All Posts By

sandra

May 09
3

PORTS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

Hydrogen Powers Ships at Berth – a Pioneering Pilot Project in the Port of Gothenburg

As part of a forward-thinking pilot project, green hydrogen is now being used to generate electricity for ships at berth in Gothenburg. The hydrogen-powered generator supplied vessels like STENA SCANDINAVICA and STENA GERMANICA via existing shore power connections — offering a promising solution for ports lacking the infrastructure for traditional OPS.

With stricter EU regulations approaching in 2030, mobile hydrogen generators could be a game changer for ports worldwide seeking to reduce emissions.

https://www.goteborgshamn.se/press/nyhetsrum/#/pressreleases/vaetgas-foersoerjer-fartyg-med-el-i-pilottest-i-goeteborgs-hamn-3384768

May 09
3

Tarifa-Tangier Ville Now Operated by Baleària

By | 2025 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

Baleària started operating the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route on May 8 with the fast ferry AVEMAR DOS. Later, a second vessel will be added.

Earlier, on Sunday May 4, FRS Iberia Maroc / DFDS ended operations on the same route, after 25 years of service.

The company said in a press release it will continue operating its routes between Algeciras-Tangier Med and Algeciras-Ceuta as normal.

DFDS said also it maintains a long-term vision for the region, maintaining service quality and exploring new opportunities for the future.

May 09
3

PEOPLE

By | 2025 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

Management Changes at Gotlandsbolaget and Viking Line

Gotlandsbolaget

  • Björn Nilsson, current vice chairman of the board, will become the new CEO (7 July 2025)
  • Håkan Johansson, current CEO, will become vice CEO and new CEO of Destination Gotland (with immediate effect)
  • Marcus Risberg, CEO Destination Gotland, is leaving and becoming CEO of Viking Line
  • Board member Lars Wedenborn will become the new chairman of the board. (10 June)
  • Ann-Marie Åström will become vice chairman of the board. (10 June)

Viking Line

  • Viking Line Plc’s Board of Directors has appointed Marcus Risberg as the new CEO. (no later than 1 January 2026).
  • He succeeds Jan Hanses, who is retiring after 11 years as CEO and 38 years in the company’s service.

Source 1: https://corporate.gotlandsbolaget.se/sv/bjorn-nilsson-ny-vd-for-gotlandsbolaget/

Source 2: https://www.vikingline.com/sv/investerare/2A1B630434453DB1

May 09
3

ORGANISATIONS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

The Med Became an Emission Control Area on May 1st

The Mediterranean Sea officially became an Emission Control Area (Med SOx ECA) under MARPOL Annex VI on 1 May 2025. The sulphur content in fuel oil for ships operating in the area is now limited to 0.1%, significantly reducing air pollution and delivering major benefits to both human health and the marine environment.

Ships operating in Emission Control Areas for Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter, such as the Mediterranean Sea, are now subject to strict mandatory measures to prevent, reduce, and control air pollution. This new ECA must comply with stricter sulphur content limits than those set by the global standard (0.10% mass by mass (m/m), compared with 0.50% m/m allowed outside SOx ECAs).

Read more on the IMO website: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/WhatsNew-2254.aspx

May 09
3

European Commission Approves Italian State Aid Scheme to Support Maritime Transport

By | 2025 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the re-introduction of Italy’s “International Registry” scheme.

The aim is to encourage shipping companies to register their ships in Europe, which ensures adherence to higher social, environmental and safety standards.

Read more: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/mex_25_1154

May 09
3

MEDIA

By | 2025 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

TV2 Bornholm:

Bornholm–Poland Ferry Route on the Horizon?

The article from TV 2/Bornholm [in Danish] discusses the potential establishment of a new ferry route between Rønne (Bornholm, Denmark) and Świnoujście (Poland), which could commence operations in 2026.

This initiative is being explored by the Danish Ministry of Transport and the Bornholm Regional Municipality, aiming to enhance connectivity between Denmark and Poland.

