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sandra

Apr 06
3

Tallink Sells STAR I to Irish Continental Group and Replaces Her with SUPERFAST IX

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

Tallink has announced the sale of its ferry STAR I to Irish Continental Group (Irish Ferries). The vessel, previously operating on the Paldiski–Kapellskär route, will be replaced by SUPERFAST IX, which returns to service on April 12.

SUPERFAST IX had spent the past 15 years on a long-term charter in Canada, operating between Newfoundland and Sydney, Nova Scotia. It is currently undergoing preparations and repainting ahead of its deployment.

STAR I had already been on charter to Irish Ferries from June 2023 to February 2025, sailing under the names OSCAR WILDE and later JAMES JOYCE.

As JAMES JOYCE the ferry will enter service on the Dublin / Holyhead route during May.

Apr 06
3

Malta to Issue Tender for New Gozo Ferry by Summer

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

The government of Malta plans to issue a tender for a new Gozo Channel ferry by mid-2025, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri announced in parliament on Tuesday. The vessel will be built to Gozo Channel specifications and replace the leased Greek-owned Nikolaus, which has been in service since 2019 as a temporary solution.

Three of the four ferries currently serving the Ċirkewwa–Mġarr route are state-owned.

Shadow Minister for Gozo Alex Borg called for a broader strategy, urging investment in a new, environmentally compliant fleet using EU funds. He also proposed studying the need for a fifth vessel dedicated to freight transport.

Apr 06
3

Molslinjen Electric Ferries Delayed, Shuffles Fleet Ahead of Summer Season

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

Molslinjen’s two new electric ferries, originally destined for Alslinjen and Samsølinjen, have been delayed at the shipyard in Turkey, prompting a reshuffle of the operator’s fleet ahead of the busy summer season.

The delay means that Alslinjen will have to wait for its own electric vessel. Instead, the electric ferry originally planned for Alslinjen will be temporarily deployed on the Samsølinjen route to ensure operational continuity.

To support the Alslinjen route between Bøjden and Fynshav, MERCANDIA IV from the Øresund Line will be brought in.

MERCANDIA IV will remain on the route from 23 May until August 31, 2025.

In September, ferry FRIGG will operate alone, until the electric ferry NERTHUS takes over service from October 1, 2025.

Apr 06
3

PEOPLE

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

A New MD for Africa Morocco Link

Rachid Houari has been appointed to lead ferry operations in the Strait of Gibraltar as the new Directeur Général (Managing Director) for Africa Morocco Link (AML).

Rachid has done his Bsc in shipping operations in Southampton, his MBA at ENPC Paris, and has more than 25 years of maritime experience in ferry, RoRo, and port operations in the shipping sector between Morocco and Spain.

Most recently, he held the position of Managing Director for three logistics zones companies within the Tangier Med Group, where he previously also had responsibilities for both port and ferry operations.

As Managing Director for AML in Morocco, Rachid will be responsible for managing the two freight and travel routes between Tanger Med and Algeciras, as well as the highspeed route between Tanger Ville and Tarifa.

Apr 06
3

PORTS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

GNV Officially Announced Its Debut Into The Algerian Market

GNV, part of the MSC Group, has announced its strategic entry into the Algerian market — what was expected and has now been confirmed. This move further strengthens the company’s presence in the Maghreb region and expands its international service offering in the Mediterranean.

The Company will add two weekly connections to Algeria to its 2025 schedule, starting from June 3 and until September 30 : Sète – Algiers and Sète – Bejaia , with a weekly frequency.

The ship will be the FANTASTIC. She will operate on all routes, offering onboard services tailored to the needs of the North African market. Passengers will be able to enjoy halal cuisine, a prayer room and areas dedicated to families.

