Ferry powered by 'curved ball' physics set to sail

A new ship with high-tech sails which harness the same wind power that makes a "curve ball" in football is going into service in Lancashire.

The Stena freight ferry is equipped with towers called rotor sails which compress and thin air to create thrust to power the vessel - the same process that makes a football spin.

Stena Line said it would make a significant contribution to its goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30%.

The ship will go into service between Heysham and Belfast on Friday.

The Stena Connecta joins its the Stena Futura, which went into service on the Belfast-Heysham route in October, an investment of more than £100m by the ferry operators.

Paul Grant, from Stena Line, said the investment in "the very latest in maritime technology" demonstrated "our strong confidence in the continued growth of the Irish Sea region and our commitment to strengthening trade and connectivity links".

He said: "In 2025 our Heysham – Belfast freight service recorded its highest volumes in the last five years with 113,000 units being shipped.

"These vessels were commissioned in response to this increasing customer demand for increased freight capacity on this route."

Phillip Hall, Mersey Port director, Peel Ports Group, said: "The additional freight capacity marks a very welcome reinforcement of the strong trade links between the UK and Ireland.

"The Stena Connecta and its sister vessel, the Futura, will also make the Irish Sea shipping corridor even greener."

He added: "The North West of England has always played a big part in this special trade relationship, and we have recognised this with our £10m upgrade of the Port of Heysham, which we hope will continue to support Stena's operations for years to come."

The ship will also be powered by bio-fuels. But Norsepower, which makes the sails, says that in good conditions, they can "produce more thrust than the main engine".

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