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At the XXVI Euromed Convention held in Athens, Greece, Grimaldi Group’s CEO, Emanuele Grimaldi, confirmed that by the end of 2024, an order is likely to be signed with a Chinese shipyard for nine new RoPax ships. This move aligns with the company’s strategy to modernise its fleet and support its sustainability goals by enhancing efficiency and reducing emissions.
Grimaldi specified that six ships will be for Grimaldi Euromed (four) and for Minoan Lines (two), ‘methanol ready’, with 3,300 lane metres, capacity for 2,500 passengers and 300 cars, along with 300 cabins.
The remaining three will be for Finnlines, biofuels/methanol ready, with 5,400 lane metres of garage space, capacity for 1,000 passengers, and 300 cabins.
As for their future deployments, the seasoned shipowner stated that the newbuildings for Finnlines (an evolution of the last two units delivered) will be introduced on the Travemünde-Helsinki route, while those for Minoan are expected to operate on the Piraeus-Heraklion link. The other four RoPax newbuildings for Grimaldi Euromed are likely to cover the Brindisi (or Ancona)-Igoumenitsa route in the Adriatic Sea, and the Livorno-Palermo or Naples-Palermo routes in the Tyrrhenian Sea.
It’s possible that two of these new ships will also serve routes to and from the Sardinia region.
The delivery date for the first units is expected in 2027.
Stena Line and Associated British Ports (ABP), have announced their intention to proceed with a £200+ million joint investment in a new freight ferry terminal at the Port of Immingham following the granting of the Development Consent Order (DCO) planning application by the UK Government.
In a major step forward for the project, this approval means that construction can officially begin on the new RoRo ferry terminal. Following the approval, the project was featured this week at the UK Government’s showcase International Investment Summit.
In 2022, Stena Line and ABP signed an agreement which will see the ferry company operate the new terminal for the next 50 years. This long-term commitment will provide a boost to the North-East of England, where the unaccompanied freight market has been steadily growing.
Immingham is becoming a strategic hub for Stena Line, which currently runs two daily services from the Humber region to The Netherlands.
Stena, the group which owns Stena Line, also recently became the sole owner of transport and logistics business, NTEX, which has its UK headquarters in the port.
With customer demand continuing to grow for the company in the region, Stena Line requires additional capacity to expand its operations at Immingham. The new RoRo terminal is a long-term solution in a new location which provides access to the main Humber Estuary, allowing for quicker sailing times and the option to use larger vessels to cater for increased freight demand from exporters and importers from across the region and the rest of the UK
On 11 October 2024, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and King Philippe of Belgium jointly inaugurated the New Lock in Terneuzen, marking a significant milestone for cross-border cooperation between the Netherlands and Belgium. This new sea lock, one of the largest in the world, will enhance maritime access between the North Sea and the Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, reducing waiting times for vessels and boosting economic activity in the Zeeland Flanders and Flanders regions.
The lock is expected to handle increasing traffic, with ship passages projected to grow from 56,000 in 2023 to 96,000 by 2040. The opening ceremony, held aboard the electric ship Z9, included interactions with representatives of companies using the lock, as well as a tour of the control centre where local residents and lock employees shared insights into its operations.
Photo: North Sea Port
On the afternoon of 11 October 2024, the latest acquisition of Golden Star Ferries, ANDROS KING (ex-VOLCAN DE TABURIENTE), arrived in Greece from Las Palmas. The ship was led to Neos Molos (Drapetsona) for further refit and conversion to meet the Hellenic Coastal Shipping Standards. She will enhance Golden Star Ferries’ presence within the Greek ferry scene.
Up to now, the Andros-based ferry company operates two conventional ferries (SUPERFERRY, ANDROS QUEEN) plus one high-speed craft (SUPER EXPRESS) on the classic Rafina-Andros-Tinos-Mykonos route. It is also the owner of the high-speed craft GOLDEN PRINCESS (ex-GOTLANDIA II), purchased from Gotland Rederi in 2023 but still inactive. ANDROS KING will be their third conventional vessel and one of the newest ferries within the Hellenic Coastal fleet. She was built in Spain in 2006. Her capacity is for 1,500 passengers and 310 cars (1,200 lane metres), and she can operate at 22.5 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
The Australian-built HSC THUNDER is changing her livery at Spanopoulos Shipyards following her recent sale to Attica Group. The ship was sold by Fast Ferries for EUR 17.75 million on 25 September 2024 and renamed HIGHSPEED 3. She is expected to enhance Attica Group’s presence in Crete. Her capacity is for 1,068 passengers and 210 cars, and she can operate at 36 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
After the recent sales of the ferries MOBY ALE and MOBY VINCENT (55 and 50 years old respectively), another ferry is expected to soon leave the Onorato-controlled fleet. Sources familiar with the matter revealed to FSN that the 1974-built MOBY BABY TWO has just been sold (an MoA was signed) to an undisclosed buyer, and it’s likely to be scrapped after the delivery scheduled for November.
