- First ESG strategy sets roadmap to 2050, with net zero operations by 2035
- Focus on decarbonisation, clean energy, biodiversity, and governance
- Aims to strengthen competitiveness in ferry, freight, and cruise markets
- CMAL appoints McLaughlin & Harvey for Port Ellen upgrade
- New berth, linkspan, terminal building, and expanded marshalling areas planned
- Works start June 2026, completion expected in 2029
The project will modernise infrastructure to support Islay-class vessels, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety, with added shore power and sustainable transport features.
From 20 April 2026, the Obligatory Logistics Envelope (ELO – Enveloppe Logistique Obligatoire) becomes mandatory for all RoRo shipments crossing the Smart Border between the UK and the EU.
ELO is a digital system that consolidates all customs and transport data into a single barcode per truck—whether loaded or empty. This barcode is scanned at the border, allowing authorities to instantly access all required declarations for imports, exports, and transit movements.
For RoRo operators, the impact is significant:
- One barcode replaces multiple documents
- Faster processing at terminals
- Reduced risk of delays due to missing data
In short, ELO is designed to keep high-frequency RoRo traffic flowing efficiently while ensuring full compliance with border formalities.
More details: https://www.douane.gouv.fr/fiche/obligatory-logistics-envelope-elo-key-transition-roro-trade-united-kingdom
- Mobitech launches Osinos, a unified ticket portal for multiple ferry operators and merchants
- Eliminates third-party distributors, enabling direct sales and instant payments
- Already used by Fjord1 and Torghatten on several busy crossings
The platform simplifies ticketing for Norway’s fragmented RoRo ferry network and aims to improve both customer experience and operator efficiency.
- French ports and shipowners warn EES system not operational ahead of 10 April launch
- Risk of congestion, delays, and degraded passenger experience during peak season
- System seen as poorly adapted to ferry flows, especially passengers travelling with vehicles
Armateurs de France and the Union des Ports de France call for urgent talks with authorities to avoid disruption at port border crossings.
Source: Open letter (in French)
- Owners Kontrari and West Coast Invest take full control and inject new equity
- Green transition loan secured via DNB and Eksfin
- Brian Thorsted Hansen to step down as CEO on 1 July 2026; Heidi Nag Flikka to succeed
The refinancing strengthens Fjord Line’s financial platform and supports further emission reduction initiatives.
Heidi Nag Flikka, a board member since 2020 and former CFO (2019–2020), joins from Flekkefjord Sparebank. She brings experience from finance, marine and offshore sectors, including AF Gruppen and SpareBank1 SR-Bank.
Fjord Line positions itself for its next phase following years of modernisation and efficiency improvements, reinforcing its role as Norway’s second-largest international ferry operator.
- Torben Carlsen to step down as CEO on 17 April 2026
- CFO Karen Dyrskjøt Boesen appointed Interim CEO from 18 April
- Incoming CEO Michael Hansen to join on 1 July 2026
The succession process, launched in November 2025, is being accelerated as DFDS reports improving financial performance into early 2026.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company reported higher revenue and traffic in 2024, but lower profits due to rising costs.
- Revenue increased to £87.1 million, up from £77.9 million.
- Profit attributable to shareholders fell to £10.5 million (2023: £11.7 million).
- Group profit declined to £6.8 million (2023: £8 million).
Passenger numbers reached 630,279, the highest level since 2007 (+1.2%).
- Passenger ticket revenue rose 6.8%.
- On-board and ancillary income increased 12%.
- Freight revenue grew 19%, driven by higher import volumes.
The introduction of MANXMAN supported both passenger and freight growth, offering increased capacity and upgraded onboard facilities.
Costs, however, weighed on performance:
- Operating profit fell to £9.7 million (-8%).
- Group operating profit declined to £7.2 million (-9.9%).
- Drivers included higher operating costs, full-year depreciation of MANXMAN, and a £2.2 million impairment on ARROW.
Financial position improved:
- Net debt reduced to £114.7 million (from £126.7 million).
Looking ahead, fleet renewal remains a key issue:
- The fast craft MANANNAN is due for replacement by 31 December 2026 under the Sea Services Agreement.
- The company is seeking an extension to align replacement with environmental and customer requirements.
Attica Group announced its fleet renewal program which is currently in progress. Three younger ships will join the fleet, six older ships will leave Attica Group.
Attica Group will purchase two Aero Highspeed Catamaran vessels from China: MEI ZHU HU and JIN ZHU HU (Brødrene Aa 2016 and 2017).
They will replace FLYING CAT 3, 4, 5 and 6 on the Saronic Service as the AERO HIGHSPEED 4 and 5. (brand: Hellenic Seaways)
SeaJets has agreed to buy five fast ferries from Attica Group (FLYING CAT 3, 4, 5 and 6, and HIGHSPEED 4) for EUR 25 million. The four Flying Cats have been operating on the Argosaronic Gulf routes, while HIGHSPEED 4 was operating every summer season on the Cyclades routes.
Five-year bareboat charter agreed for RoPax GNV BRIDGE, with a contractual purchase obligation. The ship, to be renamed SUPERFAST V, is expected in May 2026 and will replace LEFKA ORI (1987) on Adriatic services.
RoPax KYDON (1990) will be bareboat chartered. An agreement has been signed with an unknown company for a four-year charter and a contractual purchase obligation at the end of the period.
Together with two E-FLEXER vessels due in 2027, the Adriatic fleet’s average age will drop to 8.6 years.
The ferry BJARKØY has been officially delivered from Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. to Torghatten Nord AS, marking another step in Norway’s transition towards low-emission ferry transport.
The vessel is based on The Norwegian Ship Design Company’s NSD 50CFe design, developed with a strong focus on energy efficiency and reduced emissions. It is tailored for operations on the Stornes–Bjørnerå route in Northern Norway.
Key specifications:
- Capacity: 50 vehicles and 149 passengers
- Propulsion: Two azimuth thrusters
- Energy system: Battery capacity of approx. 2.3 MWh
- Backup: Two diesel generators
In normal service, BJARKØY will operate fully electric. The vessel will recharge via shore power during loading and unloading, an approach well suited to the short 12-minute crossings on its route. Diesel generators provide redundancy, ensuring operational reliability when required.
Photo: Portal Morski via The Norwegian Ship Design Company on Linkedin
