Stena Line Has Ordered Two Hybrid E-Flexer Ferries
The company added two new vessels to its fleet to support modernization and future electric operation targets.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Cruises
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Stena Line has placed an order for two hybrid E-Flexer ferries, which are slated to enter service in 2030. These new ships will join the company fleet as the sixth and seventh vessels of their series.
Why it matters
The investment supports Stena Line's efforts to reach CO2 reduction targets and modernize its fleet ahead of a planned port relocation to Arendal. The new ships allow the company to expand its freight and passenger capacity on its core routes.
Each ferry will offer a capacity for 1,500 passengers and 2,750 lane metres for freight. The vessels utilize hybrid propulsion and are designed for a future conversion to 100 percent electric operation.
The players
Stena Line
This is a Swedish shipping company that operates an extensive route network across Northern Europe.
China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard
This is a shipbuilding facility in China that specializes in the construction of large-scale commercial and passenger vessels.
The details
The vessels are being constructed at the China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard in China. This move prepares the operator for its shift to a new port location in Arendal while maintaining service between Sweden and Denmark.
Timeline
1984: Stena Danica entered service.
1996: Stena Jutlandica entered service.
2019: The first E-Flexer ship entered the fleet.
2030: The two new hybrid ferries are scheduled to enter service.
Travel Outlook
This order reflects a broader industry transition toward electrified short-sea shipping to meet tightening global environmental regulations. By replacing older vessels like those from the 1980s and 90s, the company is aligning its long-term infrastructure with evolving sustainable transport standards.
Travelers on the Gothenburg-Frederikshavn route should expect modernized onboard facilities and improved capacity when the new ships launch in 2030. The shift toward hybrid propulsion is designed to maintain consistent service reliability as the fleet updates its environmental footprint.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates a commitment to balancing legacy freight and passenger demands with future-proofed, low-emission technology. As maritime travel evolves, operators are increasingly betting on flexible ship designs that can scale toward full electrification.
What happens next
The two new ferries are scheduled to officially enter service in 2030.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the ferry and cruise industry in our Cruises section.
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