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Apr 25
3

FINANCE, FACTS AND FIGURES

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

Port of Antwerp Bruges Is Carefully Monitoring the Trade Climate

In Q1 2025, Port of Antwerp Bruges handled 67.7 million tonnes of cargo, a 4% decrease compared to the same period last year. The drop is mainly due to a significant decline in bulk traffic, although container volumes showed growth. RoRo did grow a little too.

The port continues to navigate a challenging environment marked by shifting market trends, geopolitical tensions and ongoing pressure on the European chemical sector. With the United States as its second-largest trading partner, the port is closely monitoring how the changing trade climate may impact the months ahead.

More details in the newsroom of Port of Antwerp Bruges.

Apr 25
3

Tallink Q1: Results Affected by Economic Environment and Idle Vessels

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

Tallink Grupp published its unaudited Q1 financial results.

Key challenges:

  • Low consumer and business confidence.
  • Difficult economic environment in home markets.
  • Ongoing global geopolitical tensions.
  • Extended docking periods.
  • Four idle vessels, significantly impacting results.

CEO Paavo Nõgene stated:

  • Excluding the impact of idle vessels, results are comparable to Q1 2019.
  • One idle vessel, passenger ferry STAR I, has been sold and handed over.
  • Docking is also an investment in technology and customer experience.
  • Positive feedback already for refreshed BALTIC PRINCESS.
  • Preparing for high season with special cruises and surprises planned.

Key figures:

  • Revenue: EUR 137.3 million.
  • Net loss for the quarter: EUR 33.2 million.
  • EBITDA: Negative EUR 3.8 million.
  • Investments: EUR 13.3 million — mainly for refurbishing BALTIC PRINCESS and SILJA SERENADE.
  • Loan repayments and interest: EUR 20.8 million in early 2025.
Apr 25
3

Viking Line Q1 Characterized by Ship Dockings and a Challenging Market Environment

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

Financial Highlights (Q1 2025 vs Q1 2024)

  • Sales: €87.3M (↓ 6.3% from €93.2M)
  • Operating income: €-18.0M (vs €-10.4M)
  • Income before taxes: €-22.0M (vs €-14.2M)
  • Net income: €-22.1M (vs €-14.3M)
  • Investments: €9.0M (mainly in GABRIELLA and VIKING XPRS)
  • Cash flow from operations: €-10.0M (vs €+1.3M)

Market & Operations

  • Passenger volumes: 767,353 (↓ from 871,828)
  • Cargo units: 36,352 (↑ from 32,993)
  • Passenger market share: 31.2% (↓ from 34.6%)
  • Cargo market share: 20.5% (↑ from 17.4%)
  • Passenger cars market share: 26.0% (↓ from 29.9%)

Fleet Activity

  • GABRIELLA docked (technical work)
  • VIKING XPRS docked (refurbishment and shop rebuild)
  • BIRKA GOTLAND had a planned traffic break
  • VIKING CINDERELLA temporarily operated on Helsinki–Tallinn route during XPRS docking

CEO Insights – Jan Hanses

  • Results aligned with expectations but weaker than Q1 2024
  • Two dockings negatively affected performance
  • Passenger demand still soft, but onboard consumption slightly stronger
  • Increased costs due to:
    • Finnish fairway fees (reversal of previous discount)
    • Emissions Trading System (ETS) now at 70% implementation
    • General cost pressure from maintenance, emissions, and fairway fees
    • Positive outlook expected toward the end of Q2

Financial & Investment Notes

  • Debt fully repaid for VIKING GRACE
  • Cash reserves down to €26.0M (vs €65.7M in Q1 2024)
  • Unutilised credit lines: €22.1M
  • Debt/equity ratio: 52.5% (vs 50.1%)

Key Risk Factors

  • Continued economic uncertainty in core traffic area
  • Geopolitical tensions affecting energy and transport markets
  • Unclear long-term trade prospects
  • Ongoing pandemic-era support repayments: €1.1M provision booked

Outlook

  • 2025 result before taxes expected to be in line with 2024
  • Uncertainty remains high due to external factors (economy, fuel prices, demand)
Apr 25
3

SHIPS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

From LNG To Hybrid: WILLEM DE VLAMINGH Upgraded for the Future

Over the past three months, Rederij Doeksen’s ferry WILLEM DE VLAMINGH underwent a major technical transformation. The vessel is now an LNG hybrid, thanks to the installation of a 900 kWh battery system.

