The Ferry Shipping News | The ins and outs about the ferry and ports industry

Jan 23

3

Björn Boström Joins the Ferry Shipping Summit Team

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

It was already announced during the Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmö. Now the good news becomes reality: Björn Boström joins the Ferry Shipping Summit team as Business Development Manager.

After 17 years as CEO of the Port of Ystad, Björn decided it was time to step down and to use his expertise in new roles, as a consultant, interim manager, or board member.

Björn has more than 40 years of experience in ferry shipping, with companies such as Saga Line, DFDS, Lion Ferry and others.

His broad experience in ferry and port operations, as well as intergovernmental organisations, will strengthen our team of professionals.

Bo-Lennart Thorbjörnsson, CEO of Ferry Shipping Summit, welcomes Björn:

“We are looking forward to working together and are grateful for his knowledge and network, which will benefit the Summit and our weekly Ferry Shipping News.”

Jan 23

3

Positive Trend For Travel To And From Gotland In 2025

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

Travel volumes to and from Gotland increased in 2025, confirming a broadly positive development across passenger, visitor, and freight segments.

Key figures (2025 vs 2024):

Total passengers with Destination Gotland: 1,758,481 (+1.6%).
Visitors to and from the island: 1,335,045 (+0.8%).
Growth driven mainly by the Nynäshamn route.
Oskarshamn route remained broadly stable.
International travellers: +4.6%, representing 6.3% of all passengers (record level).
Gotland residents’ travel: 423,436 (+4.4%), back to pre-pandemic levels.

Destination Gotland highlights that increased off-peak travel indicates success in extending the season. This benefits both residents and the local visitor economy.

Operational performance:

Punctuality reached 97.1%, based on 2,786 completed sailings.
Freight volumes also increased year-on-year, reflecting resilient demand despite the economic climate.

Tourism indicators:

Registered guest nights (Jan–Nov): 988,708, up from 934,177.
Total guest nights, including unregistered stays: 1,367,645, showing a clear increase.

Improved accessibility continues to support year-round demand. Regular air services to Stockholm Bromma and Arlanda, combined with reliable ferry operations, keep Gotland well connected outside the summer peak.

Photo Destination Gotland

Jan 23

3

Norwest Ship Management Acquires MN PELICAN from Compagnie Maritime Nantaise – MN

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

Norwest Ship Management AS has signed the purchase agreement for the RoRo vessel MN PELICAN, acquired from Compagnie Maritime Nantaise – MN.

Key facts:

Vessel: MN PELICAN (to be renamed LINK NEPTUNE)
Builder / Year: Fosen shipyard, Norway / 1999
Previous name: TRANS BOTNIA
Ownership history: CMN – MN since 2007

Operational background

2007–2016: Chartered for the French Ministry of Defence, supporting missions worldwide.
2016–2025: Operated for Brittany Ferries)on Poole–Bilbao.

Norwest Ship Management AS is a Norwegian ship owning and management company who owns 10 vessels and have management on further two, based in Avaldsnes. Carrying project cargo, aluminium, frozen cargoes, fish feed and building materials. Trading areas are in Northern Europe.

Jan 23

3

CLdN Launches Weekly Rotterdam–Porto LoLo Container Service

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

CLdN has announced the launch of a new weekly LoLo container service linking Rotterdam Distriport with Leixões (Porto), responding to growing customer demand on the route.

Key points

Weekly LoLo container service between Rotterdam Distriport and Port of Leixões
Complements two weekly return RoRo sailings between Rotterdam / Zeebrugge and Leixões
Part of CLdN’s 2024 strategy combining LoLo and RoRo on longer-distance routes
Aims to increase operational flexibility, sailing frequency, and reduce CO₂ emissions per unit
Service scheduled to commence on Sunday, 25 January

According to CLdN, deploying container vessels alongside RoRo tonnage enhances network resilience while supporting customers’ decarbonisation objectives through improved utilisation and lower emissions intensity.

