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Jul 06
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Norled Reports Higher Revenue but Remains in the Red

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Norwegian ferry and fast craft operator Norled increased revenue to NOK 2.97 billion in 2025, up from NOK 2.81 billion in 2024. EBITDA improved to NOK 507 million, compared with NOK 391 million the previous year.

However, Norled reported a net loss of NOK 894 million, largely due to impairments, provisions for loss-making contracts and operational challenges linked to new vessels and technologies. The company highlighted delays in the introduction of battery-electric high-speed craft and higher-than-expected operating costs on some new contracts.

During 2025, Norled invested NOK 761 million in new vessels, electrification projects and shore infrastructure. The operator also increased the share of zero- and low-emission vessels in its fleet from 42 % to 45 %.

Looking ahead, Norled said its portfolio comprises 24 ferry and express boat contracts, including a new Nordland ferry contract scheduled to start in 2027.

Click on the picture to access the annual report

In a LinkedIn statement accompanying the annual report, Norled argued that the financial challenges highlight a broader issue facing the maritime energy transition. The operator said ferry companies are carrying too much of the technology and implementation risk associated with electrification and other low-emission technologies. Norled called for greater risk-sharing in public service contracts, more flexibility when operating conditions change, standardised contract models and better compensation mechanisms for regulatory and cost increases. The company warned that excessive risk transfer to operators could ultimately reduce competition and slow innovation.

Jul 06
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Tallink Grupp Reports Higher Cargo Volumes in June and Q2

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

AS Tallink Grupp transported 556,056 passengers in June 2026, a decrease of 7.2% compared with June 2025. Cargo volumes increased by 2.0% to 22,993 units, while passenger vehicles declined by 11.2% to 77,733 units.

For the second quarter of 2026 (April–June), the company carried 1,454,725 passengers, down 2.2% year-on-year. Cargo volumes rose by 2.9% to 68,986 units, while passenger vehicle numbers fell by 6.5% to 199,025 units.

The figures indicate continued growth in freight traffic, while passenger and passenger vehicle volumes remained below last year’s levels.

Jul 06
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Baleària Completes Armas Routes Acquisition

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Baleària has completed the integration of Armas Trasmediterránea’s Alboran Sea and Strait of Gibraltar routes after receiving all required approvals from Spanish and Moroccan competition authorities.

The transaction includes the vessels JJ SISTER, ALMARIYA, VOLCÁN DE TIMANFAYA and CIUDAD DE MÁLAGA, together with route concessions and approximately 250 employees. The deal follows the integration of the Canary Islands operations completed in May.

With the acquisition, Baleària strengthens its presence on routes linking mainland Spain, the Balearic and Canary Islands, and North Africa. The enlarged group now operates more than 50 vessels, employs nearly 4,500 people and carries over 8 million passengers annually.

Jul 06
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Brittany Ferries to Reshape Fleet and Network from Autumn 2026

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Brittany Ferries has unveiled a restructuring plan designed to adapt its operations to rising costs, environmental taxation and changing market conditions.

The company says it continues to face the financial legacy of the Covid period, including ongoing repayment of its state-backed loan, while also preparing for the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Despite investing in five new vessels over the past five years, including two delivered in 2025, Brittany Ferries expects its ETS bill to reach approximately EUR 27 million in 2026.

Fleet changes

As part of a fleet optimisation programme, Brittany Ferries will sell two vessels:

  • BARFLEUR (1992), resulting in the closure of the Poole–Cherbourg route from November 2026.
  • COTENTIN (2007), currently operating on the Cherbourg–Rosslare route.

Portsmouth–Le Havre closure planned

The company also intends to close the Portsmouth–Le Havre route from October 2026. Brittany Ferries argues that the service has become increasingly difficult to sustain due to declining post-Brexit traffic volumes and what it describes as unfair competition from the subsidised Dieppe–Newhaven route.

CLIPPER is expected to replace COTENTIN on the Rosslare–Cherbourg service.

New Channel Islands network

From 1 November 2026, Brittany Ferries plans to reorganise services linking Portsmouth, Poole, Guernsey, Cherbourg and Saint-Malo.

Under the proposed network:

  • ISLANDER will operate a triangular route: Portsmouth–Guernsey, Guernsey–Cherbourg and Cherbourg–Portsmouth.
  • VOYAGER will continue operating between Poole and Guernsey, with onward connections to Saint-Malo.
  • A new Guernsey–Cherbourg freight link will provide direct access to the Normandy hub and is expected to generate new commercial opportunities.

According to CEO Christophe Mathieu, the measures are intended to secure the company’s long-term future while maintaining services to the regions it has served for decades.