This innovative refit, developed in-house by Doeksen’s own technical team, was carried out by Werft Shipbuilding (Urk) at Damen Shiprepair in Harlingen, with vital contributions from Piet Brouwer Elektrotechniek and VCU, both also based in Urk.

  • Permanent magnet generators were installed on the crankshafts of the main engines to recover unused engine capacity and convert it into electricity.
  • This power is stored in the new battery system and used for the onboard hotel load and bow thrusters.
  • Two extra bow thrusters have been added, improving manoeuvrability in strong winds.
  • Embarkation and disembarkation can now take place fully electrically and emission-free.
  • The battery system is charged overnight with shore power, reducing LNG consumption — and paving the way for even lower emissions as shore power availability increases.

Sister ship WILLEM BARENTSZ is scheduled for the same upgrade in early 2026.

“Using crankshaft-mounted generators on gas engines like this hasn’t been done anywhere else in the world,” says Jitze Landman, senior fleet inspector. “It’s a small technical revolution.”

Apr 25
3

Ropax TENACIA Back in Service for GNV After Nine Months

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

Almost ten months after a fire broke out while sailing to Ibiza, the RoPax ship TENACIA—owned by Isabella Grimaldi’s “Grimaldi Investments” but operated under a bareboat charter by GNV—is back in service.

MSC-controlled GNV confirmed that “TENACIA will return to operations this summer after a period of work necessary to completely restore the technical parts damaged last July.”

The repair work was carried out at the Nuova Meccanica Navale shipyard in Naples, a company in which MSC also holds a stake.

The incident occurred on 8 July in the high seas, north of Ibiza, following a fire outbreak in the engine room. At the time, the ship was carrying goods and approximately 400 passengers and crew between Valencia and Palma de Mallorca.

Apr 25
3

Farewell to RIACE – Welcome SIKANIA II

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

After over four decades of faithful service on the Strait of Messina, the double-ended ferry RIACE is heading for retirement.

Built in 1983 and capable of carrying 393 passengers and 300 lane metres of vehicles, she has long been a vital link between Sicily and Calabria. Now, she awaits her final journey to Turkey for scrapping.

Her replacement? The SIKANIA II – a brand-new hybrid ferry currently being built by Celt in Greece. With a length of 105 metres, the vessel is designed to carry 22 heavy vehicles or 125 cars, along with 400 passengers. She will soon take over the route between Villa San Giovanni and Messina.

Bluferries’ fleet renewal is well underway — combining sustainability, innovation, and continuity for one of Italy’s most iconic ferry crossings.

Photo ©ML

Apr 25
3

Corsican Ferry Operators Lead on EV Safety

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

With electric vehicles (EVs) increasingly common on ferries, Corsican operators are proactively updating safety protocols—despite the lack of national regulation in France.

As reported by Corse Net Infos (in French), both Corsica Ferries and Corsica Linea have introduced measures to manage the unique risks of EVs, particularly potential battery fires at sea.

Corsica Ferries has trained its crews specifically on EV handling and fire prevention, and informs passengers at the dock, recommending battery levels stay below 30% before boarding.

Corsica Linea now categorises vehicles by propulsion type when booked, placing EVs in separate areas on board. Firefighting systems have been upgraded, and the company plans to have Marseille marine firefighters on every crossing.

While countries like Greece and Norway have imposed restrictions, France’s ferry lines are choosing innovation and preparedness. Interferry supports this approach, citing research that EV fire risks are comparable to those of petrol vehicles. (https://interferry.com/e-cars-on-board-brochure/)
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Apr 25
3

Irish Ferries Leads the Way with HVO Transition on Dublin–Holyhead Route

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

Since 16 April 2025, the DUBLIN SWIFT—the fastest ferry across the Irish Sea—has operated on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a fossil-free fuel from waste by-products. This move makes Irish Ferries the first international ferry company in the UK & Ireland to power one of its vessels with HVO.

Supplied by Circle K and their certified low-emission diesel alternative, milesBIO HVO100, the transition could reduce carbon emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel as the season progresses towards 100% HVO usage across all four engines.

Apr 25
3

HSC EXPRESS JET to Serve the Sporades Islands in Summer 2025

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

On 18 April 2025, Seajets’ HSC EXPRESS JET (formerly SIFNOS JET) was introduced on the Volos–Skiathos–Skopelos–Alonissos route. The ship will operate daily on this line alongside her fleetmate SUPERSTAR (formerly SUPERFERRY), offering fast ferry service to travellers.

This marks the return of fast ferry service on the route after a three-year absence.

HSC EXPRESS JET was built in Australia in 1999. She has a capacity of 500 passengers and can reach speeds of up to 38 knots.

