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sandra

Sep 04
Love3

Molslinjen Plans 12 MWh Battery Storage Facility on Samsø

By 2026 Newsletter week 36

Molslinjen will install a 12-MWh battery energy storage system at Ballen Ferry Port on Samsø. The facility will support the electric ferry TYRFING, operating between Ballen and Kalundborg with up to five daily return crossings.

The battery will store enough electricity for approximately four ferry crossings, providing a more secure and stable energy supply. BOS Power will deliver the system, following consultancy support from Hybrid Greentech.

Besides supporting ferry operations, the battery can absorb surplus electricity when demand is low and release it back into the local grid during peak periods. Samsø Municipality also hopes it could eventually provide emergency power during a prolonged interruption of the island’s submarine cable connections.

Construction is scheduled for autumn and winter 2026/2027, with commissioning expected in March 2027.

Photo: Here is the first sketch of what will be the future BESS facility on Samsø.

Sep 04
Love3

Two Bids Submitted to Replace Gozo Channel’s NIKOLAOS

By 2026 Newsletter week 36

Two companies have submitted bids to provide Gozo Channel’s fourth ferry, replacing the leased NIKOLAOS.

Italian operator Caronte & Tourist submitted an offer of €7.66 million, while Malta-based Ragusa Xpress offered €10.9 million. The bids will now be evaluated as part of the procurement process.

NIKOLAOS has operated for Gozo Channel since 2019 and is the only leased vessel in its four-ferry fleet. The vessel reportedly costs taxpayers €10,000 per day and has faced criticism over accessibility.

The lease will serve as an interim solution until two planned new ferries enter service in 2029.

Source

Aug 28
Love3

Color Group Revenue Rises, but Climate Costs Weigh on Earnings

By 2026 Newsletter week 35

Color Group reported higher revenue for the first half of 2026, supported by increased onboard sales and freight revenue. However, earnings declined significantly due to higher climate-related and energy costs.

Operating revenue increased by 2.6% to NOK 2.96 billion, compared with NOK 2.89 billion in the first half of 2025.

EBITDA fell from NOK 255 million to NOK 153 million. Costs relating to the EU Emissions Trading System rose from NOK 83 million to NOK 140 million, as the scheme now covers 100% of relevant emissions, compared with 70% in 2025.

Color Line carried 1.52 million passengers, down 2.4%. Freight volumes increased by 2.8% to 78,166 units, measured in 12-metre equivalents. The company also achieved higher revenue per passenger and improved freight yields.

The net loss for the period amounted to NOK 277 million, compared with NOK 229 million a year earlier.

Following a strong performance in July, Color Group expects the second half of 2026 to be broadly in line with last year. Nevertheless, its full-year result is expected to be somewhat weaker than in 2025.

Click on cover

Aug 28
Love3

Havila Voyages Reports Strong Q2 Earnings Growth

By 2026 Newsletter week 35

Havila Voyages reported Q2 2026 operating revenue of NOK 479 million, up 15% year on year. EBITDA increased by 24% to NOK 98 million, lifting the EBITDA margin from 19% to 21%.

Average fleet occupancy rose from 74% to 83%, while passenger nights increased by 17% to 99,800. Ticket revenue grew by 10% and onboard revenue by 32%. The company achieved 100% operational uptime across its four-ship fleet.

Havila Voyages said bookings for Q3 remain strong. CO₂ emissions were 36% below the 2017 baseline for the Norwegian coastal route.

Read the full press release

Photo: Havila Voyages

Aug 28
Love3

Navigazione Libera del Golfo Orders New High-Speed Craft from Nova Shipyard

By 2026 Newsletter week 35

Türkiye’s Nova Shipyard has announced that it has signed a contract with Italy’s Navigazione Libera del Golfo (NLG), a ferry company headed by Maurizio Aponte and controlled by Gianluigi Aponte, owner of the MSC Group.

The contract covers the construction of a new 52-metre aluminium high-speed passenger craft designed by Italian naval architecture firm M2Engineers.

The vessel will accommodate 655 passengers and will be built in compliance with HSC Category B requirements.

Nova Shipyard commented: “It is not just a signature, but the beginning of something significant. We thank NLG for the trust it has placed in us. Now it is time to deserve it.”

The most recent fast ferry ordered by and delivered to Navigazione Libera del Golfo was built a few years ago by Cantiere Navale Vittoria in Italy. It is currently deployed on short-sea routes linking Naples with the surrounding islands.

Aug 28
Love3

Scandlines Invests more than €25 Million in Ferry SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN

By 2026 Newsletter week 35

Scandlines is investing more than €25 million in a major refit of SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN, which has arrived in Klaipėda for conversion from hybrid to plug-in hybrid propulsion.

The ferry, operating on the Puttgarden–Rødby route, will in future cover the majority of its energy consumption with electricity charged ashore.

The project also includes a complete refurbishment of the passenger areas on decks 5 and 6, with new restaurants, cafés, shops, lounge areas and improved passenger flows.

SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN is expected to return to service towards the end of 2026.

The conversion is part of SCANDLINES’ ambition to operate with zero direct emissions by 2040.

Aug 28
Love3

Alaska Secures $410 Million for Ferry Fleet and Infrastructure

By 2026 Newsletter week 35

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is set to receive more than $410 million in US federal funding for fleet renewal, operations and terminal infrastructure.

The largest individual awards include $161.2 million for ferry operations serving more than 20 communities and $153.4 million for the design and construction of a replacement for LE CONTE, aimed at improving reliability, accessibility and fuel efficiency.

A further $37.6 million will support the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal, expected to shorten the Juneau–Haines–Skagway sailing by around one-third. $33.4 million has been awarded for modernisation of Kake Ferry Terminal, while $20.6 million will support expansion of Saxman Seaport. Another $4 million will go towards customer service and operational modernisation, including the reservation system.

The funding comes through the US Federal Transit Administration’s Ferry Service for Rural Communities programme.

Source: https://gov.alaska.gov/governor-dunleavy-and-alaskas-congressional-delegation-welcome-trump-administrations-historic-investment-in-rural-ferry-program/

And: https://www.transit.dot.gov/funding/grants/grant-programs/fta-ferry-grant-program-2026-selected-projects

Aug 28
Love3

New RoRo Vessel SKIPANES Delivered to Smyril Line

By 2026 Newsletter week 35

Smyril Line has taken delivery of its new RoRo freight vessel SKIPANES from the CIMC Raffles shipyard in Yantai, China.

SKIPANES is the first of two new RoRo vessels ordered as part of a major investment in the company’s fleet and future freight services.

“This marks a milestone in the company’s history and an important step in the development of our fleet,” said Smyril Line CEO Jens Meinhard Rasmussen.

SKIPANES will now begin its delivery voyage from China to Europe.

Aug 28
Love3

SUPERFAST VI Launched in China

By 2026 Newsletter week 35

SUPERFAST VI, the first of two E-Flexer RoPax vessels destined for Attica Group, was launched at China Merchants Industry’s Weihai shipyard on 20 August 2026.

The vessel will be chartered from Stena RoRo under a ten-year bareboat agreement, with a purchase option available after the fifth year. Delivery is scheduled for spring 2027, after which SUPERFAST VI will operate on the Patras–Igoumenitsa–Ancona route.

The 239.7-metre vessel will accommodate 1,500 passengers and provide 3,320 lane metres for vehicles and freight. It will feature multi-fuel, methanol-ready engines and battery-ready notation.

Rendering: Superfast Ferries