Jul 06
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Guernsey sees opportunities in Brittany Ferries restructuring

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

The Government of Guernsey has welcomed discussions with Brittany Ferries on proposed timetable changes linked to the operator’s wider restructuring plan.

Under the proposal, ISLANDER would operate a daily triangular route between Portsmouth, Guernsey and Cherbourg, creating a new direct freight and passenger link with France. The current 04:00 arrival into Guernsey from Portsmouth would be maintained, while service frequency would increase from six sailings per week to a daily operation.

VOYAGER would continue its existing services unchanged, although Guernsey expects passenger numbers to grow as traffic from routes affected by the restructuring is redirected through the island.

Guernsey also noted that CLIPPER, despite being redeployed elsewhere in the Brittany Ferries network, would remain available as a back-up vessel for the island’s services.

Source: https://gov.gg/New-Brittany-Ferries-timetable-freight

Jul 06
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Baleària Canarias Adds High-Capacity RoRo Vessel

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Baleària has added JOSEFINA DE LA TORRE to its Canary Islands fleet, increasing freight capacity between Cádiz and the archipelago. With 4,000 lane metres and space for up to 280 trucks, the vessel is described as the largest dedicated cargo ship to operate in the Canary Islands.

Built in 2023, the 209-metre vessel is equipped with 230 reefer plugs for the transport of temperature-controlled cargo. Its introduction strengthens Baleària Canarias’ freight services linking Cádiz with Tenerife, Gran Canaria, La Palma and Lanzarote.

Jul 06
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Alaska identifies Preferred Builder for TUSTUMENA Replacement

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) has identified Louisiana-based shipbuilder Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors as the apparent low bidder for the construction of the TUSTUMENA replacement vessel (TRV).

The yard submitted a bid of USD 349.9 million for the new vessel, which will be built for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). Under Alaska’s procurement process, Thoma-Sea now has 14 days to submit the remaining required documentation before the state can issue a formal Notice of Intent to Award.

The project marks the first major AMHS vessel procurement in more than a decade and is a key element of the Alaska Marine Highway System 2045 Long-Range Plan.

The new vessel will replace TUSTUMENA, which entered service in 1964 and remains a vital link for communities across Southcentral Alaska, the Alaska Peninsula and the eastern Aleutian Islands. The ferry currently serves ports including Homer, Kodiak, Sand Point, King Cove, Cold Bay, Akutan and Unalaska.

According to DOT&PF, the replacement vessel has been designed with input from vessel crews, shore staff and local communities to meet the specific operational requirements of Alaska’s challenging environment.

Founded in 1990, Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors operates shipbuilding and repair facilities in Louisiana. The company recently delivered ARCTIC FJORD, a fisheries research vessel now operating in Alaska.

Source: https://dot.alaska.gov/comm/pressbox/arch2026/PR26-0018.shtml

Rendering: https://glosten.com/project/mv-tustumena-replacement-design/

Jul 06
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AYK Energy’s OrionAN Batteries Selected for Grimaldi’s Next RoPax Ships

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Battery manufacturer AYK Energy has secured a contract to supply its 2,073 kWh OrionAN batteries for nine RoPax vessels being built for Grimaldi Group as part of the operator’s fleet renewal programme.

The vessels are under construction at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) and are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030. Six will operate in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands, while three will be deployed by Finnlines in the Baltic Sea.

The batteries are part of AYK’s latest product range, which received DNV type approval last year. According to the company, the approval confirms compliance with maritime safety and performance standards.

Jul 06
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CMAL Takes Ownership of Three Vessels Under Construction at Cemre

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has taken ownership of the three remaining vessels under construction at Cemre Shipyard in Türkiye as a precautionary measure to support their completion and delivery.

The vessels, LOCH INDAAL, LOCHMOR and CLAYMORE, are now assets of CMAL, although construction work continues at the Turkish shipyard.

CMAL said the decision was taken against the backdrop of exceptionally challenging economic conditions affecting Cemre and many businesses in the region. The company cited global economic pressures, including the impacts of the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, as well as disruption in the Red Sea.

By taking ownership of the vessels ahead of formal delivery, CMAL aims to protect the project and help ensure the successful completion of the much-needed ferries for Scotland’s island communities.

The announcement follows the successful completion of sea trials by LOCH INDAAL, marking a significant milestone in the construction programme.

Photo: Cemre Shipyard

Jul 06
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New Shore Power Connection Operational in Puttgarden

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

A new shore power facility has entered service in Puttgarden, enabling Scandlines to supply its ferries with electricity on both sides of the Fehmarn Belt.

