- Marine Atlantic has launched a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the five-year charter of a vessel to replace the ageing LEIF ERICSON.
- Required: vessel up to 195m length, 1,800–3,000 lane metres, capacity up to 1,000 passengers, ice-class, with cabins and restaurant.
- Charter period: five years.
- Deadline for proposals: 12 September 2025.
- Phase Two of Terminal 4 (T4) at Dublin Port opens this week.
- Some 160 new trailer spaces are being added, increasing operating land capacity.
- This equals over 100,000 truck movements annually.
- Investment: €11.7m by Dublin Port.
T4 will be operated by Doyle Shipping Group (DSG), working directly with shipping lines across all cargo types between Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe.
Source: Port of Dublin
- The EU will launch the Entry-Exit System (EES) on 12 October 2025, with a progressive, six-month roll-out.
- EES records non-EU travellers’ biometrics (face and fingerprints) and replaces passport stamps at external Schengen borders. Applies from age 12.
- Ferry routes linking third countries to the EU, e.g. UK and Morocco, will be affected. Expect extra border processing.
- Interferry warns of port delays, especially for car and coach passengers, and calls 100% biometric checks from day one unworkable.
- New Regulation (EU) 2025/1534 allows a ‘progressive approach’ to implementation. Member States choose pace and must file national plans by 25 September 2025.
- Communication duties are with port operators as border-crossing infrastructure owners, not ferry companies. Operators should stay in close contact with their ports.
- Interferry contact for guidance: Johan Roos, Director of Regulatory Affairs.
Port of Ystad’s Managing Director, Björn Boström, has announced his resignation after 17 years in the role. He will remain in office at least until the new year, with his final day to be confirmed later. “My intention is to start my own business as the beginning of my way to retirement,” said Mr Boström.
Since joining the port in 2008, Boström has successfully led both operations and development. The board expressed regret at his decision but fully respects it, and will now focus on finding a successor to continue the port’s positive development.
Björn Boström has always been very supportive of Ferry Shipping News and the Summit, and we would like to thank him for that.
DP World posted a 20.4% revenue increase in H1 2025 to USD 11.24bn, with adjusted EBITDA up 21.4% to USD 3.03bn. Container throughput rose 6.7% to 45.4m TEU, driven by growth in Europe, the Middle East & Africa (+12%) and strong performance in Ports & Terminals.
Full-year capex of USD 2.5bn will support expansions at Jebel Ali, London Gateway, Tuna Tekra, and Dakar.
Link to the press release.
It is reported that Golden Star Ferries’ HSC GOLDEN PRINCESS (ex-GOTLANDIA II) will likely be tested on the same route as her fleet mate HSC SUPEREXPRESS — Rafina–Tinos–Mykonos–Paros–Naxos–Santorini — in September.
The vessel is currently receiving her new livery at the Perama repair zone, where additional crew cabins are also being installed. She was purchased from Swedish operator Gotlandsbolaget AB in May 2023 and was built in Italy in 2006.
HSC GOLDEN PRINCESS has a capacity for 900 passengers and 160 cars, and will operate at a service speed of 32 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
- Wasaline has become the first carbon-neutral shipping company in the Baltic Sea.
- A new biogas deal with Gasum and a FuelEU Maritime pooling agreement with Stena Line enable 100% biofuel use.
- The Vaasa–Umeå link is now recognised by DNV as the first international green shipping corridor in operation.
- Carbon neutrality was originally targeted for 2030 but has been reached in 2025.
- Hybrid ferry AURORA BOTNIA will increase its battery capacity to 12.6 MWh in January 2026, the largest on any RoPax (says the press release).
Havila Voyages and HAV Group have partnered to ensure the Bergen–Kirkenes coastal route fleet will be at least climate neutral, with the ambition of zero emissions. The plan covers the current four ships and future newbuilds to meet requirements in the next tender period.
CEO Bent Martini reiterated Havila’s goal to expand on the route and called for strict environmental standards in the new contract, saying technology exists to meet them today. Havila also plans to test a climate-neutral round voyage this autumn using biogas and battery power.
Photo: Marius Beck Dahle/Havila Voyages
Source: Havila Kystruten Newsroom
At the Maritime CleanTech session “High-speed boats – emission cuts and exports, or green bankruptcy?”, Norled’s Rannveig Elisabeth Drengstig delivered a clear message: zero-emission technology is ready, but framework conditions lag behind.
She highlighted high risks for operators, from technological uncertainty and infrastructure gaps to volatile electricity and hydrogen prices – MF HYDRA still relies on hydrogen trucked from Germany. Tender documents and contracts must adapt to support the transition, with better risk distribution, early dialogue, and client cooperation essential for a successful green shift at sea.
Source: Norled on Linkedin
Scandlines and German environmental NGO NABU have opened a new Baltic Sea information space for passengers on ferry DEUTSCHLAND, serving the Puttgarden–Rødby route.
The “Baltic Sea Life” VR exhibition gives travellers insights into the fragile marine ecosystem, including porpoises, seals, and seagrass meadows.
The initiative is part of a long-term partnership focused on zero-emission ferries, reduced underwater noise, and sustainable port operations.
If successful, the concept will be rolled out to other ferries in the fleet.