Jan 23

3

Port of Kiel Sets New Freight Record in 2025

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

The Port of Kiel recorded a new all-time high in freight volumes in 2025, according to figures released on Thursday by Seehafen Kiel GmbH.

Total freight throughput reached almost 8 million tonnes for the first time, representing an increase of around 5% year-on-year. Nearly half of this volume was handled at the East Bank Port (Ostuferhafen). Growth was driven primarily by expanding trade with the Baltic states and continued strength in the Swedish paper trade.

Strong Growth on Key Routes

Traffic to Klaipėda (Lithuania) with DFDS reached 3 million tonnes, up 8% compared with 2024.
Stena Line transported 2.3% more freight between Kiel and Gothenburg.
SCA Logistics handled 5.2% more paper volumes from its Swedish mills at the East Bank Port.
Color Line recorded slightly lower freight volumes but saw growth in passenger numbers.
Passenger traffic rose slightly in 2025, with 2.7 million passengers handled in total. Of these, around 1.1 million were cruise passengers, underlining Kiel’s growing importance as a cruise hub.

Outlook

Managing Director Dirk Claus remains optimistic, citing strong early booking volumes for 2026 and positive market signals across both freight and passenger segments. The Port of Kiel expects continued growth, supported by infrastructure investment, sustainability initiatives, and robust demand in Baltic and Scandinavian trade lanes.

Jan 23

3

Port of Boulogne Calais: 2025 in Figures

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

Jan 23

3

OSK Designs a High-Tech RoPax for Tunisian CTN

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

OSK Design has unveiled its next-generation RoPax concept, developed for CTN – Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation.

The new vessel is intended to join the Tunisia Ferries fleet, reinforcing maritime links between Tunis, Barcelona, Genoa and Marseille.

Key specifications:

Length overall: 210 m
Capacity: 3,000 passengers (cabins), 730 cars, 170 trucks
Service speed: 24 knots
Propulsion: Electric plant with dual-fuel diesel/methanol generators, azimuth thrusters, and batteries for peak-shaving, spinning reserve, and zero-emission port operations

Designed to set a new benchmark

Reliability – Redundant systems and advanced machinery for uninterrupted service
Performance – Excellent seakeeping and manoeuvrability
Flexibility – Adaptable layouts for future market and regulatory needs
Sustainability – Low-emission energy solutions, including methanol readiness

CTN is expected to launch a public tender for the construction of the vessel, opening an important opportunity for shipyards to contribute to the next generation of sustainable Mediterranean ferry operations.

Jan 23

3

Hybrid Fjord Ferry Order for Torghatten Midt

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

On 16 January, Stocznia Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A., part of Remontowa Holding S.A., signed a contract with Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten Midt AS for the construction of a hybrid-powered passenger and car ferry.

Key details:

Double-ended ferry designed for fjord operations between the Dønna and Herøy islands.
Capacity: 249 passengers, 85 cars, and up to six lorries.
Strong focus on reduced energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Propulsion and energy concept:

Hybrid system with two azimuth thrusters and permanent magnet electric motors.
Four generators running on 100% biodiesel.
Small battery pack for peak shaving, enabling optimal generator loading.
Designed for future upgrade to a battery system nearly 15 times larger, allowing fully electric operation.

The vessel (yard number B622) is being designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company AS and is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2028.

Source: Remontowa

Jan 23

3

Steel Cutting For Fifth MSC–GNV RoPax Newbuilding At GSI

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

The steel cutting ceremony has taken place for the fifth LNG-fuelled RoPax newbuilding ordered by MSC for its ferry subsidiary GNV, at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China.

The vessel, which has not yet been named, is the first unit of a second batch of four ships ordered in 2025 by the Aponte-controlled group. Delivery is scheduled for the first months of 2028.

The four dual-fuel LNG vessels will be sister ships to GNV VIRGO and GNV AURORA.

Main particulars:

Length: 218 metres
Beam: nearly 30 metres
Gross tonnage: 52,300
Maximum speed: 25 knots
More than 420 cabins
Capacity for up to 1,785 passengers
2,780 lane metres of RoRo cargo

Each newbuilding is expected to cost more than €150m. The vessels will be financed by MSC and transferred to GNV under bareboat charter agreements.

