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Oct 11
2

DFDS September Volumes: Continued Freight Growth

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

Ferry – freight:

  • Total volumes in September 2024 were 4.4% above 2023 and up 1.0% adjusted for the addition of Strait of Gibraltar routes in 2024 and closure of the Calais-Tilbury route in 2023.
  • North Sea volumes were below 2023 following mixed activity levels across the route network.
  • Mediterranean volumes were in September above 2023 with higher volumes on all routes.
  • Channel volumes continued in September to be above 2023. Baltic Sea volumes were overall above 2023.
  • For the last twelve months 2024-23, the total transported freight lane metres increased 5.6% to 40.7m from 38.5m in 2023-22. The increase was 2.8% adjusted for the addition of Strait of Gibraltar routes and the Calais-Tilbury route closure.

Ferry – passenger:

  • The number of passengers in September 2024 was 39.4% above 2023 and down 2.7% adjusted for the addition of the Strait of Gibraltar routes. The adjusted decrease was due to smaller variances across routes.
  • The number of cars was 22.0% above 2023 and down 8.2% adjusted for Strait of Gibraltar.
  • For the last twelve months 2024-23, the total number of passengers increased 43.8% to 6.4m compared to 4.5m for 2023-22. The increase was 6.5% adjusted for Strait of Gibraltar.
Oct 11
2

Norled Upgrades Express Boats in Oslo for Greener Travel

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments
  • Upgraded and greener express boats: Norled and Ruter are upgrading Oslo’s express boats to battery-electric operation, starting with MS Baronessen (redelivered) and MS Baronen (being converted).
  • The vessels are owned and operated by Norled on behalf of Ruter, and the conversion was done at the Brødrene Aa shipyard.
  • Battery conversion and new design: The vessels have been fitted with battery packs and redesigned for better energy efficiency and passenger comfort.
  • CO2 reduction: The upgrades will save 2,600 tonnes of CO2 annually.
  • Innovative SHIFTR robots: The boats will use battery-swapping robots for efficient operation.
  • Accessibility improvements: The vessels have been extended and redesigned with universal design features for accessibility.
  • The Baronessen is expected to re-enter service soon.

Source: Norled

Oct 11
2

Norwegian Government Drops Low-Emission Mandate for Express Boats, Raising Concerns

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

The Norwegian government has unexpectedly removed the low-emission requirement for express boats (fast ferries) from the 2025 state budget, sparking concerns within the maritime industry.

This decision reverses an earlier parliamentary commitment to reducing emissions in regional ferry traffic, despite Norway’s proven capacity to build and retrofit vessels for low- and zero-emission operations.

Industry experts warn that this move could stall the green transition in the sector. One example of progress in this area is Norled, which converts two of its fast ferries to electric power as part of a sustainability initiative. Critics argue that without regulatory pressure, the adoption of green technologies could be slowed, despite their feasibility and availability.

The decision has led to calls for the government to reconsider, as Norway risks missing out on its potential to lead the maritime industry’s shift towards more sustainable solutions.

This policy change has raised questions about the country’s long-term commitment to reducing emissions in key transport sectors.

Oct 11
2

Estonian State Fleet Launches Tender for New Virtsu-Kuivastu Ferry

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

The Estonian State Fleet has initiated a tender for the construction of a new ferry.

The vessel will utilise modern, eco-friendly technologies. The tender is open for bids, with more details available on the official procurement platform.

With capacity for up to 500 passengers and around 130 vehicles, the ferry is planned to be the main vessel for the Virtsu-Kuivastu route in Estonia but will also be suitable for the Rohuküla-Heltermaa route when necessary.
The deadline for tender submissions is December 10, 2024.The project is funded by the European Modernisation Fund and revenues from CO2 emissions trading.

For further information on the tender, visit the tender details here.

Oct 11
2

Gasum and Wasaline Partner for FuelEU Maritime Pooling Solution

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

Gasum, a Nordic energy company, is collaborating with Wasaline to develop the first large-scale commercial FuelEU Maritime pooling service.

This initiative aims to help conventional fuel vessels comply with stringent European Union emission regulations. The pooling service will allow shipping companies to meet compliance targets by leveraging over-compliance from vessels running on ultra-low emission fuels like bio-LNG, provided by Gasum.

