Stena Elektra ferry

MS Stena Elektra ferry is a Ro-Pax passenger vessel planned (currently under development) for the Sweden-based company STENA LINE. The ship has a max passenger capacity of 1000, and freight capacity of 3000 lane meters (3 car decks for ~600 cars or ~170 freight vehicles/trailers/trucks/lorries). This unique vessel is the first of two planned by STENA and is scheduled for launch and inauguration in 2027.

Stena Elektra—the first of two battery-powered ships to be built for STENA LINE—will be deployed year-round on the Sweden-Denmark ferry route Goteborg/Gothenburg-Frederikshavn. For this project (Port Gothenburg's Tranzero Initiative), STENA partnered with Port Gothenburg, Volvo Group (a Swedish manufacturer of trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and engines, founded in 1927 and headquartered in Gothenburg), and Scania AB (a Swedish manufacturer of commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, and diesel engines, founded in 1911). The project aims to reduce Port Gothenburg's carbon emissions by 70% by 2030.

The Tranzero Initiative was officially announced during a press conference on February 4, 2021, by Niclas Martensson (STENA LINE's CEO). The shipbuilding order for the first of the two units (Stena Elektra) is expected to be placed in 2025. The ship's design was expected to be finalized in 2022.

Since 2018, the upgraded "battery-hybrid" fleetmate Stena Jutlandica (1996-built) has operated the Goteborg-Frederikshavn service using battery power while in port—during maneuvering for berthing and undocking. Jutlandica's batteries are charged at berth (Port Gothenburg) using "green electricity," saving approximately 1500 tonnes of CO2 annually (equivalent to emissions from ~600 cars per year). By 2030, STENA plans to reduce fleetwide CO2 emissions by 40% (compared to 2008 levels) and achieve zero emissions by 2050.

The newbuild ferry Stena Elektra will be the world's first fully electric / fossil-fuel-free Ro-Pax vessel (for wheeled cargo and passengers). Key known specifications include LOA length of ~200 m (~655 ft), three large-capacity cargo decks, and forward-located passenger facilities (restaurants, reserved seating lounge, staterooms), as well as the Navigation Bridge, top-deck funnels (smokestacks), and a helipad (for emergency helicopter operations). The ship will be constructed using high-tensile, low-carbon steel (hull) and lightweight composite materials (superstructure) to reduce weight and improve energy efficiency.

The new ferry is designed to operate solely on battery power for approximately 50 NM (nautical miles) (~93 km / 58 mi)—sufficient to cover the entire Goteborg-Frederikshavn route. To achieve this, the vessel will be fitted with a high-capacity battery pack (~70 MWh) and equipped with shoreside power capabilities, allowing recharging while docked at both ports.

Stena Line is also exploring the possibility of combining battery power with alternative fossil-free fuels (such as fuel cells, hydrogen, and biomethanol) to extend the vessel's range. The development of Stena Elektra was one of Stena Teknik's main projects in 2019. Stena Teknik is the company's technical division focused on marine-related businesses, including climate-neutral shipping, vessel design optimization, and artificial intelligence/machine learning for route optimization, aiming to improve both fuel efficiency and cargo capacity.

In 2019, Stena Teknik also contributed to the development of STENA LINE's E-Flexer-class ferries (built in China), which are among the most energy-efficient passenger ships ever constructed. Stena's E-Flexer vessels consume approximately 25% less fuel compared to ships of similar gross tonnage.

STENA ferry deals

Below is a list of discounts and special offers provided by Stena Line (direct bookings only).

On the routes Holland-UK (Hook of Holland-Harwich, day voyages only), Denmark-Norway (Frederikshavn-Oslo, Monday to Friday only), Denmark-Sweden (Grenaa-Varberg), and Germany-Sweden (Rugen Island/Sassnitz-Trelleborg and Rostock-Trelleborg), passengers can ferry caravans free of charge. This discount applies to car-plus-caravan fares and cannot be combined with other offers.

All STENA ships allow boarding with LPG-fueled vehicles ("liquefied petroleum gas"). Motorhomes can be ferried between the UK and Holland at car rates (day voyages only). Only ships serving the Denmark-Norway route (Frederikshavn-Oslo) offer power connections (at a fee) for caravan fridges and freezers. Bicycles can be transported (for a fee) on all STENA ships and routes.

STENA's train-and-ferry deals offer discounted train travel to London (subject to availability). STENA issues e-tickets (not separate train tickets), and the passenger’s printed e-ticket serves as a train ticket. Dutch Railways tickets (to and from the port) are not included. These e-tickets are not valid on private UK rail carriers. Intercity Direct and ICE trains require an additional fee.