Built by Schichau Seebeckwerft AG shipyard in Bremerhaven half a century ago, MOBY BABY TWO has been part of the Italian ferry company’s fleet since 2000 and was recently deployed on the Piombino-Portoferraio regular link.
Photo MOBY BABY 2: Moby Lines
MOBY ALE and MOBY VINCENT have already reached a dismantling yard in Aliaga, Turkey.
Photo: Saviero Casamento
Not ferry related (yet), but DP World has acquired 47,000 TEUs, marking a major boost in its cargo capacity. The containers, branded and registered to DP World, will enhance availability and flexibility for customers, particularly during peak periods. This acquisition supports the company’s fleet renewal strategy, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
The new containers will integrate into DP World’s global logistics network across 78 countries and be transported using fuel-efficient methods, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals. This move strengthens DP World’s ability to provide reliable, resilient supply chain solutions.
DFDS is set to launch its previously announced freight service between Damietta, Egypt, and Trieste, Italy. This weekly service will operate with one of the smaller RoRo vessels, such as the OLYMPOS SEAWAYS, which has a capacity of 200 trailers and 3,214 lane metres.
Northbound shipments will primarily consist of perishables, while the southbound route will accommodate a variety of cargo. There is no direct competition from other ferry services, and although container lines operate in the region, their slower speeds make them less competitive.
The service is expected to commence before the end of the year.
CORSICA linea has made a major stride towards maritime decarbonisation by partnering with Spinergie to deploy AI-powered solutions. Since April 2024, the Voyage Optimiser has been assisting captains in making real-time decisions to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This effort is part of a larger strategy to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, backed by a €500 million investment plan.
A crucial aspect of this collaboration is the development of a real-time fleet centre, allowing CORSICA linea to continuously monitor ship performance. This system provides a comprehensive view of fleet energy efficiency, enhancing both operational and environmental outcomes.
By achieving a 4% reduction in fuel consumption per crossing and saving 10,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, CORSICA linea says it is on course to become the most modern and environmentally responsible maritime company in the Mediterranean.
The slogan comes from NCE Maritime CleanTech on Linkedin. What is it about?
The Norwegian government has postponed its plan to implement zero-emission requirements for fast ferries, a decision originally aimed at reducing emissions from these vessels by 2025. This has sparked criticism, with some calling it a “scandal” and “failure,” as the technology is already available. Critics argue the government should accelerate its green transition policies. Officials, however, cite technical and financial challenges, saying immediate implementation would incur high costs. The government’s climate goals are now under scrutiny, with a projected emissions cut of only 26.3% by 2030, far below the target of 55%.
An interesting editorial from Thibaud Teillard in French publication “Le Marin” (Linkedin) discusses the evolving dynamics within the Corsican ferry service sector, with a focus on potential changes involving key players like CMA CGM, La Méridionale, Corsica Linea, and Corsica Ferries.
Here are the key points from the article:
- CMA CGM’s Position in Corsican Ferry Services: After acquiring La Méridionale in 2023, CMA CGM remains in a secondary position in Corsica’s ferry service market, operating only two ships in the public service delegation, compared to five for Corsica Linea.
- Challenges with Routes: CMA CGM’s attempt to launch a Toulon-Île-Rousse line failed after six months, partly due to competition and a strike at Corsica Linea, which disrupted the balance of the public service delegation (DSP).
- Plans for a New Route: Despite setbacks, La Méridionale discreetly filed a request in June 2024 to open a Toulon-Bastia route from January 2025. This would directly compete with Corsica Linea’s Marseille-Bastia route, raising concerns within Corsica Linea.
- Potential Acquisition of Corsica Ferries: Rumours are circulating that CMA CGM might be considering the acquisition of Corsica Ferries. Discussions between the companies’ leadership have taken place, and CMA CGM is already familiar with Corsica Ferries through a joint investment in the start-up Neoline.
- Pierre Mattei’s Perspective: Pierre Mattei, the head of Corsica Ferries, is reportedly open to the idea of a sale, as Corsica Ferries faces challenges with fleet decarbonisation and a potential shift in its operating model. Although no deals have been signed yet, negotiations are reportedly progressing.
- Corsica Ferries’ Unique Business Model: Corsica Ferries operates under an Italian flag and has a different social management structure compared to French companies, which may complicate any potential acquisition. However, the company’s future remains uncertain, as Mattei, now 60, might be considering stepping back.
The article explores the potential shift in the Corsican ferry service landscape, with CMA CGM aiming for a stronger foothold through a possible acquisition of Corsica Ferries
On Friday, 11 October, Fjord1 reached a significant milestone as the construction of the autonomous ferries for the Lavik-Oppedal route kicked off with the steel cutting for the first vessel at the Tersan Shipyard. These ferries will be the first in the world to operate entirely independently, without human intervention.
The ferries’ autonomy will handle everything from departure, crossing the fjord, and docking, to fully automated on- and off-boarding operations. All activity will be closely monitored from Fjord1’s new control centre in Florø, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
All ferries are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2026.
