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Feb 02
3

Stena RoRo Orders Next-Generation Future-Proofed C-FLEXER RoRo’s

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

Stena RoRo has placed an order for 2 next-generation C-FLEXER RoRo vessels (+4 options)

The vessels are designed to meet future regulatory and fuel requirements.

Key points:

  • Yard: China Merchants Industry Weihai
  • Developed by Stena RoRo in close cooperation with NAOS Ship and Boat Design
  • Multi-fuel engines prepared for low-carbon fuels
  • Battery-hybrid readiness included in the design
  • Focus on efficiency and operational flexibility
  • Delivery in March and June 2029 respectively. The optional vessels will be delivered at three-month intervals thereafter.
  • Length: 200m | Beam: 31m | Dwt: about 15,000 ton | Draft: 7,5 m |Speed: 21 knots
  • Capacity depends on configuration 3-deck version: 3,400 lane metres or 4-deck version: 4,750 lane metres

Source: Stena RoRo Illustration Peter Mild

Feb 02
3

Poland: Shareholder Agreement Signed for POLSCA S.A.

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

An agreement was officially signed on 27 January at the headquarters of Polska Żegluga Morska P.P., confirming the acquisition of shares in POLSCA S.A.

The signing marks an important milestone for ferry transport cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, reflecting a shared strategy for future market development.

The shareholders of POLSCA S.A. are:

  • Polska Żegluga Morska Group (shipowner Unity Line)
  • Hass Holding (shipowner EuroAfrica)
  • Polska Żegluga Bałtycka S.A. (shipowner Polferries)

The partners emphasised that the cooperation represents a long-term commitment to modern ferry shipping and the strengthening of connections between people, markets, and ports across the Baltic.

Source: LinkedIn statement, 27 January 2026.

Feb 02
3

Isle of Man Steam Packet Seeks Public Input on New Vessel for 2030

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) has launched an online public consultation as planning progresses for the next vessel to join its fleet, due to enter service in 2030.

The ship will replace HSC MANANNAN, which has operated with the company since 2009.

IOMSPC stressed that the newbuild will not be a like-for-like replacement, reflecting changes in technology, regulations, and evolving customer expectations.

The consultation is being carried out via an online survey, with further project details to be released at a later stage.

New Vessel Public Consultation Survey

Photo: Philpos, Wikipedia

Feb 02
3

New RoRo Ship From Cantiere Navale Visentini to Be Named GRENDI HORIZON

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

The new RoRo vessel currently under construction at CANTIERE NAVALE VISENTINI in Italy will be named GRENDI HORIZON. Delivery is expected before next summer.

The Musso family-controlled shipping line will take delivery of its fifth ship in June, under a five-year time charter.

The newbuild will offer 3,000 lane metres of capacity. It will strengthen Grendi’s RoRo services on national and international routes.

GRENDI HORIZON will be:

  • Equipped with a scrubber
  • Methanol-ready
  • Cold ironing-ready
  • Operated under a European flag with a European crew

The ship’s name was chosen through an online vote involving employees, partners, and customers.

Feb 02
3

GNV AURORA delivered to MSC, Next Phase for Four Further Ships Started

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

At Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China, GNV, a subsidiary of the MSC Group, has taken delivery of GNV AURORA.

As the second LNG-powered unit in the fleet, and the final vessel of GNV’s first fleet renewal phase, GNV AURORA is scheduled to enter active service at the beginning of April 2026.

The ship will be deployed on the vital Genoa–Palermo route, a move GNV says will “strengthen the national network and support more efficient management of traffic flows”.

Technical Details

  • Gross tonnage: 52,300 GT
  • Length / beam: 218 m / 29.6 m
  • Max speed: 25 knots
  • Passenger capacity: 1,785 (420+ cabins)
  • Cargo capacity: 2,770 lane metres
  • Propulsion: LNG dual-fuel

While the delivery of GNV AURORA closes the first chapter of fleet renewal, GNV’s modernisation is far from over. The company has already confirmed a second phase involving four additional LNG-powered vessels, with deliveries starting in late 2027.

These next-generation ships will be even larger, with a projected:

  • Increased size: 71,300 GT (up from 52,300 GT)
  • Enhanced capacity: 2,500 passengers and 3,500 lane metres of garage space
  • Strategic goal: reaching a total of eight new LNG-ready units by 2030, to modernise the “Motorways of the Sea” infrastructure
Feb 02
3

RoRo PATRIS: First Arrival in Cyprus

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

On 28 January 2026, Salamis Lines’ largest cargo RoRo vessel, PATRIS, made her first call at the port of Limassol, following her purchase from DFDS last November.

