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May 15
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Irish Continental Group Delivers Strong Revenue Growth as Freight Momentum Continues

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

Irish Continental Group reported a solid start to 2026.

Group revenue for the first four months of the year rose 13.9% to €215.9 million, compared with €189.5 million in the same period of 2025. The increase reflects the full-year application of the ETS and higher fuel surcharges, both of which were passed on to customers.

Freight Volumes Remain Robust

Year-to-date figures to 2 May show continued strength in freight activities:

  • RoRo freight volumes increased 5.2% to 270,900 units.
  • Terminal lifts rose 2.2% to 125,200 units.
  • Container volumes were slightly lower at 126,800 teu, down 3.8%.
  • Car carryings totalled 135,200, a modest decline of 2.9%.

The Group noted that the freight business has performed well since the beginning of the year, demonstrating the resilience of its core markets.

Ferries Division Posts Double-Digit Revenue Growth

The Ferries Division generated revenues of €138.6 million, up 16.7% year-on-year.

Irish Ferries continued to benefit from strong freight demand, carrying 270,900 RoRo units in the period. Passenger car volumes were slightly lower, although comparisons with 2025 are influenced by the temporary closure of Port of Holyhead in early January last year.

Container and Terminal Division Shows Steady Progress

The Container and Terminal Division delivered revenues of €87.6 million, an increase of 8.3%.

Terminal activity in Dublin and Belfast continued to grow, with lift volumes rising 2.2%, confirming the strength of the Group’s port operations.

Strong Balance Sheet Supports Future Growth

ICG maintained a conservative financial position, with pre-IFRS 16 net debt reduced to €128.9 million from €133.5 million at year-end 2025.

The company said its diversified business model and disciplined capital allocation provide a strong platform for further investment. Recent vessel acquisitions are increasing capacity on strategic routes and supporting long-term growth.

Well Positioned Despite External Challenges

Management acknowledged that higher fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may create cost pressures. However, ICG’s established fuel surcharge mechanisms and strong balance sheet help mitigate these effects.

With revenues rising, freight volumes growing, and investments continuing, Irish Continental Group remains well positioned to build on its leading role in ferry transport and logistics.

Source: Irish Continental Group

May 15
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DFDS Reports Broad-Based Freight Growth Across Its Ferry Network in April

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

DFDS reported another month of solid freight performance, with April volumes increasing across most of its ferry network.

Freight Volumes Continue to Grow

In April 2026, DFDS transported 3.6 million lane metres of freight, up 2.0% compared with April 2025. Adjusted for route changes, growth was 1.9%.

Regional highlights included:

  • North Sea volumes above last year, supported by stronger performance on several routes.
  • Mediterranean volumes showing particularly strong growth, led by the Egypt and Tunisia services.
  • Baltic Sea volumes well ahead of 2025.
  • Strait of Gibraltar volumes also increased.
  • Channel volumes were slightly below last year, broadly reflecting overall market trends on the Dover Strait.

Over the last twelve months, total freight volumes reached 41.8 million lane metres, an increase of 0.8%.

Passenger Volumes Affected by Easter Timing

Passenger numbers in April totalled 416,000, down 8.1% on a comparable basis. The decline was mainly due to Easter falling earlier this year, shifting part of the seasonal travel demand into March.

Operational issues also resulted in fewer departures on the Strait of Gibraltar.

Freight Business Demonstrates Resilience

Despite some seasonal effects in passenger traffic, DFDS continues to benefit from the strength and diversification of its freight network. Growth in key regions such as the Mediterranean and Baltic underscores the company’s ability to capture opportunities in dynamic markets.

With freight volumes rising and performance improving across most areas, DFDS remains well positioned to deliver steady progress in 2026.

May 15
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Why Eckerö Link Bought STENA NAUTICA

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

Eckerö Link has acquired STENA NAUTICA to replace FJÄRDVÄGEN on the Långnäs–Naantali route. The move is designed to improve operational efficiency, cargo flow and future commercial flexibility.

