Finnlines and Port of Långnäs Open New Passenger Terminal to Support Growing Demand

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

Finnlines and the Port of Långnäs have opened a modern new passenger terminal in Åland, enhancing the travel experience on one of the Baltic Sea’s fastest-growing ferry routes.

The €3 million investment supports rising passenger demand on the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär service operated by the Superstar-class vessels FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS.

Designed for Growth and Passenger Comfort

Located directly next to the berth, the new terminal shortens walking distances and speeds up boarding and disembarkation.

Key features include:

  • Approximately 500 m² of floor space
  • Modern waiting areas
  • Direct access to the vessels
  • Improved accessibility and barrier-free movement

Passenger numbers on the route have increased significantly since FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS entered service, confirming the popularity of Finnlines’ premium RoPax offering.

Strengthening Åland’s Tourism Potential

Finnlines sees substantial growth opportunities in Åland and aims to work closely with local stakeholders to improve regional accessibility and tourism appeal.

According to CEO Thomas Doepel, the company wants to be a strong partner for Åland’s tourism and hospitality sectors while continuing to provide reliable transport links.

Strategic Investment in Baltic Connectivity

The terminal forms part of the Port of Långnäs’ long-term development programme. The project strengthens Åland’s role as an important transport hub between Finland and Sweden.

By combining modern infrastructure with high-quality vessels, Finnlines continues to invest in both customer experience and regional connectivity across the Baltic Sea.

Source: Finnlines

Baleària Plans Record Summer Operation with 37 Daily Services Between Spain and North Africa

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

Baleària is preparing its largest-ever Strait Crossing Operation, with up to 37 daily sailings between Spain and Morocco, Algeria, Ceuta and Melilla.

Running from 15 June to 15 September, the operation will deploy 12 vessels across eight routes to meet peak summer demand as thousands of passengers travel to North Africa to reunite with their families.

Stronger Network to Morocco

Morocco remains Baleària’s largest market in the region, after carrying nearly one million passengers during last year’s campaign.

Key enhancements include:

  • Up to 12 daily departures on the Tarifa–Tangier City service.
  • Increased capacity through deployment of a larger fast ferry.
  • Nine daily sailings on the Algeciras–Tangier Med route.
  • An average of three daily departures on Almería–Nador.

Continued Commitment to Algeria

Baleària will again offer five weekly services to Algeria:

  • Three weekly sailings from Valencia to Mostaganem.
  • One weekly service from Barcelona to Algiers.
  • One weekly service from Barcelona to Oran.

The company is marking ten years of operations in the Algerian market.

Reliable Links to Ceuta and Melilla

Baleària will operate:

  • Up to 11 daily connections with Ceuta.
  • One to two daily services to Melilla.

Tailored Onboard Services

To improve the travel experience, Baleària will offer:

  • Arabic- and French-speaking passenger assistance.
  • Halal menus.
  • Dedicated prayer rooms.

General Manager Georges Bassoul said North Africa has become the group’s fastest-growing business area in recent years.

With expanded capacity, tailored services and a record schedule, Baleària is strengthening its role as a key operator connecting Spain with North Africa during the busy summer season.

P&O Ferries Appoints Dominic Tucker to Strengthen B2B and Travel Trade Partnerships

By 2026 Newsletter week 20

P&O Ferries has appointed Dominic Tucker as Head of B2B Sales, Distribution & Partnerships within its passenger business.

Tucker brings more than 20 years of experience in the travel and aviation sectors, with expertise in commercial strategy, distribution and partner development.

He joins P&O Ferries from easyJet, where he led indirect distribution strategy and worked with global partners including GDS providers and online travel agencies. Previous senior roles at Norwegian Air Shuttle and British Airways further strengthened his experience in B2B sales and commercial partnerships.

In his new position, Tucker will lead P&O Ferries’ passenger groups and B2B business, focusing on:

  • Strengthening relationships with key customers and travel trade partners.
  • Enhancing distribution capabilities.
  • Supporting continued growth in passenger operations.

The appointment underlines P&O Ferries’ commitment to expanding its commercial reach and deepening partnerships across the travel industry.

DFDS Q1, 2026: Key Figures, Info And Outlook

By 2026 Newsletter week 19
  • Revenue: DKK 7.4bn (-2%)
  • EBIT: DKK 33m (up DKK 150m; underlying +DKK 262m)
  • EBITDA: DKK 799m (+7%)
  • Adjusted free cash flow: DKK 300m (+22%)
  • CO₂e emissions (own fleet): +2.9%
  • Ferry Division improved, driven by Mediterranean freight
  • Logistics Division strengthened by Continent and Nordic units
  • Five of six turning point actions delivered earnings improvements
  • Oil price volatility from Iran/Gulf tensions creates cost risk; no volume impact yet
  • Financial leverage improved to 3.9x (target <4.0x in 2026)
  • 2026 outlook unchanged: revenue flat; EBIT DKK 1.0–1.4bn
  • Adjusted free cash flow outlook upgraded to above DKK 250m

Click on cover to access the document

Finnlines Reports Stable Q1 Despite Fuel And ETS Pressure

By 2026 Newsletter week 19

Finnlines reported stable first-quarter results despite higher fuel costs and the full implementation of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).

