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sandra

Jul 25
3

Rederiaktiebolaget Eckerö Acquires Rederi Ab Fjärdvägen

By | 2025 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments
  • Rederiaktiebolaget Eckerö is acquiring Rederi Ab Fjärdvägen from Rederi Ab Lillgaard.
  • The acquisition includes the FJÄRDVÄGEN and the Långnäs–Nådendal route.
  • All personnel and assets are part of the deal.
  • Eckerö CEO Björn Blomqvist: “This route strengthens our network and aligns with our floating bridge strategy between Åland and mainland Finland.”
  • Lillgaard Chairman Trygve Eriksson: “Challenging conditions made it necessary to become part of a larger context. We are pleased with a stable Åland-based buyer.”
  • Transfer of ownership planned for 18 August.

Photo: https://www.lillgaard.ax/

Jul 25
3

Public Consultation Opens on Future of Northern Isles Ferry Services

By | 2025 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments
  • The Scottish Government has launched a 12-week consultation on the next Northern Isles Ferry Services contract (NIFS4), running until 13 October 2025.
  • Key proposals include:
    • Introducing a late cancellation fee on pre-booked tickets to reduce no-shows and free up capacity.
    • Implementing Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) pricing for islanders on the Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick route.
    • Considering dynamic pricing for visitors to support RET for residents.
    • Seeking views on overnight pods, reclining chairs, and how to support urgent travel needs.
    • Exploring ideas to manage freight demand ahead of the arrival of two new freighter-flex vessels.
  • The current contract ends on 30 June 2028.
  • Stakeholders, communities and businesses are invited to help shape the next generation of ferry services via online consultation and upcoming engagement sessions.
  • The Scottish Government has launched a 12-week consultation on the next Northern Isles Ferry Services contract (NIFS4), running until 13 October 2025.
  • Key proposals include:
    • Introducing a late cancellation fee on pre-booked tickets to reduce no-shows and free up capacity.
    • Implementing Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) pricing for islanders on the Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick route.
    • Considering dynamic pricing for visitors to support RET for residents.
    • Seeking views on overnight pods, reclining chairs, and how to support urgent travel needs.
    • Exploring ideas to manage freight demand ahead of the arrival of two new freighter-flex vessels.
  • The current contract ends on 30 June 2028.
  • Stakeholders, communities and businesses are invited to help shape the next generation of ferry services via online consultation and upcoming engagement sessions.

Source: Transport Scotland

Jul 25
3

Port of Great Yarmouth in Major Expansion

By | 2025 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments

The Port of Great Yarmouth is set to undergo a major expansion, with plans announced to develop a new deep-water terminal at the port.

The port operator is progressing plans to develop the Southern Terminal at its Outer Harbour amid a surge in demand from developers and construction contractors working on major infrastructure onshore and offshore projects. The planned development will consist of an additional 350 metres of quay, a RoRo ramp, a heavy lift pad and approximately 10 hectares of strengthened outdoor storage space.

Read more on Peel Ports.com

Jul 25
3

Valenciaport Grows in Import/Export, Offsetting Drop in Transhipment

By | 2025 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments
  • In June, exports rose 5.29% and imports 2.93%, offsetting a 5.46% drop in transhipment traffic.
  • Overall container volume stable in June at 487,833 TEUs (+0.08% YoY).
  • H1 2025:
    • Total handled: 2.83 million TEUs (+3.84%).
    • Imports: +4.82%.
    • Exports: +15.21%.
    • Transhipments: -1.75%.
  • RoRo traffic:
    • 269,637 ITUs moved (+7.78%).
    • Key links: Balearics, Italy, Mediterranean.
  • Passenger traffic (June):
    • Total: 184,515 (+4.88%).
    • Regular passengers (last 12 months): +3.85%
    • Cruise passengers: -3.99%

Valenciaport’s shift toward stronger import/export flows reflects resilience amid a softening transhipment trend.

Jul 25
3

Fred. Olsen’s BUGANVILLA EXPRESS Marks One Year of Mini-Ferry Service

By | 2025 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments

On 22 July 2025, Fred. Olsen Express celebrated one year of BUGANVILLA EXPRESS operating between Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) and Corralejo (Fuerteventura). Since its launch, the 250-passenger miniferry has completed 2,300 trips, carrying over 103,000 people. More than 63%—around 65,500 passengers—used the service for same-day return travel. The vessel, built by Rodman Polyships, supports the company’s strategy of offering high-frequency, passenger-only connections alongside the vehicle-carrying BOCAINA EXPRESS.

