The extensive conversion and renovation of Golden Star Ferries’ ANDROS KING (ex-VOLCAN DE TABURIENTE) is progressing rapidly in the Perama Repair Zone. The ship was purchased in July 2024 and delivered in September 2024. She is currently being prepared for entry into service on the Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos route, possibly from 2026.
Built in Spain in 2006, she has a capacity of 1,500 passengers and 1,200 lane metres, and will operate at 22.5 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
In July 2025, Golden Star Ferries’ HSC GOLDEN PRINCESS (ex-GOTLANDIA II) entered the PIRAEUS II dry dock in the Perama Repair Zone for scheduled maintenance and repairs, due to continue until 8 August.
Acquired from Sweden’s Gotlandsbolaget AB in May 2023, she is intended to enter domestic service in Greece. Built in Italy in 2006, she can carry 900 passengers and 160 cars, and will sail at 32 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
BC Ferries is investing in local ship recycling by dismantling two retired Bowen-class ferries – BOWEN QUEEN and POWELL RIVER QUEEN – in British Columbia.
More than 900 vessels in BC will require disposal over the next decade. This project marks a first step in building west coast recycling capacity.
Transport activity in Corsica in 2024 showed diverging trends across sectors, according to the annual figures published recently.
Maritime passenger traffic, excluding cruise passengers, remained volatile throughout the year, with notable growth during the high summer season. August (+6.7%) and December (+2.6%) recorded increases year-on-year, while some shoulder months, such as September (–0.2%) and November (0.2%), were largely stable. Total maritime passenger flows still performed better than air, which saw several months of decline, particularly September (–0.3%) and October (–10.9%).
Freight transport by sea saw sharper fluctuations. Tonnage of goods (excluding tare) dropped heavily in June (–26.6%) and October (–12.4%) but rebounded in December (+16.7%), reflecting the ongoing instability in cargo demand.
Air travel was hit hardest, with several months recording steep year-on-year declines, notably October (–10.9%) and April (–7.0%). Nevertheless, August (+8%) and December (+7%) confirmed the continuing strength of peak holiday periods.
The mixed performance highlights an ongoing sensitivity to seasonal demand patterns and wider economic conditions, particularly for freight and air travel. Maritime passenger transport remains relatively resilient, boosted by summer tourism flows.
Air passenger traffic started slightly down in January (–1.9%), rose sharply in February (+12.4%), but dropped significantly in March (–15.7%).
Maritime passenger traffic was weak in January (–1.3%) and plunged in February (–22%), before rebounding in March (+17.1%).
Freight transport by sea remained negative throughout the quarter, with modest declines each month.
The first quarter reflects a highly unstable start to the year, with strong weather or economic effects likely distorting February and March results. March’s maritime rebound may indicate a recovery, but freight remains under pressure.
The Canadian government has announced major cost reductions for interprovincial ferry routes and the Confederation Bridge, effective 1 August 2025.
Key Measures:
Purpose:
Background:
“Affordable and accessible transportation is key,” said Minister Chrystia Freeland. “Cutting fares and tolls will boost interprovincial travel and tourism, support business growth, and strengthen cultural ties.”
Source: Prime Minister of Canada
The European Commission has proposed increasing the ETIAS fee for visa-free travellers from €7 to €20. The measure—part of the EU’s draft budget reform for 2028–2034—could generate an estimated €300 million annually in “own resources” for the EU.
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System), due to launch by the end of 2026, will be mandatory for short-term travellers from countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.
Citing inflation and rising operational costs, the Commission justifies the hike by referencing similar systems abroad (e.g. US ESTA: $21; UK ETA: £16). However, leading travel associations have strongly criticised the plan as disproportionate and lacking transparency.
Concerns include:
Industry calls on the European Parliament and Council to reject the proposal. If adopted, they urge surplus revenues be reinvested in infrastructure, training, and sustainability.
Air Corsica and CORSICA linea have launched a joint offer called Aria e Mare, allowing Corsican residents to combine air and sea travel in a single booking. Travellers can fly one way (Marseille or Nice–Corsica) and return by ferry (Marseille–Corsica), or vice versa.
The offer is tailored to resident needs and simplifies round trips between the island and the continent.
Tallink transported 1.49 million passengers in Q2 2025 – a 2.5% increase year-on-year – signalling renewed trust and travel appetite. However, freight volumes dropped 22.8%, highlighting continued pressure in that segment.
Q2 Revenue: €207 million
EBITDA: €37.4 million
Net Loss: €2.5 million (incl. €11m dividend tax)
CEO Paavo Nõgene points to seasonality, reduced idle vessels, and strategic moves like the sale of STAR I and chartering of ROMANTIKA as positive signs for recovery.
Despite a challenging first half – with passenger volumes down 3.8% and a net loss of €35.7 million – investments in fleet renewal (€22m) and debt reduction signal a long-term commitment to resilience and shareholder value.
Maintenance of BALTIC PRINCESS and SILJA SERENADE accounted for 68 days out of service, part of the group’s strategy to extend asset life and improve passenger experience.
Tallink stays the course with a clear focus: optimising operations, reducing debt, and returning to profitability.
Incat is currently building Hull 096 for Buquebus (world’s largest battery-electric ship) and Hull 100 (78-metre hybrid ferry).