Wasaline’s hybrid ferry, Aurora Botnia will contribute to the pool by using bio-LNG. This over-compliance can be shared with vessels that rely on conventional fuels, thus reducing their regulatory burden. Gasum, a leader in bio-LNG production and distribution, guarantees a reliable supply of renewable fuel for Wasaline, ensuring the stability of the pooling service.

FuelEU Maritime regulations, effective from 2025, will require vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage to reduce the carbon intensity of their fuels by 2%, with more stringent reductions to follow, potentially reaching 80% by 2050. The pooling service offers a flexible solution, allowing vessels with higher emissions to meet these requirements by relying on the emission savings of bio-LNG-powered ships.

Jacob Granqvist, Gasum’s Vice President for Maritime, highlighted that the pooling service offers shipping companies an easy, cost-effective way to comply with regulations while promoting low-emission fuel production. Wasaline’s CEO, Peter Ståhlberg, expressed excitement about participating in a project that supports renewable energy use and helps drive the green transition in the shipping industry.

This partnership marks a significant step towards decarbonising maritime transport, with Gasum aiming to offer 7 TWh of renewable gas annually by 2027, contributing to substantial carbon dioxide reductions.

Read more about Gasum’s services for the maritime transport sector.

Oct 11
2

First LNG Bunkering Completed on the Double-Ended Ferry ELIO in Messina

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

Six years after its delivery from the Turkish shipyard Sefine, the double-ended ferry ELIO, owned by the Caronte & Tourist Group, has been bunkered with LNG in the port of Messina, thanks to Molgas Energy.

As occurred some months ago in Trapani for the RoPax NEREA, a vessel also part of the group controlled by the Franza and Matacena families, ELIO successfully completed its first LNG refuelling operation through a double truck-to-ship operation. Both trucks arrived in Messina from the onshore terminal operated by Edison.

In the future, thanks to the competitive price of LNG, NEREA and ELIO will be regularly fuelled using the truck-to-ship system, with biogas— a 100% sustainable fuel derived from organic waste—being supplied.

Oct 11
2

Torghatten Wins Major Ferry Contract in Sweden

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

Torghatten has secured a significant contract to operate four ferry routes in Gothenburg’s archipelago, serving commuters, schoolchildren, and residents.

The contract, starting in 2027, will run for 15 years and involve eight vessels, including five new fully electric ferries.

The move is part of Torghatten’s strategy to reduce its carbon footprint, with 90% of the fleet being hybridised. This milestone strengthens Torghatten’s presence in Sweden, following its recent success in Stockholm and Strömstad.

For more details, visit Torghatten.

Oct 11
2

WALLENIUS SOL Partners with BB Logistics for Kemi Warehouse Operations

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

WALLENIUS SOL has announced a long-term partnership with BB Logistics to offer warehouse services in Kemi, starting in January 2025. The agreement includes a 12,000 m² facility at the Port of Kemi, enhancing WALLENIUS SOL’s liner service in the region. This collaboration will streamline cargo handling for imports and exports, supporting the growing demand in northern Finland and Sweden, driven by major industrial investments, particularly in green technologies.

For more details, visit Wallenius SOL.

Oct 11
2

Hydrogen Refuelling Station for Heavy Traffic Opens at the Port of Gothenburg

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

A new hydrogen refuelling station for heavy vehicles has opened at the Port of Gothenburg, marking a significant step in the port’s commitment to sustainable transport. Operated by Circle K, the station will cater to trucks and other large vehicles, supporting the transition to zero-emission transport. The initiative is part of the Tranzero Initiative, aiming to cut CO2 emissions within the port by 70% by 2030.

For more details, visit the Port of Gothenburg newsroom.

Oct 11
2

Green Light for Immingham RoRo Freight Terminal

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

Associated British Ports (ABP) has received approval for a £100 million roll-on, roll-off terminal at Immingham.

The new Immingham Eastern RoRo Terminal will enhance freight capacity across the North Sea, supported by a partnership with Stena Line, which will operate the facility for 50 years.

The project includes new berths, improved storage areas, and customs facilities, aiming to boost trade and logistics efficiency. Construction is set to begin soon.