 

El Periodico:

Baleària Eyes New Ferry Connections from the Port of Alicante

The article in El Periodico [in Spanish]highlights Baleària’s strategic interest in expanding its ferry operations from Alicante to North Africa, particularly Morocco. While the company has already solidified its leadership on existing routes (like Algeciras–Tangier and Almería–Nador), it is now considering launching new connections from Alicante, aiming to position the city as a key hub for future maritime routes to North Africa.

 

Island Echo:

UK Government Rules Out Isle of Wight Ferry Nationalisation

Island Echo writes that the UK Department for Transport has confirmed it will not consider nationalising ferry services or introducing service guarantees for the Isle of Wight, despite repeated and desperate calls from residents and MPs.

 

Kystens.no

Norled Cancelled three Vessels

Because the vessels couldn’t reach the contractual speed, and because of delays, Norled has now cancelled all three units built by Brøderne Aa.

The yard now looks at solutions to sell the vessels, and to secure its future.

The cancellation means that Norled’s routes out of Trondheim will be operated with diesel-powered equipment for the foreseeable future.

Article in Norwegian in Kystens.no

May 09
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 19 | No Comments

Bornholmslinjen’s HAMMERSHUS will undergo her mandatory drydocking from 8 to 21 May 2025. To maintain freight service on the Rønne–Køge route, DFDS’ PATRIA SEAWAYS will be chartered as a replacement.

Scandlines’ new emission-free ferry has successfully completed its first test voyage in the Sea of Marmara, including Sea Acceptance Tests under the supervision of Lloyd’s Register.

The vessel’s batteries, electrical systems, and propulsion were all put to the test during ten days at sea. Now back at the outfitting quay, final verifications are underway ahead of delivery.

The former P&O Ferries vessel NORBANK has been renamed DP WORLD EXPRESS and is now registered under the flag of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The vessel is expected to begin operating soon on a route between Dubai and Iran.

Sister vessel NORBAY is still operating on the Zeebrugge-Teesport service.

Interislander’s rail-enabled ferry, ARATERE (1998), will be retired to make way for the port re-development needed in Picton to prepare for the two brand-new ferries arriving in 2029, KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says.  

Read more: https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/media/aratere-to-retire-as-new-zealands-new-ferries-project-gets-underway/

ROSALIND FRANKLIN, former BRETAGNE, started its service for Baleària on May 7th, connecting the ports of Nador and Almería. She is replacing the CIUDAD DE MAHÓN which will move to the Motril-Tangier Med port.

May 03
3

FINANCE

By | 2025 Newsletter week 18 | No Comments

Higher Profit for Stena AB in 2024

Stena published its results from the year 2024.

Stena Line – Ferry Operations

  • Operates 44 vessels on 20 routes across Europe; over 25,000 crossings carried more than 6.3 million passengers and 2 million freight units.
  • New Dublin–Liverpool route launched.
  • Acquired 49% of Africa Morocco Link (AML), gaining control over two ferry routes between Spain and Morocco.
  • Major Terminal Investment: Partnered with ABP on a GBP 200 million investment in a new RoRo terminal at Immingham in the UK with a 50-year lease – a strategic move to strengthen their North Sea presence.
  • Construction of two new “New Max” hybrid RoRo vessels (Stena Futura & Stena Connecta) began – can run on biodiesel, methanol and electricity.
  • Digitalisation & AI: Used AI for pricing, cargo deck optimisation, and fuel efficiency. The digital customer journey continues to evolve.
  • EU Emissions Trading: 2024 marked the first year of inclusion in the EU ETS, creating cost pressure while fleet transition is ongoing.

