IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) has finalised a workplan to develop a safety regulatory framework for ships using new technologies and alternative fuels to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Key points:
Link: https://www.imo.org
Port of Ystad has appointed Veronika Leo as its new Managing Director. She succeeds Björn Boström, who is stepping down after 17 years in the role.
Leo has been the port’s Financial Manager for the past five years. The Supervisory Board highlighted her strong industry insight and leadership skills as key reasons for the internal appointment.
The transition began at the turn of the year, with Boström taking on a Senior Advisor role until March.
The Port of Ystad continues to expand its strategic role in Swedish and regional ferry logistics:
Molslinjen has started the process of recruiting a new CEO.
Kristian Durhuus will step down after nearly three years in the role.
Durhuus said he is proud to have contributed to what he described as the world’s largest electrification project at sea.
Stena RoRo has placed an order for 2 next-generation C-FLEXER RoRo vessels (+4 options)
The vessels are designed to meet future regulatory and fuel requirements.
Key points:
Source: Stena RoRo Illustration Peter Mild
An agreement was officially signed on 27 January at the headquarters of Polska Żegluga Morska P.P., confirming the acquisition of shares in POLSCA S.A.
The signing marks an important milestone for ferry transport cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, reflecting a shared strategy for future market development.
The shareholders of POLSCA S.A. are:
The partners emphasised that the cooperation represents a long-term commitment to modern ferry shipping and the strengthening of connections between people, markets, and ports across the Baltic.
Source: LinkedIn statement, 27 January 2026.
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) has launched an online public consultation as planning progresses for the next vessel to join its fleet, due to enter service in 2030.
The ship will replace HSC MANANNAN, which has operated with the company since 2009.
IOMSPC stressed that the newbuild will not be a like-for-like replacement, reflecting changes in technology, regulations, and evolving customer expectations.
The consultation is being carried out via an online survey, with further project details to be released at a later stage.
New Vessel Public Consultation Survey
Photo: Philpos, Wikipedia
The new RoRo vessel currently under construction at CANTIERE NAVALE VISENTINI in Italy will be named GRENDI HORIZON. Delivery is expected before next summer.
The Musso family-controlled shipping line will take delivery of its fifth ship in June, under a five-year time charter.
The newbuild will offer 3,000 lane metres of capacity. It will strengthen Grendi’s RoRo services on national and international routes.
GRENDI HORIZON will be:
The ship’s name was chosen through an online vote involving employees, partners, and customers.
At Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China, GNV, a subsidiary of the MSC Group, has taken delivery of GNV AURORA.
As the second LNG-powered unit in the fleet, and the final vessel of GNV’s first fleet renewal phase, GNV AURORA is scheduled to enter active service at the beginning of April 2026.
The ship will be deployed on the vital Genoa–Palermo route, a move GNV says will “strengthen the national network and support more efficient management of traffic flows”.
Technical Details
While the delivery of GNV AURORA closes the first chapter of fleet renewal, GNV’s modernisation is far from over. The company has already confirmed a second phase involving four additional LNG-powered vessels, with deliveries starting in late 2027.
These next-generation ships will be even larger, with a projected:
On 28 January 2026, Salamis Lines’ largest cargo RoRo vessel, PATRIS, made her first call at the port of Limassol, following her purchase from DFDS last November.
The ship will operate on a regular weekly rotation connecting Lavrion with Limassol and Haifa.
According to the company, the acquisition of PATRIS reflects its vision for increased capacity, operational efficiency, and adaptability, as trade flows between Southern Europe, Cyprus, and the Levant continue to expand.
Today, Salamis Lines owns three RoRo vessels — PATRIS, VASSILIOS, and AKRITAS — alongside the multipurpose vessel IONIA, serving the ports of Limassol, Lavrio, Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Haifa, and Ashdod.
Built in Germany in 2002, PATRIS offers capacity of up to 3,200 lane metres (177 trailers) and has a service speed of 21.5 knots.
Photo: Salamis Lines
Alaska’s next chapter in coastal connectivity is moving forward. The Tustumena Replacement Vessel (TRV) is purpose-designed for the Gulf of Alaska, combining modern safety systems, higher capacity, and improved passenger comfort.
The build contract to replace TUSTUMENA (1964) is out to bid. The state’s project notice calls for the new mainliner ferry to be completed by the beginning of 2029 with an estimated price tag of more than USD $300 million.
TRV Characteristics and Capacities
