Stena orders two battery-ready E-Flexer ferries at CMI Weihai

Stena RoRo has ordered two E-Flexer 2.0 passenger and freight ferries from China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry’s Weihai yard on behalf of Stena Line, with options for another two. A company release published by The Maritime Executive said the vessels would enter service between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn, Denmark, in 2030.

The design uses diesel-electric propulsion and reserves space for batteries with a combined capacity of up to 85 MWh. It is intended to make entirely battery-powered operation possible in future, rather than committing the ships to that configuration when they begin service. Their diesel engines can use several fuels, including biodiesel, and are prepared for methanol operation, according to the release.

Battery installation can be phased to match operators’ needs and preferred timetable. The company identified battery prices, energy density and fire safety as factors that could determine how much capacity is fitted, alongside environmental policies and regulatory developments. Stena RoRo chief executive Per Westling said the design, developed with Stena Line, would enable future fossil-free passenger and cargo transport on the route. He also said he expected it to be adapted for other ferry services.

Each new ferry will measure 214 metres in length, with a beam of 27.8 metres and a draught of 6.4 metres. Capacity is specified at 1,400 passengers and 2,720 lane metres of freight. The orders bring the E-Flexer programme to 17 vessels, of which seven are intended for Stena Line and ten for external Stena RoRo customers.

The wider relationship between Stena RoRo and CMI Weihai began with a four-vessel E-Flexer order in 2016. Across the partnership, 21 ships have been ordered, including four RoRo vessels from the Stena NewMax and C-Flexer classes. Thirteen E-Flexers have already been delivered. Stena RoRo is overseeing the newbuilding programme at Weihai, and Westling said all E-Flexer deliveries to date had met their schedules, describing delivery reliability as important to securing new customers’ confidence.