GNV, led by Matteo Catani, has already taken delivery of three new ferries from GSI: GNV POLARIS, GNV ORION and GNV VIRGO, with GNV AURORA due to follow in the coming days.

Jan 23

3

ABB To Power Four Hybrid Ferries For BC Ferries

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

ABB will supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control systems for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries for BC Ferries.

The vessels will replace four end-of-life ships and form part of BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels programme, supporting capacity growth and lower-emission operations in the Strait of Georgia.

Key facts:

Four hybrid-electric double-ended ferries.
Order booked in Q4 2025.
Delivery from 2029.
Builder: China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard.

Propulsion and power:

ABB Azipod® gearless, steerable electric propulsion.
Reduced maintenance due to fewer moving parts.
Special propeller design lowers underwater radiated noise, benefiting sensitive marine life such as the Southern Resident killer whale.
ABB Onboard DC Grid™ for efficient power distribution and lower conversion losses.

Energy storage and charging:

Up to 70 MWh of battery capacity per vessel.
Hybrid operation using biofuel or renewable diesel.
Designed for future full-electric, zero-emission operation.
Shore charging capability above 60 MW, enabling fast port turnarounds.

ABB will also provide digital solutions to support operational awareness, safety and efficiency, contributing to a quieter and more sustainable ferry service.

Source: ABB

Jan 23

3

HSC QUEEN NEFERTITI Sold to Greek Interests

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

According to reliable information, HSC QUEEN NEFERTITI, operated by Arab Bridge Maritime Company, has been sold to Greece and renamed FERTITI. Delivery is expected within the coming days.

The vessel previously operated on the Aqaba–Nuweiba route and joined the fleet in 2007. She was built in Italy in 1997 by Fincantieri for Ocean Bridge Investments S.A. under the name PEGASUS TWO.

In 2004, the ship was sold to Tallink Autoexpress AS and operated between Tallinn and Helsinki as TALLINK AUTOEXPRESS 3.

Main particulars:

Passenger capacity: 580
Car capacity: 173
Service speed: 25 knots

Photo: VesselFinder

Jan 23

3

Fewer Ship Calls To Swedish Ports In 2025

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

According to Sjöfartsverket, the number of ship calls to Swedish ports continued to decline in 2025, reflecting the ongoing economic slowdown.

Key figures:

Total ship calls fell by 2.9%, from 68,124 in 2024 to 66,178 in 2025.
This is the lowest level recorded since 2008.
Total cargo volumes decreased by around 2.4%.
Passenger numbers remained broadly stable at approximately 20,500,000.
Ferry calls declined by 1.9%.
Cruise ship calls increased by 6.7%, although total cruise passenger numbers fell slightly.

Sjöfartsverket notes a continued shift towards fewer calls by small and medium-sized vessels, while larger ships account for a greater share of traffic. The authority links the decline primarily to weak economic conditions, which continue to weigh on Swedish maritime trade.

Jan 23

3

Record Year for Port of Sète

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

French Mediterranean Port of Sète had an excellent year 2025, with 360,000 passengers (cruise & ferry) and more than 6 million tonnes of goods. Revenue is €27 million.

Jan 23

3

Grand Port de Dunkerque: RoRo Traffic Mixed In 2025

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

At Grand Port de Dunkerque, RoRo activity showed contrasting trends across trade lanes in 2025.

Cross Channel (Dunkerque–Dover):

Freight traffic down 3%.
Passenger car traffic down 13%.
Overall market described as slightly weaker year-on-year.

Ireland services:

RoRo freight volumes up 11%.
Passenger traffic up 8%.
Continued year-on-year confirmation of a robust business model.
In September 2025, DFDS reinforced the service with VICTORIA SEAWAYS, doubling passenger capacity and increasing freight capacity by 18% compared with OPTIMA SEAWAYS.

