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sandra

Jan 16
Love3

Orkney Islands Council Confident Ferry Replacement Phase 1 Will Be Funded

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

The Scottish Budget 2026–27 has been published. It says the Scottish Government will invest in renewal of the ferry fleet as part of its 2026–27 transport spend.

Peak and mid-season fares will be removed for residents travelling on Northern Isles lifeline ferries (Orkney and Shetland), backed by £1.8 million in this year’s budget.

Ongoing ferry fleet renewal is highlighted as part of the most extensive replacement programme since devolution.

Source: https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-budget-2026-2027/pages/9/

See also our news: https://ferryshippingnews.com/orkney-seeks-design-and-build-partner-for-new-ferries/

Jan 16
Love3

Attica Group: Keel Plates Laid for Second E-Flexer

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

The keel plates of the second E-Flexer-type RoPax vessel for Superfast Ferries (WO 288) were laid down a few days ago at China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard.

Both vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2027 (spring and summer). They are certified as “methanol-ready” and carry the “battery-ready” notation.

 

Rendering: Stena RoRo / Superfast

Jan 16
Love3

Attica Group: Keel Plates Laid for Second E-Flexer

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

The keel plates of the second E-Flexer-type RoPax vessel for Superfast Ferries (WO 288) were laid down a few days ago at China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard.

Both vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2027 (spring and summer). They are certified as “methanol-ready” and carry the “battery-ready” notation.

 

Rendering: Stena RoRo / Superfast

Jan 16
Love3

HSC ESCHILO Sold by Liberty Lines to Greek Operator Alpha Lines II

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

The 2006-built high-speed craft ESCHILO has been sold by Italian ferry operator Liberty Lines, controlled by the Morace family, to Greek operator Alpha Lines II Shipping Company.

The sale price was not disclosed. Malta Shipbrokers International intermediated the transaction. Built in Italy by Rodriquez Cantieri Navali, ESCHILO is 31.2 metres long, can accommodate up to 220 passengers, and reaches speeds of up to 36 knots powered by two MTU 16V396 TE 74 L engines.

In recent years, the vessel operated on the route between Milazzo, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands.

Jan 16
Love3

Ex-JANAS Renamed GNV ALTAIR, to Enter Service on France–Algeria Routes

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

The RoPax vessel ex-JANAS, recently sold by Compagnia Italiana di Navigazione (MOBY) to SAS – Shipping Agencies Services (MSC Group), has been renamed GNV ALTAIR and will enter service on the France–Algeria routes from 21 February.

The ship becomes the 27th vessel in GNV’s fleet. Following refit works, the 2002-built ferry, with capacity for 2,700 passengers and 915 lane metres of garage space, will operate on the Sète–Béjaïa and Sète–Algiers routes.

ATHARA and MOBY ALE 2 are also expected to join GNV in the coming weeks, while MOBY AKI and MOBY WONDER will remain in the Vincenzo Onorato-controlled fleet under a long-term charter-back agreement.

Jan 16
Love3

ISLE OF ISLAY Handed Over to CMAL

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited has taken ownership of ISLE OF ISLAY following handover at Turkish yard Cemre Marin Endustri.

The first Islay-class ferry will now sail to Scotland for trials ahead of entering service on the Islay and Jura routes, increasing capacity and fleet resilience.

Jan 16
Love3

MEGA EXPRESS V Becomes “Floatel”

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Bridgemans Services Group expands fleet with the addition of floatel MEGA X, formerly MEGA EXPRESS 5 (Corsica Ferries)

The Bridgemans floatel features 275 cabins and is currently undergoing a comprehensive refit in Naples. The upgrade will incorporate the company’s signature workforce-accommodation amenities, including a fully equipped gym, office spaces, recreation areas, and a large vehicle deck designed for the storage of client-required cargo.

MEGA X is purpose-configured to meet the increasing global demand for early-works workforce accommodation, supporting large-scale industrial LNG and energy construction projects worldwide.

The refit is scheduled for completion in late January, after which the vessel will mobilise to her first project, commencing in the spring.

Rendering: Bridgemans

Photo: Mike Louagie

Jan 16
Love3

Wightlink: More Sailings on Yarmouth–Lymington Route

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Wightlink will significantly expand services on its Yarmouth–Lymington route from April 2026.

Key points:

  • Three-boat operation during traditional high-demand periods.
  • 868 sailings versus the 2025 timetable.
  • Capacity increase of over 8% year-on-year.
  • Peak departures every 40 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.

All three Wight Class ferries on the route will complete full refurbishments by the end of March 2026. This includes upgraded passenger lounges, an enhanced retail offer, and completion of their annual maintenance programmes.

Source: Wightlink