On 24 January 2026, Magic Sea Ferries’ new acquisition HSC MAGIC 5 (ex-MAJESTIC DYNAMIC) arrived at the port of Lavrion, transported aboard the general cargo vessel LADY LUCIANA.
The ship was purchased in November 2025 from Singapore-based Majestic Fast Ferry and is the fifth new vessel to join the Magic Sea Ferries fleet.
Built in 2025, HSC MAGIC 5 has a capacity of 343 passengers and operates at a service speed of 36 knots, with a maximum speed of 39 knots.
Photo: Anastasios Anastasiou
Port of Antwerp-Bruges faced heavy geopolitical and operational pressure in 2025, including congestion, trade uncertainty and industrial action.
Key points:
RoRo was one of the few bright spots, confirming continued demand for rolling cargo flows despite a difficult year for European port logistics.
Source: POAB
Stena Line has completed the acquisition of terminal operator Terrabalt in Liepaja, Latvia, and has officially taken over RoRo, bulk and general cargo operations. All regulatory approvals have been granted, and Stena Line is now registered as the owner.
Key points:
Stena Line plans to gradually modernise the terminal infrastructure.
Trade Director Liene Lemane said the deal reflects strong confidence in the Baltic region’s long-term trade potential.
Stena Line will follow a similar development path as in Ventspils, acquired nearly three years ago.
In parallel, the Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority will rebuild berth 46.
The berth reconstruction project is scheduled for completion by 31 December 2027.
The acquisition strengthens Stena Line’s Baltic Sea network, which includes:
The Port of Klaipėda reported another record year in 2025, handling 39 million tonnes of cargo despite ongoing geopolitical pressures.
RoRo and Ferry Highlights
Passenger and Ferry Traffic
Wider Port Context (Brief)
Klaipėda further strengthened its position as the leading Baltic port, with rising market share and continued growth in ferry-driven RoRo activity.
(*) Curonian Spit is a 98km long, thin, curved sand-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea.
Photo: 2025 was truly a successful year for the Port of Klaipėda – 39 million tonnes of cargo were handled.
Source: Port of Klaipeda
Key Ferry Routes
Cruise Highlights
Outlook
Port of Tallinn expects continued growth in both ferry and cruise segments in 2026, supported by positive global tourism trends.
The top executives of Baleària, GNV and Trasmed met with the President of the Menorca Island Council to reinforce institutional cooperation and support coordinated public policies on sustainable island connectivity.
The three operators reiterated their willingness to contribute constructively to discussions on transport and tourism models, balancing connectivity needs with the protection of the island and the daily life of residents.
They also offered to provide operational data and sector expertise to help shape effective mobility solutions.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to maintain ongoing dialogue, underlining that all affected stakeholders must be involved in structural debates on the future of sustainable connectivity for Menorca.
Source: Baleària
The French “CGT Marins” union issued notice of a renewable strike from 2 February, signalling continued tension over market structure and employment guarantees. The strikes will affect the services from Corsica Linea and La Méridionale.
Most CGT actions over the last five years have centred on territorial continuity, labour protection, and opposition to competition from Italian-flag operators in the Corsica market.
CGT protests (again) to authorisations granted to Italian-flag competitors, notably GNV on France–Maghreb routes and Corsica Ferries on Corsica services outside the public-service framework.
There was industrial action earlier this month linked to the planned sale of the RoPax KALLISTE to Turkish breakers.
FRS Rhine Ferries continues its expansion on the Middle Rhine. The company has acquired the long-established ferry operator Schnaas GmbH, which has connected Lorch and Niederheimbach since 1892.
This marks FRS’s third acquisition in the region in just over a year, following the takeovers of the Ingelheim–Oestrich-Winkel route (December 2024) and the St. Goar–St. Goarshausen connection (January 2025).
Source: FRS Rheinfähren
Norwegian Electric Systems has been chosen to provide two onshore charging stations to the Fjord 1 Krakhella-Rysjedalsvika ferry crossing in the Sognefjord, enabling electric ferry operation on the West coast of Norway.
It was already announced during the Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmö. Now the good news becomes reality: Björn Boström joins the Ferry Shipping Summit team as Business Development Manager.
After 17 years as CEO of the Port of Ystad, Björn decided it was time to step down and to use his expertise in new roles, as a consultant, interim manager, or board member.
Björn has more than 40 years of experience in ferry shipping, with companies such as Saga Line, DFDS, Lion Ferry and others.
His broad experience in ferry and port operations, as well as intergovernmental organisations, will strengthen our team of professionals.
Bo-Lennart Thorbjörnsson, CEO of Ferry Shipping Summit, welcomes Björn:
“We are looking forward to working together and are grateful for his knowledge and network, which will benefit the Summit and our weekly Ferry Shipping News.”
