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Stena RoRo, a leading innovator in roll‑on/roll‑off vessel design, has confirmed a significant newbuild program in partnership with China Merchants Industry (CMI) at the Weihai Shipyard. The agreement includes two firm orders for new ro‑ro cargo ships, with options for up to four additional vessels, forming a potential 2+2+2 series. This strategic move strengthens Stena RoRo’s position in the global cargo shipping market and highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable, flexible, and future‑proof maritime solutions.
A Strategic Investment in Modern Ro‑Ro Capacity
According to Stena RoRo, the newbuildings are designed to address a long‑standing underinvestment in the ro‑ro cargo segment. The company has emphasized that these vessels will incorporate lessons learned from previous successful shipbuilding programs, including the well‑known E‑Flexer and NewMax series. The new ships will feature:
- Highly efficient hull forms for reduced fuel consumption
- Engines prepared for future fuels, supporting decarbonization goals
- Expandable battery‑hybrid systems to enable progressive green upgrades
- Flexible cargo configurations to serve multiple trade routes
These design elements align with Stena RoRo’s long‑term strategy to deliver vessels that are “built for today and designed for tomorrow.”
Built at a Proven Shipyard Partnership
The new ro‑ro cargo ships will be constructed at China Merchants Industry’s Weihai Shipyard, a facility with a strong track record of delivering high‑quality vessels for Stena RoRo. Since 2016, the collaboration has produced 17 vessels, including 12 E‑Flexer RoPax ships and two NewMax ro‑ro vessels, demonstrating the shipyard’s reliability and technical capability.
This long‑standing partnership ensures that the new Stena Newbuildings will benefit from:
- Established production processes
- Proven design‑to‑delivery workflows
- Strong cooperation between European designers and Chinese builders
Advanced C‑Flexer Design for Future‑Ready Operations
The new ro‑ro cargo ships are based on Stena RoRo’s next‑generation C‑Flexer design, developed in close cooperation with Italian naval architects NAOS Ship & Boat Design. This design platform emphasizes flexibility, efficiency, and environmental performance. Key features include:
- Multi‑fuel engine capability, enabling operation on conventional fuels today and alternative fuels tomorrow
- Scalable hybrid propulsion, allowing battery capacity to increase as technology evolves
- Optimized cargo decks for improved loading efficiency and operational versatility
These innovations ensure that the Stena Newbuildings will remain competitive and compliant with tightening global emissions regulations.
Delivery Timeline and Market Impact
The first two vessels are expected to be delivered in March and June 2029, with optional vessels following at three‑month intervals if exercised. This structured delivery schedule allows Stena RoRo to:
- Respond to market demand
- Support charterers seeking modern, efficient tonnage
- Expand its footprint across European and global ro‑ro trade lanes
The newbuild program also positions Stena RoRo to offer standardized, scalable vessel solutions to operators seeking reliable and environmentally advanced cargo ships.
Strengthening Stena RoRo’s Leadership in Ro‑Ro Innovation
With this contract, Stena RoRo reinforces its reputation as a pioneer in ro‑ro ship design and construction. The Stena Newbuildings program demonstrates the company’s commitment to:
- Sustainable maritime transport
- Technological innovation
- Long‑term fleet renewal
- Strategic partnerships with world‑class shipyards
As global shipping continues to evolve, Stena RoRo’s investment in next‑generation ro‑ro cargo ships ensures that the company remains at the forefront of efficient, flexible, and environmentally responsible vessel development.