Overall RoRo results (2025):

Freight units: 486,000 (-1%).
Passenger cars: 324,000 (-12%).
Passengers: 1,601,000 (-9%).

Automotive logistics:

Following the opening of a new vehicle logistics centre in the eastern port area in 2024, maritime vehicle exports continued to grow.
A total of 52 car-carrier calls were handled in 2025, supporting the regional automotive industry.

Despite pressure on cross-Channel volumes, Dunkerque’s Ireland routes and automotive exports remain clear growth drivers.

Source: Dunkerque Port (in French)

Jan 23

3

Patras Port Authority Opens New Sea Gate To Egypt

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

Patras Port Authority S.A. has signed a Letter of Intent for the launch of a direct maritime connection between the Port of Patras and ports in Egypt.

According to Panagiotis Anastasopoulos, President & CEO of the Port of Patras, the initiative represents a strategic milestone. It:

Positions Patras at the centre of Eastern Mediterranean–European freight flows
Strengthens its role as an international intermodal transport hub
Creates new opportunities for logistics, exports, and the Greek economy
Enhances the geo-economic position of Western Greece

Photo: Patras Port Authority

Jan 23

3

Interferry Calls For Pause On EU ETS At 70% Coverage

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

Interferry is calling for an immediate halt to the further phasing-in of the EU Emissions Trading System for maritime transport.

The association wants the surrendering obligation for ferry emissions frozen at 70% in 2025, with the planned increase to 100% in 2026 put on hold.

Interferry argues that the current approach undermines the level playing field, following the EU decision to continue exempting road transport from a parallel ETS scheme and the absence of clear rules on how ETS revenues are allocated.

“This action must remain in place until road transport is also in an ETS and funds collected are actually ringfenced for maritime decarbonisation,” said Mike Corrigan, CEO of Interferry.

Key concerns raised by Interferry:

Ferry operators face full ETS costs, while road transport remains exempt.
ETS risks shifting freight and passengers back to already congested road networks.
More than half of the world’s RoRo and passenger ship tonnage operates in European waters.
EU ferries transport around 400,000,000 passengers and 200,000,000 vehicles and freight units annually.

According to Interferry, every euro increase in ferry freight rates increases the risk of modal shift back to road, directly contradicting EU transport policy objectives.

“This exemption of road transport creates a severe competitive disadvantage for RoRo and passenger ferries,” said Johan Roos, Director Regulatory Affairs at Interferry.

Interferry also points to the IMO decision in October 2025 to delay a global GHG pricing mechanism by at least 12 months. That framework was expected to replace the EU ETS and provide clarity on how revenues would be used.

Interferry estimates that the EU ETS is currently taxing intra-EU ferry transport by around €1,000,000,000 per year, while most revenues flow into national budgets rather than supporting e-fuels, port electrification or charging infrastructure for electric ferries.

The association stresses that it supports maritime decarbonisation, but only if policy measures genuinely enable investment in cleaner technologies rather than eroding the sector’s financial capacity to deliver them.

Jan 23

3

Corsica Maritime Service: Regional Company Seen As Only Solution

By sandra | 2026 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

Local political and transport stakeholders in Corsica are (again) calling for the creation of a regional ferry company as the only viable long-term solution to improve and stabilise year-round maritime links with the French mainland.

According to statements shared on local media channels, proponents argue that:

Establishing a regional ferry operator would give greater control over service quality, schedules and connectivity.
Such a company would differ from simply subsidising existing carriers. Creating it would be akin to regional nationalisation, but supporters say it could better address Corsica’s specific mobility needs.
The proposals arise amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness and transparency of the current public service contracts and compensation framework.

These discussions take place against the backdrop of existing public service contracts running until 2030 covering passenger and freight ferry links between the mainland port of Marseille and Corsican ports such as Ajaccio, Bastia, Propriano, Porto-Vecchio and L’Île-Rousse, for which state aid arrangements have been approved under EU rules.

No official government decision has been announced yet on forming a regional operator. Debate continues among regional political leaders, the Corsican Transport Board and industry stakeholders.

Source: France Info 3 Viastella (in French)