Photo: Seajets

Apr 25
3

Magic Sea Ferries’ HSC MAGIC 3 Arrives in Greece

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

On 22 April 2025, Magic Sea Ferries’ latest acquisition, HSC MAGIC 3, arrived at the port of Lavrion, transported by the general cargo ship ARALIA. She was purchased in January 2025 and is the third high-speed craft to join the Magic Sea Ferries fleet. Alongside her fleetmates HSC MAGIC 1 and HSC MAGIC 2, she is among the newest vessels in the Hellenic ferry fleet.

Magic Sea Ferries plans to offer two daily departures from the Port of Piraeus to the Saronic Islands (Aegina, Poros) with two fast ferries. The addition of this third vessel further strengthens the company’s position in the Saronic Gulf.

HSC MAGIC 3 was built in 2024, has a capacity of 343 passengers, and operates at a service speed of 36 knots, with a maximum speed of 39 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Apr 25
3

PORTS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

Peel Ports to Invest £10 Million in Heysham Port to Boost Capacity and Efficiency

Peel Ports Group is set to invest £10 million in Heysham Port, enhancing its role as a vital trade gateway between the UK mainland, the Island of Ireland, and the Isle of Man. The investment aims to future-proof operations, improve resilience, and support growing customer demand.

The project will see major upgrades, including a reconfiguration of the trailer park, a new multi-lane smart gate operating system, and the implementation of a state-of-the-art terminal operating system. These developments will enhance capacity, reduce congestion, and improve safety and efficiency across the port.

The improvements are expected to benefit all operators at the port, including Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, CLdN, and Stena Line. The expanded trailer park will support future growth, notably Stena Line’s deployment of two new ‘NewMax’ ferries, which will increase freight capacity by 40%.

Work is due to commence in the coming weeks.

Source: https://www.peelports.com/news-articles/heysham-port-set-for-10m-upgrade-to-boost-capacity-and-efficiency-at-facility

Apr 25
3

From Venice to Libya with the RoRo ship MIMER – A New Line

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

A brand-new RoRo line is set to launch in May, linking the port of Chioggia (Venice) with Misurata and Benghazi in Libya, along with several other ports in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Loris Trevisan, a shipping agent active in Venice, confirmed to Ferry Shipping News that the 1990-built vessel MIMER has been chartered in and will be deployed by the new company Midline Shipping, which is controlled by Dubai-based interests.

The vessel’s planned rotation will also include calls at the Turkish ports of Izmir and Mersin, as well as Alexandria in Egypt.

“The vessel has a cargo capacity of approximately 1,030 linear metres and 4,491 DWT, with a loading ramp capable of handling up to 180 tons. The service is particularly aimed at project cargo (on Mafi), machinery, and large rolling stock,” Trevisan explained.

Sailings will take place every 15–18 days from Venice-Chioggia.

Apr 25
3

ORGANISATIONS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

ESPO Welcomes EP’s Budget Committee’s Plea for Greater Funding for Transport, Energy and Dual-Use Infrastructure Within the Next MFF

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the report of the European Parliament’s Budget Committee voted on 23 April, titled “On a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world,” by co-rapporteurs Siegfried Mureşan (EPP) and Carla Tavares (S&D). The compromise amendments and the full report can be found here.

The report stresses the need for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) to allocate significantly greater funding to energy and transport, in line with the objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. This requires the decarbonisation of the economy through the deployment of clean technologies and the enhancement of energy and transport infrastructure.

The Budget MEPS are also asking support for military mobility in the future EU budget, to enhance infrastructure for dual-use—both military and civilian— to strengthen the Union’s defence capabilities.

The Budget Committee finally underlines the importance of ensuring that the MFF is adequately resourced and sustainably financed and recognises that budgetary needs post-2027 will be significantly higher than the amounts allocated in the 2021–2027 MFF.

Apr 25
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 17 | No Comments

In April, Mann Lines’ ML FREYJA has been integrated in the Wallenius SOL network. She is seen here in Zeebrugge.

Baleària has successfully completed the first docking trials of the high-speed ferry AVEMAR DOS in the port of Tarifa. The 82-metre catamaran, capable of carrying up to 900 passengers and reaching speeds of 34 knots, is set to begin operations on the Tarifa–Tangier Ville route in early May.

The initial schedule includes four daily crossings in each direction, with frequency expected to increase over the summer season—offering departures from early morning until late evening.

Last week, the company also carried out operational trials in the port of Tangier Ville in preparation for the launch.