The ship will operate on a regular weekly rotation connecting Lavrion with Limassol and Haifa.

According to the company, the acquisition of PATRIS reflects its vision for increased capacity, operational efficiency, and adaptability, as trade flows between Southern Europe, Cyprus, and the Levant continue to expand.

Today, Salamis Lines owns three RoRo vessels — PATRIS, VASSILIOS, and AKRITAS — alongside the multipurpose vessel IONIA, serving the ports of Limassol, Lavrio, Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Haifa, and Ashdod.

Built in Germany in 2002, PATRIS offers capacity of up to 3,200 lane metres (177 trailers) and has a service speed of 21.5 knots.

Photo: Salamis Lines

Feb 02
3

Alaska: New Vessel to Replace TUSTUMENA

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

Alaska’s next chapter in coastal connectivity is moving forward. The Tustumena Replacement Vessel (TRV) is purpose-designed for the Gulf of Alaska, combining modern safety systems, higher capacity, and improved passenger comfort.

The build contract to replace TUSTUMENA (1964) is out to bid. The state’s project notice calls for the new mainliner ferry to be completed by the beginning of 2029 with an estimated price tag of more than USD $300 million.

TRV Characteristics and Capacities

  • Length overall (LOA): 100.6 m
  • Depth: 7.5 m
  • Breadth overall (BOA): 22.8 m
  • Design draught: 5.0 m
  • Air draught: 27.4 m
  • Cruise / service speed: 15 knots
  • Vehicle capacity: 14 vans + 26 cars
  • Cars only: 58
  • Loading capability: Stern and side (port & starboard), plus vehicle lift
  • Vehicle lane length: 366 m
  • Passenger capacity: 250 (124 berths)
Feb 02
3

Magic Sea Ferries’ HSC MAGIC 5 Arrived in Greece

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

On 24 January 2026, Magic Sea Ferries’ new acquisition HSC MAGIC 5 (ex-MAJESTIC DYNAMIC) arrived at the port of Lavrion, transported aboard the general cargo vessel LADY LUCIANA.

The ship was purchased in November 2025 from Singapore-based Majestic Fast Ferry and is the fifth new vessel to join the Magic Sea Ferries fleet.

Built in 2025, HSC MAGIC 5 has a capacity of 343 passengers and operates at a service speed of 36 knots, with a maximum speed of 39 knots.

Photo: Anastasios Anastasiou

Feb 02
3

Port of Antwerp-Bruges: RoRo Growth Despite Overall Decline

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

Port of Antwerp-Bruges faced heavy geopolitical and operational pressure in 2025, including congestion, trade uncertainty and industrial action.

Key points:

  • Total maritime throughput: 266.5 million tonnes (-4.1%)
  • Container throughput remained almost stable, with slight growth of 0.4% in tonnage and 0.7% in TEU.
  • RoRo throughput: +3%, driven by growth in Trucks, Heavy equipment and Used cars
  • Higher US tariffs reduced exports of iron, steel and cars
  • Container imports from China rose by 3.8%, widening trade imbalances
  • Around 25 days of industrial action caused an estimated loss of 2.4 million tonnes (~1%)
  • Cruise calls fell to 166, carrying 466,089 passengers

RoRo was one of the few bright spots, confirming continued demand for rolling cargo flows despite a difficult year for European port logistics.

Source: POAB

Feb 02
3

Stena Line Completes Acquisition of Liepaja Terminal Operator Terrabalt

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

Stena Line has completed the acquisition of terminal operator Terrabalt in Liepaja, Latvia, and has officially taken over RoRo, bulk and general cargo operations. All regulatory approvals have been granted, and Stena Line is now registered as the owner.

Key points:

  • The terminal has been renamed Stena Line Ports Liepajas SEZ.
  • Liepaja is Latvia’s third-largest port and a key logistics hub in the Baltic Sea region.
  • Stena Line currently operates the Liepaja–Travemünde route with two vessels.

Stena Line plans to gradually modernise the terminal infrastructure.

Trade Director Liene Lemane said the deal reflects strong confidence in the Baltic region’s long-term trade potential.

Stena Line will follow a similar development path as in Ventspils, acquired nearly three years ago.

In parallel, the Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority will rebuild berth 46.

The berth reconstruction project is scheduled for completion by 31 December 2027.

The acquisition strengthens Stena Line’s Baltic Sea network, which includes:

  • Port operations in Ventspils and Karlskrona
  • Ferry routes linking Latvia, Sweden, Germany and Poland
Feb 02
3

Port of Klaipėda: Strong RoRo and Ferry Growth in 2025

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

The Port of Klaipėda reported another record year in 2025, handling 39 million tonnes of cargo despite ongoing geopolitical pressures.