Here is a list of ferry operators serving routes between Europe and Algeria:

  • Corsica Linea: Marseille to Algiers and Béjaïa. ​
  • Algérie Ferries: Marseille to Algerian ports such as Algiers, Oran, Béjaïa, and Skikda. ​
  • Naviera Armas Trasmediterránea: Almería to Oran and Ghazaouet. ​
  • Baleària: Valencia to Mostaganem and Oran, and from Barcelona to Algiers. ​
  • Nouris Elbahr Ferries: Marseille or Alicante to Algiers and Béjaïa. ​
  • L’Aures Ferries: Plans to operate routes connecting Sète (France) to Algerian ports.
  • GNV to start Sète to Algiers and Bejaia.
Apr 06
3

Major Investment for CLdN’s Killingholme Terminal

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

CLdN has announced a multi-million-pound upgrade to its Killingholme terminal on the River Humber, boosting capacity and sustainability for North Sea freight services.

Planned for completion in the second half of 2026, this investment will:

  • Reconfigure cargo handling operations
  • Increase storage and handling capacity for all cargo types
  • Introduce 5 electric RTG cranes, replacing part of the diesel fleet – cutting the terminal’s carbon footprint by 5-10%

This strategic move supports CLdN’s growing connections between Killingholme and its terminals in Zeebrugge and Rotterdam, key gateways to Ireland, Scandinavia and Iberia.

“This investment signals our strong commitment to UK port infrastructure and further decarbonising operations. Killingholme is a vital hub connecting the North of England with mainland Europe.”

– Florent Maes, CEO of CLdN

Apr 06
3

Port of Barcelona Launches First OPS for Ferries at Grimaldi Terminal

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

The Port of Barcelona has become operational with its first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system for ferries at the Grimaldi Terminal, located on the Sant Bertran dock. This system provides 100% renewable electricity daily to ferries connecting to the Balearic Islands, allowing ships to switch off their engines while docked—eliminating emissions and noise.

This marks the completion of the first phase of the Nexigen dock electrification plan, a €200+ million initiative aiming to cut port activity emissions by 47%. Like the OPS installed at the BEST container terminal (the first of its kind at a Mediterranean container port), this OPS is currently in pilot phase for data collection and operational experience.

The OPS installation was done in coordination with Grimaldi Logística España, ensuring compatibility with daily terminal operations. Trasmed, a Spanish subsidiary of the Grimaldi Group, has adapted its vessels CIUDAD DE PALMA and CIUDAD DE SÓLLER to use the system and is already connecting them during port calls.

Apr 06
3

Finnlines Evaluates the Route between Malmö and Świnoujście, One Year Later

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

Five key takeaways:

  1. Successful Launch of Sweden–Poland Ro-Pax Route:

Finnlines launched a daily Malmö–Świnoujście ro-pax service in April 2024, transporting freight, private passengers, and professional drivers. The route has met expectations and complements Finnlines’ wider network.

  1. Infrastructure Upgrades at Ports:

To support the new service, Świnoujście’s terminal area was expanded and passenger facilities in Malmö were improved, enhancing the travel experience and accommodating growing volumes.

  1. Growing Passenger Demand and Group Travel:

Passenger numbers are rising, especially during the summer and holidays. Group travel is also seeing strong growth across all routes, including the new Sweden–Poland connection.

  1. Future Potential and Fleet Expansion Plans:

Despite challenges due to the war in Ukraine, Finnlines is considering adding another vessel to the route when market conditions improve.

  1. Strategic Importance to Sweden:

Finnlines plays a crucial role in Swedish trade, logistics, and security of supply, operating under the Swedish flag and strengthening connections with Finland, Germany, and now Poland.

Apr 06
3

Baleària Warns Vehicle Restrictions Could Undermine Ferry Services and Supply Chains to the Balearic Islands

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

Ferry operator Baleària has raised concerns about proposed limits on vehicle access to the Balearic Islands, warning that such measures could reduce maritime services and disrupt supply chains without solving congestion issues.

President Adolfo Utor argued that maritime transport plays a minimal role in road traffic and is vital for the movement of people and goods. He cautioned that restricting vehicles could make ferry routes less viable, impact local supplies, and shift travellers toward air transport and rental cars, to the detriment of national tourism.

Baleària is urging authorities to seek collaborative, sustainable solutions rather than impose measures that could harm essential ferry connections.