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sandra

Mar 21
3

Grimaldi Group Takes Delivery of ECO NAPOLI, Completing GG5G Fleet

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

The Grimaldi Group has officially taken delivery of ECO NAPOLI, the final ship in its Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) class. This marks the completion of a 14-ship hybrid ro-ro fleet, the largest and most eco-friendly of its kind.

Key Features of ECO NAPOLI:

Size & Capacity

  • 238 metres long, 34 metres wide, 67,311 GT
  • Can carry 7,800 lane metres of rolling cargo (~500 trailers & 180 cars)

Fuel Efficiency & Sustainability

  • Same fuel consumption as previous-generation roro ships, for double cargo capacity
  • Hybrid engines with an exhaust gas cleaning system
  • Zero emissions in port, using 5 MWh lithium batteries charged via shaft generators and solar panels

Deployment

  • Expected to arrive in the Mediterranean in May
  • Will operate on the Gemlik – Ambarli – Patras – Trieste route

“With ECO NAPOLI, our GG5G fleet is now complete, revolutionising short-sea shipping in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Group.

Mar 21
3

Unity Line sells WOLIN to A-Ships Management

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

On 18 March 2025, Unity Line delivered its RoPax WOLIN to the Athens-based A-Ships Management. The vessel has been renamed GOLDEN CARRIER.

Originally built in Norway in 1986 as a pure train/cargo ferry for SweFerry, she initially operated on the Helsingborg–Copenhagen route under DanLink as the ØRESUND. In July 2000, she was reassigned to the Copenhagen–Malmö route operated by Scandlines. A year later, in 2001, she was sold to Sea Containers and sent to Landskrona/Remontowa shipyard (Gdańsk) for conversion into a RoPax ferry, a process completed in 2002.

Following her conversion, she was chartered to SeaWind Line, renamed SKY WIND, and deployed on the Stockholm–Långnäs–Turku line until August 2007. She was then sold to Unity Line and operated on the Świnoujście–Trelleborg route as WOLIN until 31 January 2025.

The ship is expected to arrive in Greece in early April, where she will undergo minor modifications before entering service on the Adriatic route in June. GOLDEN CARRIER has a capacity for 370 passengers and 1,770 lane metres, with a service speed of 18 knots.

Photo: A-Ships Management

Mar 21
3

Italy Launches Public Consultation on Maritime Transport Services

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has launched a public consultation to assess the future of maritime transport services between the mainland and the country’s major islands. The initiative comes as several public service contracts for ferry routes are set to expire between 2025 and 2026, requiring a reassessment of service needs.

Key Routes Under Review

In 2020, four ferry routes were returned to the free market after an evaluation by the Transport Regulation Authority (ART), removing public service obligations (PSO):

  • Livorno-Cagliari (freight only)
  • Ravenna-Brindisi-Catania (freight only)
  • Naples-Palermo (passengers and freight, winter PSO only)
  • Genoa-Olbia-Arbatax (passengers and freight)

Meanwhile, the Civitavecchia-Olbia service, which still operates under public service obligations, requires a renewal decision by April 2025. Several other PSO contracts for Sardinia and Sicily will also expire in 2026.

Assessing the Market’s Capability

The consultation aims to determine whether the free market can ensure reliable transport links between the mainland and islands or if government intervention is needed to maintain accessibility and affordability for passengers and freight. Special attention is being given to the transport of live animals and carcasses on the Livorno-Olbia route during the summer.

Industry and Public Input Sought

The Ministry is inviting consumer associations, transport operators, and logistics companies to share feedback on service needs, challenges, and potential improvements. Stakeholders can submit their input by 4 April 2025 via dg.tm@pec.mit.gov.it.

Mar 21
3

DIGITAL

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

GNV Tests RINA’s Smart System to Cut Fuel Use on New Ship

GNV is using RINA’s SERTICA Performance on its newest ship, GNV POLARIS, starting with tests during the vessel’s first journey from China to Italy. This smart system helps monitor fuel use, improve efficiency, and optimise operations.

How It Works:

Real-time Monitoring

  • Sensors on board track key data like fuel consumption and engine power.
  • The system gives a clear picture of energy use for the crew and onshore teams.

Better Fuel Efficiency

  • Tests identified two best ways to run the ship for minimum fuel use.
  • Simulations at different speeds helped find the most efficient setup.
  • The system was tested on the Genoa-Palermo route, confirming accurate fuel-saving predictions.

Smart Learning for the Future

  • A machine learning model of the ship predicts performance over time.
  • It helps plan maintenance, like cleaning the hull or adjusting engines, to keep fuel use low.
  • The system can also simulate different routes to find the best settings for new journeys.
Mar 21
3

PORTS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

The Swedish Maritime Administration and Ports of Stockholm Establish a Joint Maritime Traffic Centre

The Swedish Maritime Administration and Ports of Stockholm are taking a historic step by establishing a joint maritime traffic centre in Stockholm. The co-operation will enhance the efficiency and safety of vessel traffic from Oxelösund in the south and up along the entire northern coast of Sweden.

Read More: PortsofStockholm

Photo: Erik Eklund, Director General of the Swedish Maritime Administration and Magdalena Bosson, CEO Ports of Stockholm

Mar 21
3

Two New Berths for RoRo Traffic Opened in Civitavecchia

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

The port of Civitavecchia in Italy now has two new berths available for RoRo traffic.