RoRo and Ferry Highlights

  • RoRo cargo: 6.5 million tonnes (+6%)
  • Ferry vehicles handled: 353,759, a new all-time record
  • Growth supported by:
    • TT-Line’s direct weekend Travemünde–Klaipėda services
    • Increased DFDS frequency on Klaipėda–Karlshamn
    • New links to Trelleborg and Travemünde

Passenger and Ferry Traffic

  • International ferry passengers: 415,000 (+9%)
  • Curonian Spit (*) ferries carried:
    • 9 million passengers
    • 358,400 vehicles (one-way)

Wider Port Context (Brief)

  • Container traffic reached 1.31 million TEU (+22%)
  • LNG volumes rose to 2.4 million tonnes (+19%)
  • Vessel calls fell by 3%, showing increasing efficiency with larger ships

Klaipėda further strengthened its position as the leading Baltic port, with rising market share and continued growth in ferry-driven RoRo activity.

(*) Curonian Spit is a 98km long, thin, curved sand-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea.

Photo: 2025 was truly a successful year for the Port of Klaipėda – 39 million tonnes of cargo were handled.

Source: Port of Klaipeda

Feb 02
3

Strong Cruise Performance and Stable Ferry Traffic at the Port of Tallinn in 2025

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments
  • 3 million passengers passed through Port of Tallinn in 2025, up 1% year on year.
  • Growth was driven mainly by cruise calls and cruise passenger numbers, while ferry traffic remained stable.

Key Ferry Routes

  • Tallinn–Helsinki remained dominant with 7.3 million passengers (+1.3%).
    • Operated by Tallink, Viking Line and Eckerö Line (7 vessels).
    • FINLANDIA was the most popular ship, chosen by 26% of passengers.
  • Long-haul passenger growth was strong, especially from China (+56% to 90,000+), Japan, the US and the UK.
  • Muuga–Vuosaari handled 195,000 passengers, with very high vehicle occupancy and capacity expansion under review.
  • Paldiski–Kapellskär traffic rose 46% to 42,500 passengers, supported by SUPERFAST IX.
  • Tallinn–Stockholm carried 495,000 passengers (-12%), reflecting reduced capacity (one vessel instead of two).

Cruise Highlights

  • Tallinn welcomed 118 cruise calls (+18), bringing nearly 190,000 cruise passengers.
    • Main markets: Germany (44%), US (27%), UK (14%).
    • US cruise passenger numbers doubled year on year.
  • 50 different cruise ships visited, including 11 first-time calls.
  • Winter cruising expanded, with 15,588 passengers arriving in November–December.

Outlook

Port of Tallinn expects continued growth in both ferry and cruise segments in 2026, supported by positive global tourism trends.

Feb 02
3

Menorca: Baleària, GNV and Trasmed Meet Island Council on Sustainable Connectivity

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

The top executives of Baleària, GNV and Trasmed met with the President of the Menorca Island Council to reinforce institutional cooperation and support coordinated public policies on sustainable island connectivity.

The three operators reiterated their willingness to contribute constructively to discussions on transport and tourism models, balancing connectivity needs with the protection of the island and the daily life of residents.

They also offered to provide operational data and sector expertise to help shape effective mobility solutions.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain ongoing dialogue, underlining that all affected stakeholders must be involved in structural debates on the future of sustainable connectivity for Menorca.

Source: Baleària

Feb 02
3

New CGT Strike Will Cover All Vessels of Corsica Linea and La Méridionale

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

The French “CGT Marins” union issued notice of a renewable strike from 2 February, signalling continued tension over market structure and employment guarantees. The strikes will affect the services from Corsica Linea and La Méridionale.

Most CGT actions over the last five years have centred on territorial continuity, labour protection, and opposition to competition from Italian-flag operators in the Corsica market.

CGT protests (again) to authorisations granted to Italian-flag competitors, notably GNV on France–Maghreb routes and Corsica Ferries on Corsica services outside the public-service framework.

There was industrial action earlier this month linked to the planned sale of the RoPax KALLISTE to Turkish breakers.

Feb 02
3

Further Growth on the Middle Rhine: FRS Acquires Niederheimbach–Lorch Ferry Service

By | 2026 Newsketter week 05 | No Comments

FRS Rhine Ferries continues its expansion on the Middle Rhine. The company has acquired the long-established ferry operator Schnaas GmbH, which has connected Lorch and Niederheimbach since 1892.

This marks FRS’s third acquisition in the region in just over a year, following the takeovers of the Ingelheim–Oestrich-Winkel route (December 2024) and the St. Goar–St. Goarshausen connection (January 2025).

Source: FRS Rheinfähren

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