Eckerö Q1 Hit by Drydock, Cargo Record in March

By 2026 Newsletter week 17

Rederiaktiebolaget Eckerö reported weaker first-quarter 2026 results after the drydocking of FINLANDIA reduced departures by 8%.

Revenue fell 11% to EUR 37.9 million, while EBIT declined to EUR -9.1 million from EUR -2.8 million. Net result was EUR -7.5 million.

Passenger volumes decreased 17% to 453,170, while cargo units fell 6% to 49,357. Despite the quarterly decline, March delivered a record month for cargo traffic.

On the Finland–Estonia route, passenger market share stood at 24% and cargo share at 42%. Net debt improved to EUR 1.7 million.

https://rederiabeckero.ax/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Interim-report-31-03-2026.pdf

Seajets’ RoRo CABO Completed Drydock

By 2026 Newsletter week 17

On 20 April 2026, Seajets’ RoRo CABO (formerly CABO STAR, ANTARES, FINNFOREST) completed drydocking at the Perama repair zone. The vessel had entered drydock on 30 March 2026 for maintenance works and hull coating ahead of her introduction into Greek coastal shipping.

With CABO, Seajets makes its first move into the domestic RoRo segment. Built in Gdansk, Poland, in 1988, the ship can carry 130 passengers and offers 2,500 lane metres, equivalent to around 130 trailers. Service speed is 21 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

HSC NISSOS Granted to Greek Armed Forces

By 2026 Newsletter week 17

On 15 April 2026, Saos Ferries owner Fotis Manoussis decided to grant HSC NISSOS (formerly ALCANTARA DOS) to the Greek armed forces.

The high-speed craft was acquired in April 2023 from Spain’s Acciona Logistica S.A. and arrived in Greece under tow on 31 May that year. She had been expected to enter service on either the Sporades Islands or Dodecanese routes, but this never materialised.

Built by Austal in Australia in 1996, HSC NISSOS has capacity for 550 passengers and 155 cars. Service speed is 32 knots.

Baleària Starts Sea Trials Of MERCEDES PINTO

By 2026 Newsletter week 17

Baleària has started sea trials in Gijón for the fast ferry MERCEDES PINTO, the company’s third dual-fuel natural gas catamaran being completed at the Armon shipyard.

Delivery is expected in May. Baleària plans to deploy the vessel on Canary Islands routes once the acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea’s island assets is completed.

The trials will assess manoeuvrability, speed, stability, engine performance, and the operation of power, navigation, safety and propulsion systems. Tests will be carried out using both natural gas and diesel.

MERCEDES PINTO will carry up to 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles. The vessel follows the design and comfort standards of sister ships ELEANOR ROOSEVELT and MARGARITA SALAS.

Facilities include two passenger decks, indoor and outdoor cafés, a children’s play area and pet-friendly spaces.

The vessel is named after Mercedes Pinto, the Tenerife-born writer, poet and social reform advocate.

CAPU DI MURU Officially Joins The CORSICA linea Fleet

By 2026 Newsletter week 17

On 20 April, CORSICA linea officially welcomed the “new” ferry CAPU DI MURU during a ceremony in the port of Marseille, attended by its seagoing and shore-based teams.

Following the inauguration, the RoPax vessel entered service on the Marseille–L’Île-Rousse route, replacing MONTE D’ORO. MONTE D’ORO will leave the fleet.

CAPU DI MURU is the new name of the former KALLISTE, previously operated by La Méridionale. The ferry had initially been destined for scrapping, but that plan changed after strong union pressure to keep the vessel in service.

CORSICA linea’s Social and Economic Committee (CSE) approved the purchase in March 2026, saving the ship from planned demolition in Turkey.

External Conditions Impact Port Of Antwerp-Bruges’ Quarterly Results

By 2026 Newsletter week 17

Weather disruption, strikes and geopolitical tensions weighed on cargo volumes at Port of Antwerp-Bruges in the first quarter of 2026, although March showed signs of recovery.

The port handled 65.5 million tonnes of maritime cargo, down 3.2% compared with the same period last year.

General cargo fell 4.4%, with containers and conventional cargo under pressure. Bulk cargo remained broadly stable, down 0.6%.

The RoRo segment recorded growth, supported by higher volumes of new vehicles and high & heavy equipment.

Shortsea RoRo traffic continued to feel the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), especially on longer routes. However, the shift to road transport appears to be slowing as diesel prices rise.

Despite current challenges, the port continues to invest in long-term development and future capacity.

Source: https://newsroom.portofantwerpbruges.com/en/press-releases/external-conditions-impact-port-of-antwerp-bruges-quarterly-results

Santander Port Awards Passenger Assistance Contract For EES Rollout

By 2026 Newsletter week 17

The Port Authority of Santander has awarded a EUR 1.79 million, 36-month contract to Interim Services Solutions for auxiliary passenger assistance services linked to the rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) and ETIAS.

The staff will support the National Police by assisting third-country passengers at passport control points, helping to speed traffic flows and maintain Brittany Ferries’ turnaround times.

Port President César Díaz said the service is designed to ensure efficient implementation of the new border controls while protecting a strategic traffic segment for the port.

Carus To Power New Ålandslinjen Ferry Service

By 2026 Newsletter week 17

Carus has announced a strategic cooperation with Rederi Ab Ålandslinjen, the newly established operator planning to restore the traditional maritime link between Mariehamn and Kapellskär.

Headquartered on the Åland Islands, Carus will supply a full booking and reservation package.

For Carus, the partnership also has a regional dimension, supporting connectivity and economic activity in its home market.

Ålandslinjen founder Johnny Sid is currently working with private investors and port authorities to finalise operational arrangements. The service aims to offer two daily roundtrips during the peak season.

More information: alandslinjen.com

Photo: Anders Rundberg, CEO of Carus and Ålandslinjen founder Johnny Sid