Baleària Enhances Tarifa–Tangier Ville Route with Additional Fast Ferry

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

On 23 May 2025, Baleària will introduce the high-speed ferry JAUME I to its Tarifa–Tangier Ville route, increasing daily departures from four to six in each direction. The JAUME I has a capacity for over 600 passengers and 150 vehicles. Baleària plans to further increase frequencies to 8–12 daily sailings in the coming weeks, depending on demand.

This expansion follows Baleària’s launch of the route on 8 May 2025, initially operated with the AVEMAR DOS ferry.

Baleària has secured a 15-year concession to operate this route, committing to invest in two zero-emission electric fast ferries by 2027, aiming to establish the first intercontinental green maritime corridor between Europe and Africa.

Naviera Armas Plans New High-Speed Route Between Gran Canaria and Tenerife

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Naviera Armas is exploring a new high-speed maritime route between Arguineguín (Gran Canaria) and Los Cristianos (Tenerife).

  • Aims to directly connect the two main tourist hubs of the Canary Islands
  • Designed to ease pressure on the congested ports of Agaete and Las Palmas
  • Would improve inter-island mobility for both passengers and freight

The project is seen as a strategic enhancement of the current transport network in the archipelago.

Finnlines Launches Green Lane – Emissions Cut by Up to 90%

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Finnlines introduces Green Lane, a new sea transportation service designed to reduce emissions through the use of electricity and biofuels.

Key Points:

  • Launch date: 22 May 2025
  • Two Green Lane options:
    • 100% electric-powered shipments (Naantali–Kapellskär)
    • Biofuel-powered shipments on key Baltic routes

Electric Option:

  • Available on Naantali–Kapellskär route using FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS
  • Ships equipped with 5 MWh batteries, charged at berth with shore power
  • Enables fossil-free transport for selected freight
  • Despite larger capacity, CO₂ emissions per nautical mile down by 22%

Biofuel Option:

Routes: Naantali–Kapellskär, Malmö–Travemünde, Malmö–Świnoujście, Hanko–Gdynia

  • Biofuels from renewable sources
  • Up to 90% GHG reduction well-to-wake
  • Example: 700 kg CO₂ reduction per trailer (Hanko–Gdynia)

For Passengers:

  • Available on all Finnlines’ passenger routes
  • Emissions offset with renewable biofuels equivalent to passenger volume

Merna Shipping Announces New RoRo Line from the Mediterranean to Egypt and the UAE

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The Spanish shipping company Merna Shipping has announced a new RoRo service called the Mediterranean Express Service (MES), sailing from Spain, France, and Italy to Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This new service connects Alicante, Marseille, and Genoa with Alexandria, Jeddah, and Jebel Ali.

“The new MES service is designed to provide a reliable, high-quality, and schedule-adherent transportation solution. Our first sailing is scheduled for the first week of June from Alicante, maintaining the announced rotation,” said Operations Manager Ghannem Abdelwaheb.

Earlier this year, Merna Shipping emerged as the buyer of the RoRo ship EUROCARGO ISTANBUL from the Grimaldi Group.

Fred. Olsen Cargo Express Transports Over 300,000 Lane Metres in First Year

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Fred. Olsen Cargo Express has completed its first year of operations in the Canary Islands. Key highlights:

  • Over 307,000 linear metres of freight transported since May 2024
  • More than 780 clients served
  • Approximately 296,000 tonnes of goods carried, including:
    • 63,000 tonnes of food
    • 17,000 tonnes of parcels
    • 20,000 tonnes of construction materials
    • 30,000 tonnes of hazardous cargo

Fleet developments: soon 3 vessels

  • After BENTAYGA CARGO, BAHÍA CARGO joined the fleet in November 2024
  • BREÑAS CARGO to be added this summer, linking La Palma and Tenerife

DFDS and Volvo Trucks Shift to Night Logistics at Port of Antwerp

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DFDS and Volvo Trucks have moved container flows between Ghent and the port of Antwerp from day to night. The focus is on emission-free logistics using electric trucks.

Key Facts:

  • Since October 2024, DFDS has transported spare parts containers for Volvo Trucks during the night.
  • The cargo moves between Volvo’s Ghent distribution centre and Antwerp’s deep-sea terminals.
  • DFDS uses heavy electric trucks.
  • Around 150 containers per month are now moved at night.

Why Night Logistics?

  • Less congestion: Fewer delays and more reliable deliveries.
  • Better use of infrastructure: Roads and terminals are less busy at night.
  • Increased truck utilisation: Vehicles run more efficiently.
  • Smoother planning: Admin tasks during the day support night operations.

Read more: Newsroom Port of Antwerp Bruges

Digital

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

DFDS Expands with Nowhere Networks after a Great First Year

After one year of operational use, DFDS has chosen to expand its deployment of Nowhere Networks’ hybrid connectivity solution. The decision follows positive experiences with the initial rollout across seven freight vessels and multiple European ports.

Full article here

Organisations

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RoPax SANTA CRUZ Added to ITF Abandonment List

  • The RoPax SANTA CRUZ, formerly MOBY CORSE, has been added to the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Abandonment List.
  • On 2 March, FSN reported the vessel was due to restart operations between Algeria and the European Continent under the new company L’Aures.
  • The ship was in Genoa for refurbishment. However, it has not left port and crew members are reportedly in need.
  • Link to ITF Abandonment List: ITF Abandonment List
  • Link to the website of the ferry company L’ Aures (under construction)

Full Ahead: New Podcast from Alistair Eagles

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments
  • Alistair Eagles, a well-known figure in the ferry industry and a regular at our Ferry Shipping Summit, has launched a new maritime podcast.
  • Teaming up with broadcaster and journalist Nigel Thompson, the duo present “Full Ahead”, a podcast focused on UK ships and shipping.
  • The first episode features Chief Officer Harvey Finney, who shares how he entered the ferry world and why he actively encourages young people to consider maritime careers.

The podcast is available on Spotify and other major platforms.

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 21 | No Comments

On 19 May 2025, ANEK Lines’ RoPax KRITI I (built in 1979) departed under tow for Aliaga, Turkey, marking the end of her 28-year service in Greece. She was sold for scrap in March 2025 after being laid up in Elefsis Bay since 7 October 2024.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries’ acquisition (ex STENA) LIVIA has left drydock in Denmark to make her way home (New Zealand). There will be a couple of stops in Europe and the UK before heading to Wellington via the Panama Canal. Her estimated arrival date is 1 July.

Photo: Bluebridge

Africa Morocco Link is set to charter the RoPax AF CLAUDIA for the Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE) 2025, operating between Tangier Med and Algeciras.

The vessel is currently in service on the Venice–Igoumenitsa–Patras route for Attica Group.

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V returned from her second sea trial during last weekend. Rauma Marine Constructions expects to deliver her soon.

Photo: RMC

On 20 May 2025, CORSICA linea became the first ferry operator to connect to the new shore power system at the Port of Sète. The DANIELLE CASANOVA was successfully plugged in, marking a major step toward “zero-emission” calls.

Photo: Port de Sète

CLdN unveiled one of their H5 vessels, SERAPHINE, at Liverpool Cruise Port on 15th May. The RoRo is part of CLdN’s advanced fleet of larger vessels designed to carry more cargo while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Photo: Scott Mackey