Stena RoRo

  • High Activity: Took delivery of three new E-Flexer RoPax vessels, now chartered out. Two more are on order.
  • ALA’SUINU for Marine Atlantic (Canada) – LNG, biodiesel, and battery-ready.
  • SAINT MALO and GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE for Brittany Ferries – 12 MWh battery systems and multi-fuel capable.
  • Purchased and renamed a 2012-built RoRo vessel (ex-Giuseppe Lucchesi) now sailing as STENA SHIPPER under Danish flag.
  • Fleet of 11 vessels, mostly long-term chartered, offering predictable cash flow.
  • Now up to 15 E-Flexer orders, 12 already delivered.

 

Financial Context

  • Stena RoRo and Stena Property were the only business units to outperform the previous year amid economic headwinds.
  • Ferry operations (Stena Line) remained profitable but at a reduced level.
  • A major cost-efficiency programme launched aiming to improve EBITDA by SEK 500 million by 2026.

Stena AB Group – Key Financial Results (2024)

  • Total income (including capital gains and fair value changes):
    SEK 55.7 billion (up from SEK 55.0 billion in 2023)
  • EBITDA (excluding asset sales): SEK 13.1 billion (down from SEK 14.4 billion in 2023)
  • Operating income: SEK 6.4 billion (2023: SEK 6.2 billion)
  • Profit before tax: SEK 3.05 billion (2023: SEK 2.92 billion)

 

Revenue 2024 (MSEK) 2023 (MSEK)
Ferry Operations 19,453 18,892
Offshore Drilling 7,586 6,283
Shipping 14,416 17,013
Property 3,571 3,625
New Businesses 9,105 8,889
Other 38 44
Total revenue 54,169 54,746

 

 

Direct operating expenses    
Ferry Operations –14,031 –13,108
Offshore Drilling –3,651 –3,066
Shipping –9,358 –10,490
Property –1,141 –1,281
New Businesses –6,383 –6,398
Other 13 –18
Total direct operating expenses –34,551 –34,361

Click on photo to access the annual report

May 03
3

Tallink Grupp Annual Report 2024 Published

By | 2025 Newsletter week 18 | No Comments

Financial Highlights – FY 2024

  • Revenue: EUR 785.8 million (↓5.9% from 2023)
  • EBITDA: EUR 175.2 million (↓18.3% from 2023)
  • Net profit: EUR 40.3 million (↓48.9% from 2023)
  • Gross profit: EUR 153.6 million
  • Earnings per share: EUR 0.05 (2023: EUR 0.11)
  • Passengers carried: 5.6 million (↓2.2%)
  • Cargo units: 303,234 (↓6.4%)
  • Net debt: EUR 537.7 million (↓69.6 million)
  • Capital expenditure: EUR 22.4 million
  • Dividends paid: EUR 44.6 million
  • Equity ratio: 53.4%
  • Liquidity buffer: EUR 93.7 million

CEO’s Comments – Paavo Nõgene (Chairman of the Management Board)

Economic & Geopolitical Context

  • Hoped for a stable 2024, but was met with rising geopolitical tensions, weak economic conditions, and lower consumer confidence.
  • Despite these challenges, the company delivered a “satisfactory result in the circumstances.”

Strategy & Performance

  • Chose to maintain premium pricing to reflect the quality of service, even at the cost of some volume.
  • Cargo volumes declined, but profitability improved through strong pricing and efficiency.
  • Passenger pricing strategy followed the same principle: quality requires investment, and investment requires appropriate pricing.

Regulatory & Environmental Challenges

  • Faced new costs from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and other climate regulations.
  • Highlighted growing bureaucracy and reporting obligations, especially related to the new CSRD-compliant ESG report.
  • Warned that environmental surcharges will increase, driven by necessary investments in greener technologies.

Operational Focus

  • Maintained an optimal mix of operating and chartered vessels, including vessel sales and new charter extensions.
  • Focus on tailored and high-quality services on core Baltic Sea routes, with efforts to improve charter revenues from idle vessels.

Outlook

  • Emphasised continued focus on stability, cost efficiency, and customer-centric innovation.
  • CEO thanked shareholders and highlighted the confidence shown by AS Infortar, which increased its stake to 68.5% in 2024.

Click on photo to access the annual report