Stena Line has signed a significant deal with Peel Ports Group to operate from Heysham Port for the next 77-years until 2100.

The Swedish ferry company runs a twice daily freight service from Belfast to Heysham providing a vital trade corridor between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

This year Stena Line announced investment in the Belfast to Heysham route with the introduction of two 'NewMax' ferries. These ferries will boost freight capacity by 80 per cent and the first vessel is to due to begin on the route in 2025.

The hybrid ferries will be equipped to operate on methanol fuel marking a key milestone in Stena Line’s roadmap to sustainable shipping.

In collaboration with Stena Line, Peel Ports plans to invest in new terminal management and a 'smart gate' automatic check-in system to improve customer experience at the port, and will increase the parking for trailers to accommodate the additional capacity of the new vessels.

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In addition, the parties will aim to secure the shore infrastructure to provide additional electrical capacity to facilitate the future goal of powering the new ships by green shore power. This will be a further step in a long-term ambition to establish a green shipping corridor.

Niclas Martensson, CEO of Stena Line saID: "Our business on our Belfast-Heysham route has thrived in recent years and is a vital connection for freight transport across the Irish Sea. With the upcoming introduction of our NewMax hybrid ships, this route represents a unique opportunity for Stena Line to offer our freight customers more sustainable transport between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK and will be a key milestone in our sustainability journey."

Carl-Johan Hellner, Chief Operating Officer Ports & Terminals, Stena Line stated: "Following our signing of the Birkenhead 12 Quays deal earlier this year, this agreement reenforces our long-term commitment to Peel Ports Group and further strengthens our partnership. Heysham is an important hub for our Irish Sea business and we’ve been developing our operations here year on year. We're excited for the future of the route and to building on its current success."

David Huck, Chief Operating Officer at Peel Ports Group stated: "We have been collaborating successfully with Stena Line for many years and it’s fantastic to establish another long-term agreement with the business.

"This deal reaffirms our promise to continue developing and maintaining services across the Irish sea, while also showcasing our ongoing investment into our Heysham operation. We’re confident the route will continue to prove hugely successful for many decades to come."