Ferry Shipping News

Latest News Stay updated with our free newsletter about the ferry and ports industry

Join us at the European Ferry Shipping Summit & Ports in Malmö, 13-14 November 2025

Our Mission

To support the Ferry Industry with important news ongoing, digital and free of charge.

And we are the proud organizers of the
Ferry Shipping Summit

FERRY PORT GALLERY

FERRY, ROPAX AND RORO GALLERY

Jan 20
2

2024: Record Volumes of Cargo for Viking Line

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Viking Line: five vessels served a total of 4.6 million passengers in 2024 and transported a record volume of cargo.

  • Viking Line served a total of 4,646,676 passengers with its five vessels in 2024.
  • The cruise vessel BIRKA GOTLAND, which is jointly owned with Gotlandsbolaget, also served 438,743 passengers.
  • The biggest increase – almost 10% – was noted on the Helsinki–Tallinn route, which had 1,819,971 passengers.
  • Capacity on the Helsinki–Stockholm route more than doubled when VIKING CINDERELLA launched service on the route alongside GABRIELLA in March. A total of 722,051 people travelled on the route, and Viking Line’s market share was boosted to 43%.
  • On the Turku–Stockholm route, Viking Line’s market share was 70%, with VIKING GLORY and VIKING GRACE serving a total of 1,983,081 passengers.
  • Viking Line transported a record volume of cargo last year, a total of 134,219 units.
Jan 20
2

2024: Fred. Olsen Express Concluded Its 50th Anniversary with Strong Figures

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Fred. Olsen Express concluded 2024 by celebrating its 50th anniversary in the Canary Islands, transporting:

  • over 3.7 million passenger.
  • more than 1 million vehicles.
  • In total 22,500 trips.

The company also reintroduced the Tenerife-El Hierro route and enhanced its cargo services with two new RoRo vessels connecting Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.

These additions contributed to an 18% increase in cargo transport compared to the previous year.

Jan 20
2

2024: A Successful Year for the Armas Trasmediterranea Group

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Armas Trasmediterránea Group closes 2024 with

  • 3 million passengers
  • 1 million vehicles
  • 5 million lane metres of cargo
  • 26 connections between the Canary Islands, southern Andalusia and northern Africa.
  • A request to operate a service between Gran Canaria (Puerto de las Nieves, west side, Agaete) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife
  • A green light to operate the Almeria-Melilla and Motril-Melilla OSP contract (3 weekly rotations per route).
Jan 20
2

2024: Challenges in the Polish Ferry Market

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments
  • Decline in Freight Transport:
    • The main Świnoujście to Sweden ferry route experienced a 10% drop in freight, handling 9 million tonnes in 2024, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure.
    • Polish shipowners lost almost 20 percentage points of market share on the key route to Ystad due to competition from foreign operators with larger, more modern ferries.
  • Competition Impact:
    • Foreign operators with ferries featuring lane metre capacities over 4,000 outcompete Polish ferries, which average 1,500m.
    • TT Line and Finnlines have contributed to market saturation, challenging Polish operators like Unity Line and Polferries.
  • Delayed Ferry Modernisation:
    • New Polish ferries were planned for 2017 but faced repeated delays.
    • Polferries added the VARSOVIA ferry in 2024, purchased under an emergency procedure from Italy.
    • The government-funded construction of three ferries by Remontowa Shipyard has faced financial difficulties, delaying the completion of the third unit.
  • Financial Struggles:
    • A PLN 1 billion fund (PLN 650 million subsidy + PLN 350 million loan) financed ferry construction but fell short due to increased costs and market downturns.
    • Over PLN 500 million is needed to complete the third ferry.
  • Operational Challenges:
    • Polish shipowners face additional costs due to ETS emission rights, which will reach 100% in 2025 unless vessels use LNG propulsion.
    • Ferries under construction will feature LNG systems, but retrofitting older ferries is cost-prohibitive.
  • Positive User Feedback:
    • Increased competition improved service quality and lowered freight rates, benefiting users despite challenges for operators.
  • Future Outlook:
    • While the demand for ferry transport has dropped, modest growth in Swedish GDP (forecasted at 1.8% in 2025) may lead to increased freight volumes.
    • Industry stakeholders highlight the need for operational cooperation between Unity Line and Polferries to regain market share.

Conclusion:

Polish ferry operators face stiff competition, financial challenges, and declining freight volumes. Despite these hurdles, investments in LNG-powered ferries and potential market recovery could provide opportunities for growth in the coming years.