The project included the installation of 11 km of power cable and provides a connection capacity of 15 MW.

The facility complements the shore power connection in Rødby, which became operational in March alongside the introduction of BALTIC WHALE on the Puttgarden–Rødby route.

Jul 06
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Belfast Harbour Reports Strong 2025 Results

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Belfast Harbour reported turnover of £97.1 million in 2025, up 10.2 %, while underlying profit before tax increased by 21 % to £44.4 million.

Trade volumes remained stable at 24.3 million tonnes, and the port invested £39.4 million in infrastructure during the year. RoRo freight reached a record 625,000 freight units, up 1 % year-on-year and accounting for around 56 % of total port trade tonnage. Belfast Harbour also marked 30 years of partnership with Stena Line, whose new hybrid freight vessels STENA FUTURA and STENA CONNECTA are expected to increase capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route by 40 %.

The port also welcomed 147 cruise calls, bringing more than 320,000 visitors to the city and generating an estimated £25 million for the local economy.

Belfast Harbour noted that its operational emissions have been reduced by 70 % since 2015, keeping it on track to achieve net-zero operational emissions before 2030.

Click on the picture to access the annual report

Jul 06
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Eemshaven–Norway Ferry Project Takes Another Step

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Plans for a possible new ferry service between Eemshaven and Arendal have moved a step closer, following confirmation of financing for a new ferry quay in Eemshaven.

The investment would provide the port infrastructure needed for a future RoPax service. However, the project is still at an early stage and there is no guarantee yet that the route will actually materialise.

The planned connection is linked to Njordic Ferry Lines and would restore a direct ferry link between the Netherlands and Norway.

Source: Groningen Seaports

Jul 06
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Ystad Welcomes Defence Committee Support for Poland Rail Ferry Link

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

The Port of Ystad has welcomed the Swedish Defence Committee’s latest report, which highlights the need to safeguard rail ferry services between Sweden and Poland.

Ystad is Sweden’s only port with a rail ferry connection to Poland. According to the port, rail freight volumes on the route increased by 168% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

The Defence Committee’s recognition of the link’s strategic importance for security of supply, military mobility and total defence could strengthen the case for long-awaited infrastructure investments by the Swedish government and the Swedish Transport Administration.

Port CEO Veronika Leo said the report creates new opportunities to secure the future of the rail ferry service and develop the surrounding infrastructure.

Defence Committee member Mikael Larsson noted that Ystad’s role as a gateway to Poland is becoming increasingly important as robust transport chains and security of supply move higher up the national agenda.

The port said it looks forward to continued discussions with the Defence Committee, the Armed Forces and the Swedish Transport Administration on turning the report’s recommendations into concrete measures.

Jul 06
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Surikat to Support BC Ferries Cargo Operations Modernisation

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Surikat has launched a Discovery and Blueprint project with BC Ferries to optimise the operator’s drop trailer business at the terminals of Duke Point Terminal, Swartz Bay Terminal and Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

The project aims to reduce manual processes, improve real-time data visibility, support data-driven decision-making, and enhance dispatching, scheduling and customer collaboration. It will also prepare the ground for the future implementation of Surikat’s cloud-based Lynx platform.

According to Surikat, the project represents the first step in a longer-term partnership focused on the digitalisation of ferry terminal and logistics operations.

https://www.surikat.se/news/pr-bcferries

Jul 06
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GNV Introduces AI-Powered Ticket Booking

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

GNV has launched Ginevra AI, described as the ferry industry’s first conversational AI assistant capable of completing the entire ticket booking process through a natural-language conversation on the company’s website.

Passengers can describe their journey, travel party, dates and destination, with the AI guiding them through the booking process up to payment. The launch forms part of GNV’s wider digitalisation strategy, alongside a new online check-in system with mobile boarding passes and an updated loyalty programme.

Jul 06
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DFDS Welcomes Michael Hansen, the New CEO

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Since 1 July 2026, DFDS has a new President & CEO. Michael Hansen, formerly President & CEO of Hempel, has succeeded Torben Carlsen at the helm of the company.

The appointment became effective on 1 July, following DFDS’ earlier announcement that Torben Carlsen would step down from the role. Michael Hansen now leads the ferry and logistics group as it continues the execution of its strategic plans.

Jul 06
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Port of Kiel Expands Management Board

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

As of 1 July 2026, Port of Kiel has expanded its management board with the appointment of Jörg Demuth as Managing Director alongside Dr. Dirk Claus.

Demuth has been with the port since 2006 and will take responsibility for operational activities. Dr. Claus remains Chairman of the Management Board and continues to oversee strategy, marketing, finance, HR, technology, legal affairs and IT.

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