Stena Line

The naming ceremony of Stena Futura marked a historic milestone for both Stena Line and Northern Ireland, becoming the first ship naming ceremony held locally in 21 years. Designed to rival international shipyard launches, the event introduced the vessel on a global stage while celebrating local culture and hospitality.

Hosted at Belfast Docks, we built a bespoke luxury marquee that transformed the industrial port into an elegant waterfront venue for 250 VIP guests, including the Sten Olsson family, politicians, international stakeholders and media. Hosted by James Nesbitt OBE, the event blended prestige with authentic local experiences, featuring performances from Ards CCÉ, soprano Margaret Keys and a live drip-painting by Kathryn Callaghan, presented to the ship’s Godmother, Madeleine Olsson Eriksson.

The ceremony itself was highly choreographed, culminating in the ceremonial ribbon cutting, bottle smash, pyrotechnics and coloured powder reveal. Guests also enjoyed thoughtful premium touches including commemorative gifts, personalised details and a cinematic brand film celebrating Stena Line’s heritage and sustainable future.

Delivered within just three months, the event overcame challenging weather, strict security requirements and complex dockside logistics, while prioritising sustainability through local suppliers, biodegradable materials and post-event donations.