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sandra

Jun 14
3

Trasmed Starts a New Concept: The Ferry to Ibiza is also the Hotel

By | 2025 Newsletter week 24 | No Comments

The Trasmed‑Weekend package operates on the Valencia-Ibiza ferry route. Starting 27 June through late September, the overnight service departs Valencia on Friday evenings, with the CIUDAD DE GRANADA ferry staying docked in Ibiza from Saturday to Sunday. Over the weekend, foot passengers can board and disembark freely between 12:00 Saturday and 11:00 Sunday—this ferry essentially acts as a floating hotel before heading back to Valencia on Sunday afternoon.

Source: https://www.trasmed.com/es/ofertas/trasmedweekend (in Spanish)

Jun 14
3

Irish Ferries Launches Pet Dens: The Furriendliest Way to Travel

By | 2025 Newsletter week 24 | No Comments
  • Irish Ferries has introduced complimentary Pet Den lounges on key routes, elevating the pet travel experience.
  • Available on Ireland–UK (Dublin–Holyhead, Rosslare–Pembroke) and UK–France (Dover–Calais) crossings.
  • Light-filled lounges feature leash hooks, water dispensers, seating, snack and beverage service, and sea views.
  • Outdoor deck areas include artificial grass, fresh air, and space for a proper stretch—two legs or four.
  • Launch dates:
      • JAMES JOYCE (Dublin–Holyhead) from 21 June
      • ULYSSES (Dublin–Holyhead) from 1 July
      • Also available on ISLE OF INNISFREE, ISLE OF INISHMORE, and OSCAR WILDE
  • Irish Ferries is the only operator offering pet lounges on both the Irish Sea and English Channel.

With no extra charges, more luggage freedom, and a relaxed onboard experience, Irish Ferries positions itself as the Furriendliest way to cross the sea.

Jun 14
3

Brittany Ferries Celebrates the Joys of ‘Uncommon Holidays’

By | 2025 Newsletter week 24 | No Comments
  • Brittany Ferries is promoting its Uncommon Holidays campaign with a vivid and emotive ad capturing the charm and spontaneity of ferry travel.
  • The creative showcases a long-form story made up of memories and sensory moments, highlighting the uniqueness of travel to France via ferry.
  • Experiences range from spotting dolphins mid-Channel and visiting pink onion festivals to enjoying croissants with a sea breeze and exploring hidden Breton gems.
  • The narrative reinforces the benefits of ferry travel: freedom, flexibility, family moments, and the ability to bring more luggage — or even the family pet.
  • The campaign concludes with a clear call-to-action: “Saving up to 30% on your sailing when you book an Uncommon Holiday with Brittany Ferries.”
  • It aligns with Brittany Ferries’ brand message of creating enriching, off-the-beaten-path travel experiences.
Jun 14
3

In the media

By | 2025 Newsletter week 24 | No Comments

The Attica group plans to invest 700 million euros in the further development of its fleet by the end of the decade, focusing on high-speed ferries for the Aegean and the Argosaronic Gulf.

Naftemporiki

 

Ministers from Greece, Bulgaria and Romania held a working meeting to discuss the development of a transport corridor which will start from the port of Alexandroupolis and end in ports of the Black Sea and the trade routes of the Danube, through Bulgaria.

Ekathimerini

 

DFDS is being linked to the acquisition of Trasmediterránea’s Strait of Gibraltar routes.  A price of 300 million euro is being mentioned.

El Confidencial (in Spanish, paywalled)

 

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Group has notified the Romanian government that it wants to take over the management of the Damen Mangalia shipyard, which has been under insolvency for the past year.

Europa Libera Romania (in Romanian)

Jun 06
3

GNV ORION Welcomed in the Company’s Home Port of Genoa

By | 2025 Newsletter week 23 | No Comments

The newly built GNV ORION has been welcomed in the port of Genoa after completing its long transfer from China, where it was built by the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI).

