 13 E-Flexer RoPax vessels and four RoRo vessels of the Stena NewMax and C-Flexer classes. The cooperation began in 2016, and the shipyard has been praised for its delivery reliability and flexibility in meeting customer requirements. CEO Per Westling of Stena RoRo AB expressed satisfaction with the long-term partnership, noting that the shipyard has been highly successful in delivering E-Flexer vessels on time, which is crucial for building confidence with new customers.

The E-Flexer 2.0 vessels are equipped with modern diesel engines that can run on various fuels, including biodiesel and methanol. The design allows for the installation of batteries in line with the operators' requirements, taking into account factors such as battery cost, energy density, fire safety, and environmental policy. The vessels are also designed to be flexible, allowing for future operation solely on battery power, and they will enter service in 2030, entering a market that is increasingly focused on reducing carbon emissions.

The order of these new vessels is part of Stena Line's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, as it continues to develop its fleet to meet future environmental standards. The E-Flexer 2.0 vessels are a significant step forward in this direction, as they are specifically designed to operate solely on battery power, which will significantly reduce the vessels' carbon emissions. This move towards battery power is a key part of Stena Line's strategy to become a fossil-free operator, and the order of these new vessels is expected to pave the way for further developments in battery technology and propulsion systems.

The E-Flexer 2.0 vessels are the latest in a series of innovative designs from Stena RoRo, which has been at the forefront of the development of new marine RoPax and RoRo vessel concepts since 1977. The company has taken delivery of 13 E-Flexer RoPax vessels and two RoRo vessels of the NewMax class since 2016, and the company's portfolio now includes both custom-built and standardized RoPax and RoRo vessels. Stena RoRo's focus on providing tailor-made transport solutions for its customers is evident in its design and construction of new vessels, as well as the conversion and technical operation of existing vessels.