Revenue for January–March 2026 increased to EUR 176.9 million, compared with EUR 166.0 million in the same period last year.

EBIT reached EUR 10.3 million, down slightly from EUR 11.2 million in Q1 2025. Earnings before taxes improved marginally to EUR 8.0 million from EUR 7.9 million, supported by lower financing costs.

Cargo volumes during the quarter included:

  • Approximately 196,000 cargo units
  • 19,000 cars
  • 297,000 tonnes of non-unitised freight

In addition, 162,000 passengers and professional drivers travelled on Finnlines services.

President and CEO Thomas Doepel said the first quarter was marked by “structural volatility” across the shipping sector.

He highlighted the impact of the Middle East conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which triggered major fuel price increases and volatility. Finnlines said the delayed adjustment of its Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) negatively affected short-term profitability.

The company also pointed to the impact of the EU ETS, which from 1 January 2026 requires shipping companies to cover 100% of emissions.

Despite geopolitical uncertainty, Finnlines said it remains committed to maintaining reliable maritime logistics infrastructure for Europe and supporting security of supply in the Baltic Sea region.

The company added that continued investment in more energy-efficient vessels will help reduce emissions and limit exposure to rising energy costs.

Click here to access the report

Attica Group Full Year 2025, Key Figures, Info And Outlook

By 2026 Newsletter week 19
  • Revenue: €756.9m (+1.2%)
  • EBITDA: €85.4m (-11.3%) due to higher operating costs
  • Net result: loss of €33.7m (vs €17.5m profit in 2024)
  • Operating costs increased to €668.6m, driven by environmental regulation and fleet upgrades
  • Environmental compliance costs estimated at €63m (EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime, SECA)
  • Traffic: 6.96m passengers (-4.5%), 1.26m cars (-3.4%), freight units +0.5%
  • Fleet: 37 vessels across Greek domestic routes and Greece–Italy services
  • Investments: €22.6m in energy efficiency and emissions reduction technologies
  • Fleet renewal continues: disposal of 6 older vessels, acquisition of 3 newer units (into 2026)
  • Capital structure remains solid; net debt reduced to €515.6m, leverage at 54%
  • No dividend proposed for FY 2025
  • 2026 outlook: cost pressure from fuel and environmental rules; focus on efficiency and fuel optimisation

Gotlandsbolaget Reports Q1 Stable Development

By 2026 Newsletter week 19

Gotlandsbolaget reported Q1 2026 revenue of SEK 621.6 million, up slightly from SEK 608.6 million last year.

Adjusted operating profit was negative at SEK -192.7 million, reflecting the seasonal low period and higher depreciation linked to NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN.

Net financial items improved due to positive currency effects, while profit after tax reached SEK -144.0 million.

Go Nordic Cruiseline increased sales and passenger volumes, while Birka Gotland improved results following efficiency measures introduced in 2025.

The company also announced the acquisition of a 30% stake in Nordic Ferry Infrastructure (NFI) for around EUR 510 million, together with Interogo Infrastructure and Lægernes Pension.

Looking ahead to the summer season, Destination Gotland will introduce a hanging deck on VISBY, increasing car deck capacity by 20%.

Source: https://corporate.gotlandsbolaget.se/sv/kvartalsrapport-januari-mars-2026/

AS Tallink Grupp Statistics for April 2026

By 2026 Newsletter week 19

In April 2026, AS Tallink Grupp transported 416,859 passengers, broadly in line with April 2025.

The number of cargo units increased by 5.3% to 23,045 units, while the number of passenger vehicles decreased by 6.0% to 56,188 units compared to the same period a year ago.

AS Tallink Grupp passenger, cargo unit and passenger vehicle volumes for April 2026 were as follows:

Click on table to see the source:

DFDS Acquires RoPax Ferry STENA VINGA

By 2026 Newsletter week 19

DFDS has acquired the RoPax ferry STENA VINGA from Stena Line.

The vessel is currently chartered by DFDS and has operated on the Jersey service since its launch in March 2025.

STENA VINGA serves routes between Jersey, the UK and France, carrying both passengers and freight.

DFDS says the acquisition strengthens fleet resilience and supports its long-term commitment to Jersey.

The 125m ferry was built in 2005. It can carry up to 400 passengers, 200 cars and offers 1,500 lane metres of freight capacity.

Onboard facilities include 40 cabins, a restaurant, duty-free shop, cinema and recliner lounge.

The vessel will be reflagged under the UK flag.

DFDS plans to recruit across all ranks, creating around 70 new positions, including cadets and apprentices.

STENA VINGA will be renamed to align with DFDS’ existing fleet. Further details will follow.

The acquisition is expected to be completed in November 2026.

CLAYMORE Launched At Cemre Shipyard

By 2026 Newsletter week 19

On Saturday, 2 May 2026, CLAYMORE was launched at the Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, Türkiye.

The vessel was launched by Mary Morrison, former Port Manager at Lochmaddy.

CLAYMORE is the fourth and final vessel in the series, following ISLE OF ISLAY, LOCH INDAAL and LOCHMOR.