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sandra

Dec 19
3

Emanuele Grimaldi Appointed Honorary Member of Malta’s National Order of Merit

By | 2025 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

On 13 December, Malta’s Republic Day, Grimaldi Group Managing Director Emanuele Grimaldi was appointed an honorary member of Malta’s National Order of Merit. The investiture ceremony took place in the Grand Council Chamber at the President’s Palace in Valletta.

The National Order of Merit pays tribute to individuals who distinguish themselves in different fields of endeavour. Emanuele Grimaldi, at the helm of the Grimaldi Group and, since 2022, also serving as Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, has worked tirelessly and with great dedication to develop maritime transport to and from Malta, in support of the country’s economy.

His engagement with Malta’s shipping sector is further reflected in his role as a founder of the Malta International Shipowners’ Association (MISA), of which he has served as Vice-President since its establishment. The importance of this contribution is underscored by the prominence of the Maltese shipping register, which today ranks as the largest in Europe by number of vessels.

Dec 12
3

DFDS November Statistics: Soft Freight and Passenger Volumes

By | 2025 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

DFDS reported softer freight and passenger volumes for November 2025, according to Investor News no. 39, published on 12 December.

Ferry – freight

  • Total volumes in November 2025 of 3.6m lane metres were 1.8% below 2024 and 3.8% lower adjusted for route changes. YTD growth rates were -0.4% and -1.8%, respectively.
  • North Sea volumes were below 2024 following soft volumes on most routes.
  • Mediter-ranean volumes were as expected below 2024 due to capacity reductions.
  • Channel volumes were on level with 2024 as the new Jersey volumes offset a slow-down in the total Dover Strait volumes. Baltic Sea and Strait of Gibraltar volumes were both above 2024.

For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total transported freight lane metres increased 0.1% to 41.5m from 41.4m in 2024-23 and decreased 2.1% adjusted for route changes.

Ferry – passenger

  • The number of passengers in November 2025 was adjusted for route changes* down 10.5% to 195k vs 2024 and the adjusted YTD growth rate was -4.5%.
  • Higher passenger volumes in Strait of Gibraltar were offset by mainly lower Channel volumes.
  • The number of cars in November was 6.8% below 2024 adjusted for route changes.

For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total number of passengers decreased 19.7% to 5.3m compared to 6.6m for 2024-23. The decrease was 5.5% adjusted for route changes*.

 

*Adjusted for sale of Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen end October 2025, exit from Tarifa-Tanger Ville early May 2025, and addition of Jersey routes from end March 2025.

Dec 12
3

Channel Tunnel – November 2025 figures

By | 2025 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments
  • In November 2025, LeShuttle Freight carried 97,307 trucks, down 7% compared to November 2024, particularly due to the prolonged weakness in the automotive sector.
  • Since 1 January, more than 1 million trucks have crossed the Channel on board the Shuttles.
  • LeShuttle carried 109,545 passenger vehicles in November, down 3% compared to November 2024.
  • More than 2 million passenger vehicles have been transported since 1 January.

Source: Getlink

Dec 12
3

One Identity for DP World — Famous Brand Names Disappear

By | 2025 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

DP World announced the unification of its Marine Services brands under a single DP World brand.

  • Unifeeder becomes DP World Shipping Solutions
  • P&O Ferrymasters becomes DP World Multimodal Solutions
  • P&O Maritime Logistics becomes DP World Maritime Solutions

Unifying the names complements the next natural step in the group’s transformation journey from a leading port operator into a fully integrated global logistics provider.

The source (press release) is surprisingly silent about the P&O Ferries brand.

Dec 12
3

Grimaldi Action Suspends MOBY’s Ferry Sale to MSC

By | 2025 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

A legal action brought before an administrative court by Grimaldi Group has resulted in the temporary suspension of the pending sale of five ferries from Moby Lines to SAS – Shipping Agencies Services (MSC), which was part of a settlement of antitrust issues. Grimaldi filed another protest against the transactions, arguing to the Lazio Regional Administrative Court that the sale of the ferries to MSC would have “immediate and irreversible effects on the market”.