Why Did They Buy Her?

The decision is based on several operational and strategic advantages:

  • Better fit for the route: STENA NAUTICA was already considered when FJÄRDVÄGEN was acquired. Management believes she is better sized for the current operation.
  • Drive-through loading: Vehicles can enter at one end and leave at the other, eliminating reversing and reducing turnaround times.
  • Two drive-through freight decks: This significantly improves logistics efficiency.
  • More customer-friendly timetable: Faster port operations may allow more attractive schedules.
  • Improved fuel efficiency: The ship offers opportunities to optimise fuel consumption.
  • Future growth potential: The vessel can support both freight expansion and possible passenger development.
  • Strengthening Åland as a hub: The investment reinforces the island’s position in Baltic logistics.

STENA NAUTICA became available after Stena Line closed its Halmstad–Grenaa service and decided to sell the vessel.

Infrastructure Requirements

To fully benefit from the ship’s drive-through design, both Långnäs and Naantali need terminal adaptations. Eckerö Link says discussions with both ports are already at an advanced stage.

Source: Rederi AB Eckerö

Photo: Niklas Nolte

May 15
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HSC EAGLE JET 2 Deployed on Sporades Route

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

On 13 May 2026, Seajets’ HSC EAGLE JET 2 (ex HANSE JET II, FLYINGCAT 6) departed from the port of Piraeus to enter service on the Volos–Sporades (Skiathos–Skopelos–Alonissos) route. The vessel will join SUPERSTAR II, offering passengers a faster travel option. She was acquired from Attica Group (HSW) last March as part of a €25 million agreement covering the sale of five high-speed craft to Seajets. Built in Norway by Kvaerner Fjellstrand in 1997, the vessel carries 339 passengers and sails at 30 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

May 15
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HSC HIGHSPEED 4 Renamed HYPERSPEED JET 4

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

At the Spanopoulos shipyard, the former HSC HIGHSPEED 4 is undergoing refit work and a livery change after being renamed HYPERSPEED JET 4. The vessel was included in the €25 million agreement between Attica Group and Seajets covering the sale of five high-speed craft. She is expected to enter service during the 2026 summer season and is rumoured to operate on the Rafina–Tinos–Mykonos–Paros–Naxos route, replacing her fleetmate SUPERRUNNER JET. Built in Australia by Austal in 2000, the vessel carries 1,100 passengers and 190 cars and sails at 40 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

May 15
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Conversion of A NEPITA Nears Completion in Greece

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

ÎLE ROUGE (ex A NEPITA, SUPERFAST X) is in the final stages of her refit and modifications at the Perama repair zone. The vessel arrived in Greece in February 2026 for ramp and visor modifications ahead of a five-year charter to Canadian operator Marine Atlantic for the North Sydney–Port aux Basques route. Built in Germany by HDW in 2002, the vessel carries 1,200 passengers and offers 1,920 lane metres. Service speed is 27 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

May 15
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GNV POLARIS Returns with More Passenger Capacity

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

GNV POLARIS returns to Italy with increased passenger capacity.

After refit works at GSI in China, the ship has arrived in Genoa and will resume service on Genoa–Palermo from 9 June.

The upgrade added 141 new passenger cabins.

GNV POLARIS now offers 387 cabins and capacity for 1,515 passengers.

Delivered in October 2024, she is the first of eight new-generation vessels ordered by GNV.

Source: GNV

May 15
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naValue and LMG Marin Selected for Next-Generation NorthLink RoPax Design

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

naValue and LMG Marin have been selected by GSI to design the next generation of Freight Flex RoPax vessels for NorthLink Ferries.

The project will deliver two new 140-metre vessels to replace the RoRo vessels HELLIAR and HILDASAY on the lifeline Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick service, strengthening connections between mainland Scotland and the Northern Isles.