Jul 25
3

Portsmouth International Port Saves £138,000 on Electricity Through Solar Power

By | 2025 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments

Portsmouth International Port has saved £138,058 in electricity costs over the past year, thanks to its 2,200 solar panels (1.2MW) installed across terminal roofs and car lane canopies.

On sunny days, the port can operate completely off-grid.

The panels have supplied 21% of the port’s total electricity demand in 2023/24.

The new terminal extension paid just £41 in electricity, saving £14,690 by drawing only 0.28% from the grid.

The initiative supports the port’s goal to become the UK’s first net-zero emissions port by 2050.

Jul 25
3

Port of Dover Prepares for EU Entry/Exit System with SmartPort Platform

By | 2025 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments
  • The Port of Dover has selected Brock Solutions to implement a real-time Transit Assurance System, supporting compliance with the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES).
  • The EES introduces biometric checks for Third Country Nationals (TCNs), requiring operational changes at border checkpoints.
  • Brock’s SmartPort platform will:
    • Track vehicle movements using AI and ANPR.
    • Monitor transit times between checkpoints.
    • Provide dashboards, incident reporting, and multilingual interfaces.
  • The Transit Assurance module offers real-time visibility and control, enhancing Dover’s readiness for post-Brexit requirements.
  • Mark Burton, Head of IT, Port of Dover:
    “This collaboration ensures we’re not only able to meet the complex operational challenges posed by our implementation of EES, but also well-positioned to scale and evolve our digital capabilities.”
  • SmartPort’s modular design allows for future upgrades, making it a key part of Dover’s long-term digital transformation strategy.

Source: Brock Solutions

Jul 25
3

Attica Group Launches “seamore” App

By | 2025 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments
  • Attica Group introduces seamore, a new mobile app offering a more personalised, intuitive, and seamless travel experience.
  • Available across all Attica brands: Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and Anek Lines.
  • Key features include:
    • Faster bookings with auto-filled personal, vehicle, and pet data.
    • Access to travel history and upcoming trips.
    • Seamless redemption of SeaSmiles points.
    • Unified login across all Attica websites.
  • Part of Attica’s “Seanthesis” digital transformation programme, launched in 2023.
  • The app will be continuously updated with features supporting all stages of the journey.
Jul 25
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 30 | No Comments

A second set of sea trials for ISLE OF ISLAY has been completed by Cemre Marin Endustri in Yalova, Turkey. Held from 16 to 20 July in the Sea of Marmara, the trials included testing of the hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), along with optimisation of the Power and Energy Management Systems. Representatives from CMAL and CalMac were present. Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at CMAL, said the successful testing marks a major step forward as the vessel enters the final stages of construction. Delivery is scheduled for Q3 2025.

Scandlines’ next-generation freight vessel has just completed a second sea trial in the Sea of Marmara. Built by Cemre Shipyard and supervised by Lloyd’s Register, the ferry was tested under realistic conditions, from blackout scenarios to advanced navigation and automated safety systems — confirming its readiness for service.

The all-electric vessel, due to arrive in the Fehmarnbelt later in 2025, will charge in just 17 minutes at Rødbyhavn thanks to Scandlines’ investment in a 50 kV / 25 MW power cable and intelligent charging tower. A similar setup in Puttgarden will allow 12-minute charging by the end of 2025, enabling fully emission-free operations in both directions. Hybrid-ready and equipped with diesel generators for its delivery voyage, the ferry combines cutting-edge green technology with operational flexibility.

Irish Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Seán Canney has welcomed the full reopening of the port in Holyhead, Wales, after damage sustained during Storm Darragh in December last year.

Source: www.gov.ie

Jul 18
3

Aponte to Re-Sell 49% of MOBY Back to Onorato

By | 2025 Newsletter week 29 | No Comments

The MSC Group, founded and controlled by Gianluigi Aponte, will sell back its 49% stake in MOBY to Onorato Armatori, the ferry company controlled by Vincenzo Onorato’s family. The move was disclosed by the Italian antitrust authority, following communications from SAS Shipping Agencies Services SARL, GNV (both part of the MSC Group), and MOBY.

This decision aims to pre-empt further action from the Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato, which last year launched an in-depth investigation into possible anti-competitive agreements between GNV and MOBY. The probe focused on four routes between mainland Italy and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily: Civitavecchia–Olbia, Genoa–Olbia, Genoa–Porto Torres, and Naples–Palermo.

MOBY also plans to repay the remaining portion of the €243 million loan it received in December 2023. Part of that loan was already reimbursed through the sale of its tug business in Sardinian ports and the transfer of the ferries SHARDEN and MOBY VINCI to GNV.

Aponte originally acquired the 49% stake in 2023, investing €150 million to rescue the Onorato-controlled company from bankruptcy and a concordato preventivo process at the Court of Milan.