Special meals (vegan, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, or lactose-free) can be pre-ordered on the UK-Holland route Harwich-Hook of Holland. All ingredients are verified by their manufacturers. Vegetarian meals may include dairy and eggs. Halal meals do not contain pork (or by-products) or alcohol. Orders must be placed at least 48 hours prior to departure (via email upon booking or by calling +31 (0)174 - 315 811).

Hand luggage restrictions per person (carried in the ship's public areas) include max dimensions of 60x50x40 cm and up to 12 kg. Foot passengers are allowed two additional pieces of luggage (up to 20 kg), checked in on day voyages (unless a cabin is booked). Car passengers must leave their luggage in the vehicle, as car decks are closed during the voyage. Any excess baggage may incur additional charges.

The company does not allow women who are 36 weeks pregnant to travel, or 34 weeks in the case of multiple pregnancies. Passengers with reduced mobility are assisted prior to departure and onboard. These passengers must contact the company at least 48 hours in advance (via email or by calling +31 (0)174-315811). Wheelchair users must arrive at the port at least 2 hours before departure and proceed to check-in.

Tickets with open return dates are not offered. However, it is possible to book an "open ticket" with a temporary return date that can be changed later. STENA LINE's fares are categorized as "Economy", "Flexi", and "Premium". ECONOMY fares are the lowest-priced but include amendment fees and are non-refundable for changes and cancellations. FLEXI fares allow changes at no cost, with passengers paying only any fare difference and having the option of a full refund upon cancellation. PREMIUM fares (depending on routes) include additional benefits such as express boarding and disembarkation, Stena Plus Lounge access, and included breakfast. PREMIUM fares are not available on the routes Sassnitz-Rugen/Rostock-Trelleborg, Grenaa-Varberg, Nynashamn-Ventspils Latvia, and Travemunde-Liepaja Latvia. PREMIUM fares on the Hook of Holland-England (Harwich) route include Stena Plus Lounge seating and breakfast (on night sailings only).

Pets on the ship

Pets (dogs, cats, and ferrets) can be transported on all STENA ships, but requirements vary depending on the itinerary (destination).

Pets are not allowed in passenger cabins unless the stateroom is designated "pet-friendly" (typically a 2-bed dog-friendly cabin). All ships provide a dog toilet. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled at all times and must not be left unattended. Guide dogs travel free of charge and are allowed on all passenger decks and in the owner's cabin (must wear a harness or jacket).

On STENA ferries serving Scandinavian routes (Sweden-Norway-Latvia), valid EU pet passports are required, including details of the animal's identity and vaccinations. Pets must have an approved microchip (or tattoo) and a valid rabies vaccination administered by an authorized veterinarian. Pets traveling to Norway must also be treated for tapeworm. Passengers with pets must arrive at the port at least 1 hour prior to departure.

On STENA ferries to England and Ireland, passengers traveling with pets must arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure. For all other routes, arrival time is 1-1.5 hours. All animals must comply with the UK Pet Travel Scheme and be at least 15 weeks old. EU pet passports and microchips are required. Car passengers may transport up to 5 animals per vehicle (identified with a colored hanger placed on the rear-view mirror until customs clearance). Pets must remain inside the vehicle at all times. Foot passengers may also travel with up to 5 pets but must pre-book onboard kennels. Children traveling with animals must be at least 16 years old. For groups of 6 or more animals, the minimum age is 6 months.

All STENA ships have onboard kennels, including large (100x97x94 cm), medium-sized (100x64x108 cm), and small (100x65x50 cm). All cabins provide TV monitoring of the kennels. Visiting pets during the voyage is recommended.

Car decks

Stena Elektra has three cargo decks (car decks interconnected via ramps). The ship's machinery (engines, backup generators, fuel tanks) is located in the hull, below Car Deck 1.

Below is a list of car deck safety procedures:

• Passengers requiring assistance should visit the ship's Information Desk (open 24 hours).
• Apply the handbrake and place the vehicle in park or 1st gear. Switch off the ignition, alarm, electrical equipment, and headlights. Gas cylinders must also be turned off. Lock the vehicle.
• Take only valuables and essential hand baggage with you.
• Note your vehicle's location, deck number, and stairway before leaving the car deck.
• Access to vehicle (cargo) decks during the voyage is prohibited.
• Smoking is prohibited on vehicle decks, as well as in cabins and passenger lounges.
• Wait for onboard announcements before returning to your vehicle.
• To avoid air pollution, do not start the engine until instructed.

The shipowner Stena Line (fleet, founded in 1962 and headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden) is one of the world's largest ferry companies, providing freight and passenger shipping services across Northern Europe, connecting the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Holland, Norway, Sweden, and Poland.