Designed for Capacity, Reliability and Sustainability

The new vessels will offer significant operational improvements, including:

  • Increased freight capacity to support island supply chains.
  • Accommodation for up to 200 passengers during peak periods.
  • Higher service speeds and improved schedule resilience.
  • Enhanced manoeuvrability for demanding North Sea conditions.
  • Battery-hybrid, dual-fuel methanol propulsion.

The propulsion system is designed to enable low-carbon operations as green methanol becomes increasingly available.

Partnership Combining Specialist Expertise

naValue and LMG Marin will work together to deliver the design, combining ferry sector experience, local knowledge and engineering expertise.

The vessels are being developed in collaboration with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited, GSI and NorthLink Ferries.

Once delivered, the new Freight Flex RoPax vessels will provide a modern, flexible and future-ready solution for the Northern Isles, supporting communities in Orkney and Shetland for decades to come.

May 15
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SALTVÆR Launched as New Fully Electric Ferry Takes Shape

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

A major milestone for Norwegian Ship Design as SALTVÆR has been launched at Western Baltija Shipbuilding in Klaipėda.

Based on the NSD50CFb design, the 73-metre fully electric ferry will carry 50 vehicles and 199 passengers for Torghatten. She is designed for the Svolvær–Skrova service and will also operate the Vestfjord crossing to Skutvik during the summer.

With enclosed vehicle decks and a strong focus on energy efficiency and passenger comfort, SALTVÆR is a future-ready vessel tailored to challenging Norwegian conditions.

Congratulations to Norwegian Ship Design, Torghatten and Western Baltija Shipbuilding on this successful launch.

Source: The Norwegian Ship Design Company

May 15
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Corsica 2025: Ferries Overtake Aviation in Peak Summer

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

New figures from the Observatoire Régional des Transports de Corse (ORTC) and DREAL Corse confirm the strategic importance of ferry services to the island.

In 2025, Corsica handled 8.5 million passengers, excluding cruise traffic. Air transport remained the largest mode overall, with 4.43 million passengers, while ferries carried 4.07 million passengers. However, during July and August, maritime transport became the dominant mode, with more travellers arriving by ferry than by air.

For ferry operators, this seasonal shift is particularly significant. On 12 August, Corsica hosted 364,500 additional people compared with its resident population of around 360,000, effectively doubling the island’s population. Much of this surge was delivered by ferry services, bringing both passengers and their vehicles.

Bastia remained the island’s main ferry gateway, handling 2.13 million passengers, or more than half of all maritime traffic. Bastia was followed by Ajaccio with 977,000 passengers. Bonifacio, serving the Sardinia route, recorded 268,000 passengers, up 7.5% year-on-year.

At operator level, Corsica Ferries strengthened its leading position with 2.69 million passengers, representing 66% of the market and an increase of 8.3%. Corsica Linea carried 590,000 passengers (14%), while Moby Lines transported 428,000 passengers (11%). Ichnusa Lines showed the strongest growth, up 17% to 154,000 passengers.

Ferries also remained essential for vehicle transport. In August alone, around 132,000 tourist vehicles arrived in Corsica by ship. Over the full year, ferry operators transported 1.49 million passenger vehicles, up 2%.

The comparison with aviation is revealing. Airlines carried slightly more passengers over the full year, but they cannot transport private cars, campervans, motorcycles, or freight. Ferries combine passenger and cargo transport, delivering both visitors and the supplies needed to sustain island life. In 2025, 2.1 million tonnes of goods were shipped to Corsica, with RoRo freight accounting for the largest share.

The 2025 figures underline a clear conclusion: aviation dominates annual passenger totals, but ferries become the island’s primary transport mode during the busiest summer months and remain indispensable for vehicles, freight, and regional connectivity.

Source: https://www.corse.developpement-durable.gouv.fr/spip.php?page=article&id_article=2316

May 15
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Finnlines and Port of Långnäs Open New Passenger Terminal to Support Growing Demand

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

Finnlines and the Port of Långnäs have opened a modern new passenger terminal in Åland, enhancing the travel experience on one of the Baltic Sea’s fastest-growing ferry routes.