The Italian Antitrust Authority recently accepted a proposal for Moby to auction five ferries to raise funds to repay a loan provided by MSC in 2023 to keep the ferry company in business.

The auction of the five ferries was completed online on 2 December, with MSC emerging as the only bidder. The terms required that two of the ferries be chartered back to Moby for 15 years. The other three ferries were expected to transfer to GNV.

Moby said it would use the proceeds to repay the MSC loan and restructure its operations. It admitted that service would be reduced on some routes (Palermo–Naples) but said it would emerge as a financially solid company, better positioned for growth and to serve the markets.

A court hearing on the sale of the five ferries has now been scheduled for 19 December.

Photo: Tibo Deprest

Dec 12
3

Oma Baatbyggeri Delivers VARGSUND to Torghatten

By | 2025 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

Norwegian ship builder Oma Baatbyggeri has delivered newbuilding 552, VARGSUND, to Torghatten Nord.

The yard and Torghatten signed the contract for two ferries in August 2024. The sister ship to VARGSUND will follow in Q1 2026.

Key facts:

  • Length just over 49 metres
  • Beam 13 metres
  • Capacity for 95 passengers and 28 cars
  • Built in aluminium

Torghatten and Finnmark County Municipality have a contract covering two routes: Korsfjord–Nyvoll and Klokkarøy–Kjerringholmen. The new electric ferries will serve both.

The vessels feature battery packs charged from shore. Backup diesel generators support plug-in hybrid/electric operations.

Photo: Oma Baatbyggeri

Dec 12
3

Knud E. Hansen Deepens Role in New Cook Strait Newbuilds

By | 2025 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

KNUD E. HANSEN informed us that they have been involved with Ferry Holdings Limited throughout the development of the new ferries for New Zealand’s challenging Cook Strait.

Their involvement has included:

  • Development of the initial concept designs
  • Preparation and refinement of detailed contract specifications
  • Shipyard capability assessments and vetting
  • Technical and commercial support during contract negotiations

With the shipbuilding agreement now in place, KNUD E. HANSEN says it will continue to work closely with Ferry Holdings Limited as their trusted technical partner throughout the newbuild programme. The team will remain fully engaged in all phases of design development, construction oversight, and commissioning, right through to vessel delivery.

Rendering: Ferry Holdings Ltd.

Dec 12
3

Compagnie Vendéenne Orders New Ferry for Île d’Yeu

By | 2025 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

French Compagnie Vendéenne has ordered a new 26-metre vessel as part of its ongoing fleet renewal strategy. The company confirms that it continues to prioritise French and local shipbuilding despite strong global competition.

The vessel will be designed by Mer et Design and built by Chantier Naval Delavergne, supported by local subcontractors.

The new ferry is scheduled to be inaugurated in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in April 2027.

Dec 12
3

IONIAN EXPRESS Launched on the Kerkyra–Igoumenitsa Route

By | 2025 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

On 7 December 2025, Kerkyra Lines introduced IONIAN EXPRESS (ex ASAKAZE NO5) on the Kerkyra–Igoumenitsa route.
She is the fastest ship in the fleet, setting a new era in sea travel with speed, comfort, and reliability.
Purchased from Seikan Ferry in January 2023 and delivered on 26 March 2023, she was built in Japan in 1998.
Capacity: 698 passengers and 150 cars.
Service speed: 19 knots.

Photo: Kerkyra Lines

Dec 12
3

OKYALLOS: New Ferry on the Piraeus–Aegina Route

By | 2025 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

On 14 November 2025, Remetzo Shipping Co introduced the new double-ended ferry OKYALLOS on the Piraeus–Aegina route.
She is the first open-type amphibious ship to serve Aegina, meeting the needs of residents, visitors, and rising summer tourism.
The ship operates three daily sailings from each port:

  • From Piraeus: 07:30, 12:30, 16:30
  • From Aegina: 09:30, 14:30, 18:30

Built in Greece in 2025, she carries 1,000 passengers and 160 cars and operates at 13 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos