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sandra

May 30
3

Brittany Ferries Signs EU AI Pact

By | 2025 Newsletter week 22 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries has become the first French maritime company to sign the European Pact on Artificial Intelligence.

A Responsible and Ethical AI Strategy

The company commits to:

  • Implementing strong AI governance.
  • Raising staff awareness.
  • Engaging with European partners on best practices.
  • Defining strategic priorities.

A governance strategy was initiated in 2024 to:

  • Manage risks of generative AI.
  • Develop staff skills.
  • Promote ethical innovation.

Anne-Laure Fabre, member of Brittany Ferries’ AI Governance Committee, said:

“We put people at the heart of our AI approach. It’s not about the power of AI, but how we control it to align with our values, manage risks, and support sustainable innovation.”

Concrete Initiatives

  • Governance:
    A dedicated AI committee was formed in February 2024. A governance charter was shared with teams from January 2024.
  • Training:
    A learning community launched in November 2024. A second cohort is planned for September 2025, focusing on virtual assistants to improve working conditions and operations.
    An e-learning course explains the risks and uses of generative AI.
  • Transparency:
    Internal logo created to mark AI-assisted content verified by humans.
  • Compliance:
    Inventory of high-risk AI tools to ensure legal conformity.

Brittany Ferries promotes a human-centric, field-based AI approach—serving both employees and customers.

May 30
3

ESPO Welcomes Outcome of EU–UK Summit

By | 2025 Newsletter week 22 | No Comments
  • The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the results of the first EU–UK Summit, held on 19 May in London, as a key step towards restoring stronger trade relations.
  • ESPO applauds plans to ease controls on animals, plants, and related products, viewing this as a boost for agri-food trade and food security.
  • The organisation supports aligning the EU and UK Emissions Trading Systems but stresses the need for coordination with IMO’s global efforts to avoid market distortion in maritime transport.
  • Enhanced cooperation on maritime safety and security is welcomed, including collaboration on the ISPS Code, cybersecurity, and responses to shadow fleet activity.
  • ESPO calls for rapid implementation to deliver legal certainty, rebuild trust, and enable deeper EU–UK cooperation.
  • The ESPO Statement can be read here.
May 30
3

Channel 4 Series to Spotlight Port of Dover’s 24/7 Operations

By | 2025 Newsletter week 22 | No Comments

Channel 4 is set to air a new six-part series, Dover 24/7: Britain’s Busiest Port, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Port of Dover. Filmed during the peak summer season, the ITN Productions series follows the teams who keep this critical UK transport hub running day and night. From terminal staff and control centres to the Port of Dover Police and ferry and cruise operators, the programme highlights the expertise, coordination, and split-second decisions behind the 24/7 operation that keeps millions moving.

Read more: https://www.portofdover.com/press-releases/dover-britains-busiest-port/

Watch the trailer on YouTube

May 30
3

Scandlines Becomes TourCert Qualified Partner

By | 2025 Newsletter week 22 | No Comments

Scandlines has been certified as a TourCert Qualified Partner, recognising its commitment to sustainable tourism in Rostock. The certification is part of Rostock Marketing’s sustainability initiative, developed in collaboration with TourCert and the local tourism board.

Each year, over a million Scandinavian travellers arrive in Rostock via Scandlines ferries. As a certified partner, Scandlines will now work closely with Rostock Marketing to support the region’s development as a sustainable travel destination.

To achieve the certification, Scandlines completed a structured self-assessment focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The partnership marks a further milestone in Scandlines’ long-term green strategy.

The certificate was officially presented on 16 May 2025 to Michael Dietz and Jenny Schmigale of Scandlines.

May 23
3

Facts, Figures and Finance

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

Gotlandsbolaget: Q1 Report Marked by Seasonal Impact and New Operations

  • Revenue: SEK 608.6 million (384.9)
  • Adjusted EBIT: SEK -177.3 million (-66.7)
  • Net result after tax: SEK -225.2 million (37.2)
  • Key factor: Integration of Go Nordic Cruiseline

The first quarter of 2025 showed a predictable seasonal loss for Gotlandsbolaget, exacerbated by the inclusion of the newly acquired Go Nordic Cruiseline. Both vessels, NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN, were out of service for upgrades, heavily impacting results.

Cruise demand in the Baltic remained weak, affecting Birka Gotland’s performance. Meanwhile, capital management was negatively affected by unrealised currency changes.

Strategic Updates:

  • Launch of Go Nordic Cruiseline (Oslo–Copenhagen).
  • Order placed for the hydrogen-ready GOTLAND HORIZON X, a large-scale catamaran.

Leadership Changes:

  • Björn Nilsson to become CEO from 7 July.
  • Current CEO Håkan Johansson will take on the role of Deputy CEO and lead Destination Gotland.

Political Concern:
The Swedish government has yet to clarify the future of the tonnage tax. Without reforms by 2025, Gotland traffic will be managed from Denmark as of 2027, due to lack of competitive parity.

Looking Ahead:
Summer preparations are under way, with increased departures for Destination Gotland and Birka Gotland. Go Nordic Cruiseline also prepares for its first high season under Gotlandsbolaget ownership, with marketing launched in both Norway and Denmark.

Q1 Report: in Swedish

May 23
3

HSW’s HIGHSPEED 3 Enters Service on Piraeus–Cyclades–Heraklion Route

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

On 16 May 2025, HIGHSPEED 3 began commercial operations for Hellenic Seaways, serving the Piraeus–Syros–Mykonos–Naxos–Ios–Santorini–Heraklion route. The vessel will operate on this line until 6 October 2025.

  • Acquired: Early September 2024 from Fast Ferries
  • Purpose: To strengthen Attica Group’s presence in the Crete service market
  • Operates alongside: Highspeed 4

Schedule:

  • Daily departure from Heraklion at 07:30
  • Daily departure from Piraeus at 08:30

With the addition of Highspeed 3, Attica Group aims to enhance connectivity between Piraeus, the Cyclades, and Crete, offering high-speed service during the busy summer season.

May 23
4

Two ‘Made-in-Germany’ Ferries Find Very Different Fates

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

The Vincenzo Onorato-controlled ferry company Moby has recently parted with two veteran, German-built vessels: MOBY ZAZA and MOBY DREA.

MOBY ZAZA, now reflagged under the San Marino ship register, has been sold to an Asia-based operator and will serve as a floating hotel in the Far East. The new technical manager is Venture Ship Management Europe, part of the Wah Kwong Group of Hong Kong.
This 40-year-old RoPax ship was built in 1982 by A.G. Weser Seebeck Werft and offers capacity for 1,500 passengers and over 1,500 lane metres.

MOBY DREA, by contrast, is destined for dismantling. The vessel has just been delivered to its new owner and is bound for a scrapyard in Aliağa, Turkey. Built in 1975 at Flenderwerke in Germany, the ship has capacity for 1,700 passengers and nearly 1,000 lane metres.

MOBY ZAZA Photo: Pianeta Navi/Wikipedia

MOBY DREA Photo: Lucarelli/Wikipedia

May 23
3

Ports and Routes

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

Strait of Gibraltar Transit Plan Approved – 4% More Pax Expected

The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has approved the Special Plan for Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE) 2025, a large-scale logistical operation facilitating the summer transit of Maghreb-origin citizens travelling between Europe and North Africa.

  • Operational period: 15 June – 15 September 2025
  • Expected traffic: Over 3 million passengers and 800,000 vehicles
  • Forecast: +4% passengers, +5% vehicles compared to 2024

Key elements of the plan:

  • Fleet Plan: Defines vessels, capacity, and scheduled crossings to ensure smooth flow
  • Port coordination: Covers 9 Spanish ports – Algeciras, Tarifa, Almería, Málaga, Motril, Alicante, Valencia, Ceuta, and Melilla
  • Multi-agency deployment: Involves 20 national and regional organisations, with over 29,000 personnel, including police, health services, and volunteers

The plan also emphasises:

  • Bilateral coordination with Morocco
  • Advance ticket purchase to minimise port congestion
  • Crisis readiness and safety protocols

Now in its 36th edition, OPE continues to be one of Europe’s largest annual seasonal migration operations by sea.

May 23
4

New Algerian Operator Andalouza to Challenge Algérie Ferries on Spain Routes?

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

A new player is (possibly) entering the Algerian maritime passenger transport market. Andalouza, a brand launched by Madar Maritime Company—a subsidiary of the public conglomerate Madar Holding—is set to commence operations in June 2025, offering services between Algeria and Spain.

Key Details:

  • Operator: Andalouza (Madar Maritime Company)
  • Vessel: ROMANTIKA (not yet confirmed by Tallink Grupp)
  • Routes: Algeria (Oran and Mostaganem) to Alicante and Almería
  • Start Date: June 2025 (remark: how is that possible when the ferry is still in the Baltic?)

The introduction of Andalouza aims to provide a competitive alternative to the state-owned Algérie Ferries, addressing long-standing concerns over service quality, pricing, and capacity constraints during peak travel seasons.

May 23
3

Baleària and Boluda Submit Bids for Naviera Armas

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

Spanish ferry operators Baleària and Boluda Corporación Marítima have submitted non-binding bids to acquire Naviera Armas. The sale process is being managed by investment funds including JP Morgan, Barings, Cheyne, Bain, and Tresidor, who took control of Naviera Armas after capitalizing its debt.

Key Details:

  • Baleària, advised by Deloitte, is bidding for two of the three main operational areas of Naviera Armas: the Canary Islands and the Alboran Sea routes. There is also an option to include the Strait of Gibraltar routes.
  • Boluda, advised by KPMG, has partnered with a group of Canarian investors, including Rodolfo Núñez, president of the airline Binter, as well as companies like Satocan and Astican. Their bid focuses on maintaining and strengthening maritime connections within the Canary Islands.
  • Spanish media also write that DFDS is interested in acquiring a smaller portion of Naviera Armas, specifically targeting the Strait of Gibraltar routes. Also Stena and MSC are sometimes mentioned.
  • The shipping company’s valuation in the sale is estimated at around €200 million.

 Trasmediterránea (Balearic routes) was sold to Grimaldi in 2021 and became Grimaldi Trasmed.