Pino Musolino, head of the local port authority, highlighted that the newly built quays No. 33 (340 metres long) and No. 34 (320 metres long) have made it possible to add 50,000 square metres of space ashore.

The first ship call at the new Berth No. 33 took place with the arrival of the 200-metre vehicle carrier THERMOPYLAE, a vessel managed by the shipping agency Medov. It arrived from Marseille-Fos to unload approximately 1,400 new KIA cars, employing around 40 dock workers from Ant. Bellettieri, Coop. Cilp, and Compagnia Portuale di Civitavecchia port companies.

Mar 21
3

PEOPLE

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

Cas König Joins North Sea Port as New CEO

North Sea Port Supervisory Body appoints Cas König as the port authority’s new CEO. König, who has extensive experience in sustainability and economics and is currently CEO of Groningen Seaports, will start work on 2 June.

North Sea Port = the ports of Gent (BE), Terneuzen and Vlissingen (NL)

Source and more: North Sea Port

Mar 21
3

ORGANISATIONS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

Joint Statement: ECSA & SEA Europe on Maritime Industrial Strategy

European Shipowners (ECSA) and SEA Europe, representing European shipyards and maritime equipment manufacturers, have issued a joint statement urging the European Commission to prioritise the maritime sector in its European Industrial Maritime Strategy and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan.

Key Points:

  • Strengthening competitiveness: Enhance sustainability and resilience in European maritime manufacturing.
  • Level playing field: Maintain international competitiveness through fair regulatory and taxation policies.
  • Financial incentives: Encourage demand for low- and zero-emission ships and retrofits.
  • Clean fuel production: Introduce binding obligations to ensure Europe’s leadership in sustainable fuels.
  • Access to finance: Allocate EU ETS revenues and other funding tools to support maritime innovation.

Read the full statement here: Download the document

Mar 21
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

Shipbrokers Ferrando & Massone announced the sale of the high-speed catamaran FARES 1. Built by Austal in 2002, this vessel boasts a capacity of 450 passengers and 45 cars, with a service speed of 33 knots.

Originally operating in the Red Sea, FARES 1 has now been acquired by a Turkish operator and will soon embark on a new chapter, connecting southern Turkey with Cyprus and Lebanon. This transition marks a shift from its long-standing operations in Saudi Arabia to a new role in the Mediterranean.

After a three-week break due to planned dry-docking, the Tallink Silja Line’s passenger vessel BALTIC PRINCESS is back in regular traffic on the company’s Turku–Stockholm route since Wednesday, 19 March 2025,  boasting with completely renewed main passenger areas for even more passenger comfort.

Photo: BLRT Turku Ship Repair Yard, Karl Kõrgma

Mar 16
3

Attica Group Reports Strong 2024 Results Following ANEK Integration

By | 2025 Newsletter week 11 | No Comments

Attica Group has successfully completed its first full year following the merger with ANEK, marking a transformative period that has positioned the company among the world’s largest passenger and freight ferry operators. The results for 2024 highlight substantial revenue growth, continued investment in fleet renewal and digital transformation, as well as a strategic expansion into complementary sectors.

Financial Highlights

  • Revenue Surge: Attica Group recorded a 27% increase in revenue, reaching €747.8 million (compared to €588.3 million in 2023), driven primarily by the integration of ANEK.
  • EBITDA Performance: EBITDA stood at €96.3 million, or €101.5 million including fuel hedging impact (€126.4 million in 2023).
  • Net Profit: Despite strong financial performance, net profits amounted to €17.5 million, significantly impacted by one-off merger-related costs (€28.2 million) associated with the ANEK integration.
  • Major Investments: A total of €162 million was allocated for fleet expansion, digitalisation, and sustainability initiatives.

Fleet and Operational Expansion

Following the merger, Attica Group now operates a fleet of 42 vessels under the Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and ANEK Lines brands. This includes:

  • 27 conventional RoPax vessels
  • 13 high-speed ferries
  • 2 RoRo freight vessels

Key transactions in 2024 include:

  • Acquisition of new E-Flexer vessels, under long-term charter with an option to purchase.
  • Purchase of Highspeed 3 (formerly THUNDER), KISSAMOS, and KYDON, expanding the high-speed and RoPax fleet.
  • Sale of KRITI II for recycling in line with European and Greek environmental regulations.

Traffic Growth & Market Position

The group’s transportation volumes increased significantly across all segments:

  • 29 million passengers (+12.3% vs. 2023)
  • 3 million private vehicles (+25%)
  • 530,000 freight units (+26.2%)
  • 18,185 sailings (+6.3%)

This growth was evident in both the Greek domestic network (Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, North Aegean, Saronic, and Sporades) and international routes connecting Greece and Italy (Ancona, Bari, and Venice).

Investing in the Future

Attica Group continues to drive sustainable growth through investment in:

  • Green transition: Installation of scrubbers and energy-efficient systems to optimise fleet operations.
  • Digital transformation: Enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
  • Hospitality expansion: Acquisition of a second hotel complex in Naxos (€14 million investment), reinforcing the group’s presence in the tourism sector.

Looking ahead, Attica Group aims to further capitalise on the synergies from the ANEK integration, optimise fleet operations, and strengthen its competitive edge through sustainability and digitalisation initiatives.

The full financial statements for 2024 are available on the websites of the Athens Stock Exchange (www.athexgroup.gr) and Attica Group (www.attica-group.com).