The list
For us at Stena Line, sustainability means the ability to sustain three key areas over our long term: the planet, the humans, and our business. Here are some of the things we are doing to make that happen.
Digitalised our tug masters
We’ve connected all our light port vehicles digitally. This means we can follow, analyse and plan their loading in a more efficient and energy-saving way.
Installed more shore power
We use onshore power sharing (OPS) wherever possible to supply our vessels with electricity while they are in port, reducing unnecessary fuel consumption. So far 14 vessels can connect to OPS, saving 13,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2024.
Switched to organic milk
We always aim to use greener and better ingredients in our restaurants and cafés. For example, all the milk served on board has been organic since 2016.
Found the balance
Finding the right balance between the draft at the bow and the stern changes the total draft hindering a vessel. For example, by loading Stena Scandinavica to make its bow deeper than its stern, we have saved up to 7% fuel on the Gothenburg to Kiel route. This innovation is implemented across the fleet.
Measured our food waste digitally with Generation Waste
We’ve joined with Generation Waste in a pilot project to digitally measure exactly how much food we currently waste on our vessels and find ways to improve.
Reduced emissions on continental freight routes
We launched an intermodal route taking freight by train and ship across Europe, with a significant reduction in emissions over road transport.
Improved cooling systems on our vessels
The majority of our vessels use a cooling system equipped with an engine that runs only when cooling water is needed. This minimises its electricity consumption and effect on the environment.
Launched a human rights policy
Our new policy requires us and our suppliers to carry out risk-based assessments to prevent negative impacts in our workforce and supply chain.
Introduced new anti-harassment training
We developed new interactive e-learning with real world examples to combat sexual harassment. The training is being rolled out to all employees.
Rolled out SmartGates to reduce freight queuing
Our SmartGates make it easier to drop off and pick-up unaccompanied freight, reducing queuing and emissions in port.
Joined forces to reduce port emissions
Stena Line co-founded TranZero, a groundbreaking collaboration with the Port of Gothenburg, Volvo and Scania, which aims to reduce port emissions by 70% by 2030.
Supported porpoise conservation
For mor than 20 years our vessels have hosted researchers from the Rugvin Foundation surveying the health of North Sea cetacean populations, including porpoises.
Offered fuel insetting to help freight customers cut emissions
With insetting, freight companies can choose to buy biofuel for journeys with Stena Line, which in turn helps them and their clients to reduce supply chain emissions.
Researched our contribution to undersea noise
As part of our ocean roadmap we researched undersea noise and how we contribute to it. This has helped understand the optimum speed to reduce noise and protect marine life.
Switched to LED lighting
We’re progressively replacing the lights on our vessels with LED lighting that uses much less electricity.
Relaunched our Supplier Code of Conduct
We updated our Supplier Code of Conduct to include greater commitments to sustainability. More than 85% of our procurement by value comes from suppliers who have signed the Code.
Planted seagrass at Holyhead
We worked with marine conservation organisation Project Seagrass to plant 50,000 seagrass seeds on Stena Line land in Holyhead Bay, promoting ocean health.
Produced our own solar power
Some of our ports and terminal buildings in Holyhead and Hook van Holland are equipped with solar panels, enabling us to fulfil some of our own electricity needs.
Held women-only taster days at Irish Sea ports
We organised taster days for women at Belfast and Birkenhead to introduce them to careers in Stena ports and terminals. We’ve seen applications from women rise as a result.
Used AI to cut fuel consumption
Our AI-powered fuel pilot system uses information on everything from the weather, tides and wind direction to optimize engine power and speed to reduce fuel consumption.
Boosted unbiased recruitment
In 2024 we piloted Alva Labs, an objective data-driven assessment tool that removes bias from recruitment. More than 300 employees have been recruited using the tool.
Installed sails to harness wind power
Our newest ro-ro vessel Stena Connecta has been fitted with rotor sails so it can partly run on wind power. Its sister ship Futura will also be prepared for rotor sail installation.
Made firefighting foams PFAS-freeS
Most firefighting foams contain harmful PFAS ‘forever chemicals’. Working with Sea Health and Welfare, we developed an alternative PFAS-free foam, which is now being rolled out across our fleet.
Enabled customers to choose food with less climate impact
The climate impact of each dish is listed in our menus, allowing our customers to make an informed decision.
Reduced our food waste
By cooking food fresh to order in our casual dining restaurants, we significantly reduce the volume of food waste and improve the quality of our food at the same time.
Digital promotional content
We’ve replaced the vast majority of paper-based promotional materials with digital screens, onboard and in our ports.
Eco-friendly shop products
We aim to have 15% of our shop sales labelled as “Better Choice” with benefits for the environment.
Switched to 100% Rainforest Alliance-certified coffee
Fair to nature, fair to producers. Since 2015, the one million cups of coffee served on board every year have all been certified by the Rainforest Alliance.
Trained employees in how to SAVE energy
Our SAVE online training programme teaches employees how to minimise energy consumption both on board and ashore.
Removed single-use plastic bottles on board
By installing water purification filters and introducing Tetra Pak still water, we’ve reduced the need for single-use plastic bottles. We’ve also replaced all other plastic bottles with canned beverages.
Let some green trucks get ahead
Electric-powered trucks now have priority access to our freight vessels at the port of Gothenburg.
Reusable plastic bags only
As another step to minimise single-use plastic, we’ve replaced all non-paper bags on board with reusable plastic bags made from 90% recycled plastic.
Polished all propellers
To save fuel and reduce emissions, we polish all the propellers on our ships once a year to make sure they perform as well as possible.
Sustainable seafood only
All our fish and seafood come from sustainable sources and are certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).
No excuse for single use
All our single-use coffee cups, lids and salad containers are now 100% plant based.
Added electric cars to our fleet
It’s not just at sea that we carry out electrification. We are introducing electric cars to our fleet at ports across the Baltic and North Sea.
Increased material recycling
Our ports aim to recycle as much waste material as possible. In 2024, 41% of waste plastic, metal, paper and glass was material recycled, while an additional 39% was used for energy recycling.
Become ISO certified
We are certified for ISO 14001:2015, an international standard for environmental management systems and a tool to help the company improve its sustainability.
Stopped wasting our food oil
Oil from our onboard kitchens is recycled and used for a variety of purposes. In the UK it’s turned into biofuel, while in Scandinavia it’s made into a new raw material to be used in the chemical industry, to produce goods such as soap and plastic.
Put all our eggs in the free-range basket
As a step on the road to fairer food on board, we only serve free-range eggs to our passengers.