Source: https://logistyka.rp.pl/morski/art41669741-brakuje-ponad-pol-mld-zl-na-nowe-promy

Jan 20
2

DFDS December: Adjusted Growth on Level

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Ferry – freight:

  • Total volumes in December 2024 were 6.4% above 2023 and on level adjusted for the addition of Strait of Gibraltar routes in 2024, closure of Calais-Tilbury in 2023, and the opening of Damietta-Trieste in 2024.
  • December volumes were in general lowered by the holiday season’s greater impact on the number of operating days compared to 2023. North Sea volumes were therefore below 2023.
  • Channel continued to trend above 2023 while Baltic Sea and Mediterranean volumes were on level with 2023 with the latter facing increased competition in one corridor
  • In 2024, total transported freight lane metres increased 8.4% to 41.5m from 38.3m in 2023. The increase was 4.0% adjusted for the above route changes.

Ferry – passenger:

  • The number of passengers in December 2024 was 16.5% above 2023 and on level adjusted for the above route changes as well as the sale of Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen.
  • The number of cars was 17.4% above 2023 and down 4.2% adjusted for route changes.
  • In 2024, the total number of passengers increased 47.6% to 6.6m compared to 4.5m in 2023. The increase was 7.4% adjusted for route changes.
Jan 20
2

RoRo Tonnage Provider Godby Shipping Fleet Update

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

AURORA

  • Sailed from Chile 17th December and is now on her way to Algeciras, Spain where Godby will take delivery of the vessel. (see https://ferryshippingnews.com/godby-shipping-acquires-roro-vessel-aurora/)
  • Charter Peregar December 2025.

MISTRAL

  • Was redelivered from DFDS in Dunkirk end December 2024
  • Short employment for Peregar between Algeciras and Ceuta until Aurora is ready for service.
  • Next employment is a time-charter for Transprocon January March on the Mediterranean Sea.
  • After that time-chartered to Sea-Cargo until August with option until December 2025.

MIDAS

  • Has gone through her 5-year class renewal at Desan shipyard in Turkey and is now trading in the Caribbean instead of MIMER in CMA CGM Leeward service.
  • Contract is valid until end 2026 with charterers’ option until mid 2027.

MIMER

  • Will make a short charter for Peregar before continuing to Desan shipyard for 5-year class renewal. The dockings and class renewal represents a substantial investment and the idea is to trade both Midas and Mimer for another 10 years.

MISANA/MISIDA

  • Sea-Cargo + purchase options declared for delivery early April + June 2025

BALTIC BRIGHT

  • Holmen December 2025

LYSVIK/LYSBRIS

  • DFDS December 2026 + options 2030
Jan 20
2

HSC Sold by Liberty Lines to SNAV

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

In Southern Italy, a pair of 20-year-old HSC units are expected to soon leave Liberty Lines’ fleet in Sicily and join SNAV for future deployment in the Gulf of Naples.
ERACLIDE is likely to be operated by Caremar, while ANTIOCO should enter service on the maritime link provided by Laziomar between mainland Italy and the Ponza–Ventotene islands.

Built in 2005 in Italy by the Rodriquez yard, both ERACLIDE and ANTIOCO can sail at a speed of 37 knots, transporting up to 238 passengers.

This double sale is part of the renovation plan for Liberty Lines’ fleet, which has recently received several new, modern dual-fuel electric HSC units built by the Armon shipyard in Vigo, Spain.

Photo: Shipping Italy

Jan 20
2

Lauro Buys High-Speed Ferry FORMENTERA DIRECT from Balearia

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

The Lauro Group of Naples has confirmed the purchase of the aged high-speed ferry FORMENTERA DIRECT (formerly PITIUSA NOVA) from Balearia.
This vessel has been moored and inactive since September 2023 in the port of Denia.

In the coming days, it is expected to sail from Spain to Naples, where it will be deployed on the maritime link with the surrounding islands.

FORMENTERA DIRECT has a length of 50 metres, a beam of 14 metres, a maximum speed of 32 knots, and a capacity for 309 passengers and 36 cars.

Photo: Balearia

Jan 20
2

A Major Step Towards Decarbonising the Calais-Dover Route

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

On Thursday 9 january, Port Boulogne Calais took a groundbreaking step towards achieving carbon neutrality for the Calais-Dover link by 2035.

In partnership with Réseau de Transport d’Électricité (RTE), the port will be connected to the high-voltage power grid, enabling the future operation of 100% electric vessels. This makes Calais the first port in the world to offer a charging capacity of 100 MW, capable of recharging up to three vessels simultaneously (20-35 MW per ship) in just 45 minutes.

