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sandra

Sep 05
Love3

Orkney Ferry Replacement Programme: Phase 1 Complete and First Images Released for Consultation

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

The outline designs for new ferries serving the Orkney islands of Westray, Eday, Stronsay and Sanday are now available to view and comment on in advance of upcoming public consultation events at the end of the month. (source: Orkney Government)

Phase 1 is for three large (60m) monohull ferries to serve the outer North Isles (Westray, Stronsay, Sanday and Eday) with existing infrastructure, noting that a dedicated smaller vessel is proposed for the islands of North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray.

The work on Phase 1 has seen the development of an outline design as well as extensive simulator testing of that design.

View the General arrangement plan by Knud E. Hansen

Phase 2 of the Ferry Replacement Programmes will see specifications developed for a large vessel for the South Isles, plus two smaller vessels for Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay and Graemsay and North Hoy. Specifications for two medium sized vessels will also be provided for Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre and for Shapinsay, noting a need for increased capacity on those routes.

More information on the Ferry Replacement Programme is available here: Ferry Replacement Programme – Update

Sep 05
Love3

Wallenius Marine and Knud E. Hansen Launch New RoRo Concept at Donsö Shipping Meet

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

Wallenius Marine and Knud E. Hansen have unveiled a new RoRo vessel design at the Donsö Shipping Meet. The concept builds on the award-winning Sleipner PCTC design and operational experience from the vessels FUTURE WAY and WAY FORWARD.

Despite its compact length of 170 metres, the vessel offers 2,720 lane metres of cargo capacity, equal to 181 trailers. A full-width stern ramp and forward-placed engine room enable fast and efficient loading and unloading.

Propulsion comes from a dual-fuel electric drivetrain (LNG/LBG/MGO/biodiesel) combined with Azipods, providing 360° steerable propulsion for improved manoeuvrability in ports.

The design is future-proofed with preparations for wing sails, shore power, batteries and fuel cells, aiming to further reduce energy use and emissions.

Source: Wallenius Marine

Sep 05
Love3

FRS Express des Îles to Add New High-Speed Catamaran in 2025

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

FRS Group and its Caribbean subsidiary FRS Express des Îles will add a new high-speed catamaran, TOPAZE EXPRESS, scheduled to enter service at the end of 2025.

Ferry Shipping News first published this in week 33: ex Scilly Ferries Vessel Heads To Caribbean.

The 42-metre vessel will operate at a maximum speed of 28 knots and accommodate 400 passengers. Capacity is spread across two decks with 280 seats on the main deck, 120 on the upper deck, plus an open-air aft area.

Source: FRS World

Sep 05
Love3

Drea Sent Back to Italy Amid Controversial Dismantling Case in Croatia

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

The 1975-built DREA (ex MOBY DREA), recently sold by Moby to Med Fuel in Messina, has left Croatia after protests over asbestos contamination. The ferry had arrived in Split for refit work before being scrapped elsewhere, but reports confirmed that workers would remove asbestos-laden walls, with estimates of 350 tonnes on board. Asbestos has been banned in Croatia since 2006, and civil society groups, supported by NGO Shipbreaking Platform, denounced the risks for workers and residents. Following weeks of public pressure, DREA is now sailing back to the Italian port of Crotone.

Sep 05
Love3

Foundation Stone Laid for Turku Port’s New Joint Passenger Terminal

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

On 3 September 2025, the foundation stone was laid for Turku Port’s new joint passenger terminal, part of the Ferry Terminal Turku project. The ceremony gathered project partners, designers, builders and city representatives.

Construction started in January 2025 and will take about two years. The new terminal, named ORIGAMI, will replace the existing Viking Line and Tallink Silja terminals. It is designed for up to 4,000 passengers and will serve all regularly operating ships to Turku.

Ville Niinistö, Chair of the Board at Turku Satama Oy, said the terminal would act as a “gateway to smooth travel.” Viking Line CEO Jan Hanses underlined its importance for Turku as a transport hub, citing more than 50 years of connections between Turku and Stockholm.

Photo: Port of Turku

Sep 05
Love3

French Politicians Publish a Letter in Le Marin to Defend the French Flag

By 2025 Newsletter week 36
  • 18 French politicians (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, Corsica, Occitanie) wrote an open letter in Le Marin.
  • They accuse GNV, controlled by MSC, of “predatory dumping.”
  • GNV operates RoPax routes from Sète to Morocco and Algeria.
  • French Politicians claim MSC injected €290 million in 2024, covering losses.
  • Strategy seen as undermining “sustainable” operators and national sovereignty.
  • French unions denounce unfair competition via Italian ship register.

Source: Le Marin (in French)

Sep 05
Love1

IMAGE CARDS

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

Fraser Shipyards has delivered the innovative ice-strengthened RoRo ferry NIIGAAN ENAAZHEK to the Beausoleil First Nation. The double-ended vessel will ensure safe, year-round service between Christian Island and Cedar Point, Ontario, accommodating 150 passengers and 36 vehicles.

Damen Shipyards has launched the second of four new Island Class ferries for BC Ferries at its Galati yard in Romania. Once delivered, it will be the eighth Island Class vessel built for the Canadian operator. The ferries, based on Damen’s 8117 Electric Ferry (E3) design, are fitted with diesel-electric hybrid propulsion and are prepared for future full-electric operation once charging infrastructure is in place.

The ships will serve routes between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island. The latest generation has also been adapted to reduce underwater radiated noise, supporting BC Ferries’ Long Term Underwater Management Plan to protect marine life, including the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale.

Damen is also supplying onshore charging equipment and will continue to support BC Ferries via its local service hub.

Aug 29
Love3

Irish Continental Group Half-Year 2025 Results

By 2025 Newsletter week 35

Color Group reported satisfactory results for H1 2025, despite fewer passengers and freight units compared to 2024.

  • Revenue: NOK 2.9bn (down NOK 30m vs 2024)
  • EBITDA: NOK 255m (vs NOK 389m in 2024, which included a NOK 45m one-off gain)
  • Volumes: 1.6m passengers, 76,000 freight units (12-m equivalents)

CEO Trond Kleivdal

  • Demand for routes and products remains high.
  • Lower activity due to:
    • Extended shipyard stays for environmental upgrades.
    • Weak freight market.
    • Reduced travel appetite in Norway from weak krone.
  • Group expects a satisfactory annual result. Growth expected in foreign markets.
  • On track with green transition and digital transformation.

Kleivdal warned of rising climate costs hitting the industry:

  • EU Emissions Trading System already adds significant costs.
  • IMO rules from 2028 could lead to double taxation on emissions.
  • Calls on Norway to ensure the industry is not unfairly exposed.

Click on the cover below to access the report