The Scottish Government has announced that it will implement a direct award of the next Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract to CalMac Ferries Limited.
“This direct award fundamentally changes the ethos of the service by shifting from a commercial arrangement to a model more focused on the delivery of a public service engaged on the particular needs of the communities it serves,” said the Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop.
Millbay Docks in Plymouth (UK) has officially unveiled its upgraded Brittany Ferries terminal, marking the completion of a significant £23 million infrastructure programme. The celebratory event, held on 28 May 2025, was attended by key figures including Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries; Julian Walker, Chief Commercial Officer and Regional Director at Associated British Ports (ABP); and Councillor Mark Lowry from Plymouth City Council.
The comprehensive upgrades include:
Brittany Ferries has become the first French maritime company to sign the European Pact on Artificial Intelligence.
A Responsible and Ethical AI Strategy
The company commits to:
A governance strategy was initiated in 2024 to:
Anne-Laure Fabre, member of Brittany Ferries’ AI Governance Committee, said:
“We put people at the heart of our AI approach. It’s not about the power of AI, but how we control it to align with our values, manage risks, and support sustainable innovation.”
Concrete Initiatives
Brittany Ferries promotes a human-centric, field-based AI approach—serving both employees and customers.
Channel 4 is set to air a new six-part series, Dover 24/7: Britain’s Busiest Port, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Port of Dover. Filmed during the peak summer season, the ITN Productions series follows the teams who keep this critical UK transport hub running day and night. From terminal staff and control centres to the Port of Dover Police and ferry and cruise operators, the programme highlights the expertise, coordination, and split-second decisions behind the 24/7 operation that keeps millions moving.
Read more: https://www.portofdover.com/press-releases/dover-britains-busiest-port/
Watch the trailer on YouTube
Scandlines has been certified as a TourCert Qualified Partner, recognising its commitment to sustainable tourism in Rostock. The certification is part of Rostock Marketing’s sustainability initiative, developed in collaboration with TourCert and the local tourism board.
Each year, over a million Scandinavian travellers arrive in Rostock via Scandlines ferries. As a certified partner, Scandlines will now work closely with Rostock Marketing to support the region’s development as a sustainable travel destination.
To achieve the certification, Scandlines completed a structured self-assessment focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The partnership marks a further milestone in Scandlines’ long-term green strategy.
The certificate was officially presented on 16 May 2025 to Michael Dietz and Jenny Schmigale of Scandlines.
Gotlandsbolaget: Q1 Report Marked by Seasonal Impact and New Operations
The first quarter of 2025 showed a predictable seasonal loss for Gotlandsbolaget, exacerbated by the inclusion of the newly acquired Go Nordic Cruiseline. Both vessels, NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN, were out of service for upgrades, heavily impacting results.
Cruise demand in the Baltic remained weak, affecting Birka Gotland’s performance. Meanwhile, capital management was negatively affected by unrealised currency changes.
Strategic Updates:
Leadership Changes:
Political Concern:
The Swedish government has yet to clarify the future of the tonnage tax. Without reforms by 2025, Gotland traffic will be managed from Denmark as of 2027, due to lack of competitive parity.
Looking Ahead:
Summer preparations are under way, with increased departures for Destination Gotland and Birka Gotland. Go Nordic Cruiseline also prepares for its first high season under Gotlandsbolaget ownership, with marketing launched in both Norway and Denmark.
Q1 Report: in Swedish
On 16 May 2025, HIGHSPEED 3 began commercial operations for Hellenic Seaways, serving the Piraeus–Syros–Mykonos–Naxos–Ios–Santorini–Heraklion route. The vessel will operate on this line until 6 October 2025.
Schedule:
With the addition of Highspeed 3, Attica Group aims to enhance connectivity between Piraeus, the Cyclades, and Crete, offering high-speed service during the busy summer season.
The Vincenzo Onorato-controlled ferry company Moby has recently parted with two veteran, German-built vessels: MOBY ZAZA and MOBY DREA.
MOBY ZAZA, now reflagged under the San Marino ship register, has been sold to an Asia-based operator and will serve as a floating hotel in the Far East. The new technical manager is Venture Ship Management Europe, part of the Wah Kwong Group of Hong Kong.
This 40-year-old RoPax ship was built in 1982 by A.G. Weser Seebeck Werft and offers capacity for 1,500 passengers and over 1,500 lane metres.
MOBY DREA, by contrast, is destined for dismantling. The vessel has just been delivered to its new owner and is bound for a scrapyard in Aliağa, Turkey. Built in 1975 at Flenderwerke in Germany, the ship has capacity for 1,700 passengers and nearly 1,000 lane metres.
MOBY ZAZA Photo: Pianeta Navi/Wikipedia
MOBY DREA Photo: Lucarelli/Wikipedia