The €3 million investment supports rising passenger demand on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär service operated by the Superstar-class vessels FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS.

Designed for Growth and Passenger Comfort

Located directly next to the berth, the new terminal shortens walking distances and speeds up boarding and disembarkation.

Key features include:

  • Approximately 500 m² of floor space
  • Modern waiting areas
  • Direct access to the vessels
  • Improved accessibility and barrier-free movement

Passenger numbers on the route have increased significantly since FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS entered service, confirming the popularity of Finnlines’ premium RoPax offering.

Strengthening Åland’s Tourism Potential

Finnlines sees substantial growth opportunities in Åland and aims to work closely with local stakeholders to improve regional accessibility and tourism appeal.

According to CEO Thomas Doepel, the company wants to be a strong partner for Åland’s tourism and hospitality sectors while continuing to provide reliable transport links.

Strategic Investment in Baltic Connectivity

The terminal forms part of the Port of Långnäs’ long-term development programme. The project strengthens Åland’s role as an important transport hub between Finland and Sweden.

By combining modern infrastructure with high-quality vessels, Finnlines continues to invest in both customer experience and regional connectivity across the Baltic Sea.

Source: Finnlines

May 15
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Baleària Plans Record Summer Operation with 37 Daily Services Between Spain and North Africa

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

Baleària is preparing its largest-ever Strait Crossing Operation, with up to 37 daily sailings between Spain and Morocco, Algeria, Ceuta and Melilla.

Running from 15 June to 15 September, the operation will deploy 12 vessels across eight routes to meet peak summer demand as thousands of passengers travel to North Africa to reunite with their families.

Stronger Network to Morocco

Morocco remains Baleària’s largest market in the region, after carrying nearly one million passengers during last year’s campaign.

Key enhancements include:

  • Up to 12 daily departures on the Tarifa–Tangier City service.
  • Increased capacity through deployment of a larger fast ferry.
  • Nine daily sailings on the Algeciras–Tangier Med route.
  • An average of three daily departures on Almería–Nador.

Continued Commitment to Algeria

Baleària will again offer five weekly services to Algeria:

  • Three weekly sailings from Valencia to Mostaganem.
  • One weekly service from Barcelona to Algiers.
  • One weekly service from Barcelona to Oran.

The company is marking ten years of operations in the Algerian market.

Reliable Links to Ceuta and Melilla

Baleària will operate:

  • Up to 11 daily connections with Ceuta.
  • One to two daily services to Melilla.

Tailored Onboard Services

To improve the travel experience, Baleària will offer:

  • Arabic- and French-speaking passenger assistance.
  • Halal menus.
  • Dedicated prayer rooms.

General Manager Georges Bassoul said North Africa has become the group’s fastest-growing business area in recent years.

With expanded capacity, tailored services and a record schedule, Baleària is strengthening its role as a key operator connecting Spain with North Africa during the busy summer season.

May 15
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P&O Ferries Appoints Dominic Tucker to Strengthen B2B and Travel Trade Partnerships

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

P&O Ferries has appointed Dominic Tucker as Head of B2B Sales, Distribution & Partnerships within its passenger business.

Tucker brings more than 20 years of experience in the travel and aviation sectors, with expertise in commercial strategy, distribution and partner development.

He joins P&O Ferries from easyJet, where he led indirect distribution strategy and worked with global partners including GDS providers and online travel agencies. Previous senior roles at Norwegian Air Shuttle and British Airways further strengthened his experience in B2B sales and commercial partnerships.

In his new position, Tucker will lead P&O Ferries’ passenger groups and B2B business, focusing on:

  • Strengthening relationships with key customers and travel trade partners.
  • Enhancing distribution capabilities.
  • Supporting continued growth in passenger operations.

The appointment underlines P&O Ferries’ commitment to expanding its commercial reach and deepening partnerships across the travel industry.

FERRY PORT GALLERY

FERRY, ROPAX AND RORO GALLERY