Jan 20
2

2024: Record-Breaking Results for Polish Sea Ports

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Polish seaports have achieved record-breaking results in 2024 and are setting ambitious investment plans for the future. Key highlights include:

Record-Breaking Performance in 2024:

  • Financial Growth:
    • The net profit of major Polish ports increased by 26% compared to 2023, totaling over PLN 551.7 million.
    • Port of Gdańsk saw a 24% rise in net profit, an increase of PLN 51.7 million.
    • Port of Gdynia achieved a 32% increase, gaining an additional PLN 34.2 million.
    • Port of Szczecin-Świnoujście reported a 23% rise, with an increase of PLN 27.3 million.
  • Cargo Handling:
    • Port of Gdańsk handled 81 million tonnes of goods in 2023, a 19% increase from 68 million tonnes in 2022.
    • Port of Gdynia’s transshipments rose by 5% to 29.4 million tonnes in 2023, up from 28.2 million tonnes in 2022.
    • Ports of Szczecin and Świnoujście experienced a slight decrease of approximately 4%, handling 35.3 million tonnes compared to 36.8 million tonnes previously.

Ambitious Investment Plans:

  • Port of Gdynia – Outer Port Project:
    • A new deep-water Outer Port is planned, covering about 151 hectares.
    • It will feature a container terminal with a transshipment capacity of 2.5 million TEU and deep-water quays totaling approximately 2.5 km, capable of accommodating the largest vessels entering the Baltic Sea.
    • The port will also support the transshipment of wind farm components, project cargo, general cargo, and ro-ro (e.g., cars, trains).
    • Construction is expected to commence in 2025, with completion aimed for 2028.

Strategic Importance:

  • These developments aim to strengthen Polish ports as leaders in the Baltic Sea region, serving as key hubs in global supply chains for Central and Eastern Europe.
  • The investments are expected to increase the ports’ contribution to Poland’s socio-economic development, with a goal of exceeding 150 million tonnes of cargo throughput by 2030.

These strategic investments underscore Poland’s commitment to enhancing its maritime infrastructure, boosting economic growth, and securing a prominent position in international trade.

Source: Polish Ministery of Infrastructure

https://www.gov.pl/web/infrastruktura/polskie-porty-morskie-bija-rekordy-ambitne-plany-inwestycyjne-na-przyszlosc

Jan 20
2

New Terminal Operator Appointed For The Port Of Gothenburg Vehicle And Roro Terminal

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

The Port of Gothenburg has appointed Wallenius Wilhelmsen as the new operator for the port’s vehicle and RoRo terminal, following a recently conducted procurement process. The operator will take over operations in February 2026 under a twelve-year concession agreement.

Read more: https://www.portofgothenburg.com/press/newsroom/#/pressreleases/new-terminal-operator-appointed-for-the-port-of-gothenburg-vehicle-and-roro-terminal-3363645

Jan 20
2

Port of Saint-Malo Welcomes the SAINT-MALO

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries and the Port of Saint-Malo proudly welcomed the SAINT-MALO, a RoPax ferry and namesake of this iconic destination, on her maiden visit.

As the third E-Flexer in Brittany Ferries’ fleet, SAINT-MALO represents a bold step towards greener maritime transport. Powered by LNG dual fuel propulsion and equipped with a 11.5 MWh battery hybrid system, she is a shining example of innovation in action.

SAINT-MALO will soon be joined by her sister ship, GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE, further cementing Brittany Ferries’ commitment to sustainable travel.

That’s why SAINT-MALO also tested the installations in the porto of Ouistreham, Caen.

Photo: Richard Vito

Jan 20
2

RoPax SAINT-MALO Heralds a New Era for Portsmouth

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

The newest addition to the Brittany Ferries fleet, the hybrid SAINT-MALO, also arrived in Portsmouth for the very first time.

She is the first Brittany Ferries vessel to refuel with LNG at the port and is one of two ships set to connect to Portsmouth’s shore power system when it becomes operational later this year.

SAINT-MALO conducted berthing trials during her visit and is preparing to enter service on the St Malo route, scheduled for 12 February.

Jan 20
2

Port of Tallinn 2024 Year in Review

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments
  • Handled over 13 million tons of cargo, a 4.4% increase from 2023.
  • Served 8.2 million passengers, marking a 3.6% rise.
  • Tallinn-Helsinki route remained the busiest with 7.2 million passengers.
  • Muuga-Vuosaari route set a new record with 201,000 passengers.
  • Tallinn-Stockholm route saw a 4.8% increase, serving 563,000 passengers.
  • Hosted 100 cruise ship calls, bringing nearly 150,000 tourists to Tallinn.

Source: Port of Tallinn Photo: Argo Viikvald

Jan 20
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Gotlandsbolaget has revealed a new livery for ex-DFDS ferries, now named NORDIC CROWN and NORDIC PEARL. The ships will sport a red, white, and aqua-green scheme inspired by sea tones between Copenhagen and Oslo. The DFDS Maltese cross on the chimney is replaced by Gotlandsbolaget’s “G”. PEARL, currently in dry dock for upgrades including repainting, will return to Copenhagen on January 24th, with CROWN to follow in March.

RoRo GIUSEPPE LUCCHESI has changed name into STENA SHIPPER, and flies the Danish flag.

Photo: Wikimedia