After some final works due to be completed in the coming days, GNV ORION will begin operating on the Genoa–Palermo route for the next summer season. The ship has a gross tonnage of approximately 52,000, a length of 218 metres, a width of 29.60 metres, and can reach a maximum speed of 25 knots.

She features 433 cabins and a carrying capacity of 1,785 passengers and 3,100 lane metres.

The last two ships (part of the initial four-ship order) will be delivered before the end of 2025 and will be LNG-powered.

GNV ORION also completed its first cold ironing test in the port of Sète, France, before arriving in Genoa.

Jun 06
3

RoPax LEFKA ORI Reassigned to Piraeus–Samos–Dodecanese Route

By | 2025 Newsletter week 23 | No Comments
  • SUPERFAST FERRIES’ RoPax LEFKA ORI will be reassigned to the Piraeus – Samos (Vathy) – Dodecanese (Patmos–Leros–Kos–Rodos) route.
  • Service period: 13 July to 30 September 2025.
  • Previously operated on the Patras – Igoumenitsa – Ancona – Venice route since February 2024.
  • Recently replaced on that line by the fully refurbished SUPERFAST IV (ex-HELLENIC SPIRIT).
  • Built in Japan in 1987.
  • Capacity: 1,500 passengers and 1,863 lane metres.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Jun 06
3

Procurement Launched for Northern Isles Freight Flex Vesselsa Trials

By | 2025 Newsletter week 23 | No Comments
  • Procurement begins for two new freight flex vessels on the Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick route.
  • Vessels to replace HELLIER and HILDASAY, operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries.

Key Features:

  • Increased freight capacity and quicker crossings.
  • Flexible design to accommodate up to 200 passengers during peak periods.

Process:

  • Initial stage: completion of Single Procurement Document Scotland (SPDS).
  • Shipyards will be assessed on financial and technical criteria.
  • Invitation to tender expected in August 2025, with contract award in February 2026.
Jun 06
3

RoPax ISLE OF ISLAY Successfully Completes First Sea Trials

By | 2025 Newsletter week 23 | No Comments
  • First sea trials for MV ISLE OF ISLAY completed successfully by Cemre Marin Endustri in Yalova, Turkey.
  • Trials took place 22–30 May in the Sea of Marmara, attended by CMAL, CalMac, Lloyd’s Register, and the MCA.

Key Trial Activities:

  • Set-up and testing of propulsion systems, generators, thrusters, stabilisers, and electrical systems.
  • Assessment at full load: speed, stability, manoeuvrability, anchor operations, and endurance.
  • Verified performance of propulsion plant, automation, and navigational systems.

Second set of sea trials later this summer, after battery system installation and harbour acceptance tests for the hybrid system.

Jun 06
3

WENATCHEE Becomes Largest U.S. Hybrid-Electric Ferry

By | 2025 Newsletter week 23 | No Comments
  • Vigor Shipyard has completed the hybrid-electric conversion of WENATCHEE, marking it as the largest U.S. passenger ferry to undergo electrification.
  • The 202-vehicle, 2,500-passenger Jumbo Mark II-class vessel is set to return to the Seattle–Bainbridge Island route in summer 2025.

Conversion Highlights:

  • Removal of two diesel generators.
  • Installation of two battery rooms housing 864 battery modules weighing 36 tonnes.
  • Upgrades to propulsion control systems, electrical and fiber-optic cabling, and passenger areas.

Environmental Impact:

  • Part of Washington State Ferries’ System Electrification Program, aiming to modernize six existing ferries and build 16 new hybrid-electric vessels by 2040.
  • Once operational with shore charging, the WENATCHEE, along with sister vessels TACOMA and PUYALLUP, is expected to reduce diesel consumption by over 4.7 million gallons annually and cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 95%.

Next Steps:

  • Sea trials and crew training are underway.
  • Final approval from the U.S. Coast Guard is anticipated before the vessel re-enters service.

Source: Vigor