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sandra

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.

Apr 06
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

On Friday 28 March, Brittany Ferries marked a significant milestone with the blessing and official naming of its second hybrid vessel, GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE. The ceremony was led by Monseigneur Dominique Lebrun, Archbishop of Rouen, and the ship was named in line with maritime tradition by British sailor Miranda Merron, who had the honour of serving as godmother.

Powered by a hybrid LNG-electric propulsion system, the French-flagged ship is a cornerstone of Brittany Ferries’ commitment to greener cross-Channel transport.

Since April 2nd, all EU citizens travelling to the United Kingdom will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. The new requirement forms part of the UK’s broader border control reforms post-Brexit.

The ETA is mandatory for visa-exempt travellers, including those from the EU, and must be applied for online prior to travel. It grants permission to enter the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes and is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period.

More than just the beginning of a new ship, the steel-cutting ceremony marks the proud restart of shipbuilding in Flensburg. Following the bankruptcy, the yard is once again beginning construction—this time on a new RoRo vessel.

The contracted RoRo vessel with a length of 210 metres and a width of 29.30 metres is scheduled for delivery to SeaRoad in Q3, 2026.

It will have 3,722 lane metres available for freight units, plus capacity for 101 cars (= 4,227 lane metres in total). A special requirement for the vessel is the capability to transport heavy cargo with a unit weight of up to 100 tonnes.

Source: FSG on Linkedin

Mar 30
3

SHIPS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 13 | No Comments

Four New RoPax Ships Ordered by MSC from GSI for GNV

Sources familiar with the matter told Ferry Shipping News that Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has ordered two new RoPax ferries—plus options for two more—from Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China for its subsidiary GNV.

These four new dual-fuel LNG vessels, set for delivery from 2027 onwards, will be sister ships to GNV VIRGO and GNV AURORA. Each will be 218 metres long and nearly 30 metres wide, with a gross tonnage of 52,300. They will have a maximum speed of 25 knots, over 420 cabins, the capacity to accommodate up to 1,785 passengers, and 2,780 lane metres of RoRo cargo.

Each newbuild is expected to cost more than EUR 150 million. The vessels will be financed by MSC and subsequently transferred to GNV under bareboat charter agreements.

The Aponte-controlled ferry company has already taken delivery of GNV POLARIS from GSI, with GNV ORION, GNV VIRGO, and GNV AURORA due to follow in the coming months

Mar 30
3

Sea-Cargo Adopts, Adapts, Improves Two RoRo Vessels

By | 2025 Newsletter week 13 | No Comments

Sea-Cargo announced the purchase and the remodelling of the RoRo vessels MISIDA and MISANA.

The transformation will focus on cutting-edge sustainability initiatives and technological upgrades and will be performed summer 2025.

  • 3 new rotorsails from Norsepower.
  • New optimised propellers from Kongsberg designed for a 14-knots speed to improve fuel efficiency.
  • NOX scrubber by Pureteq.
  • Major upgrade to machinery & control systems from Wärtsilä, including advanced energy- saving features and bridge equipment to compensate blind sectors.
  • Covered weather deck increasing under-deck capacity.
  • Solar panels 1600 m2 solar panels installed on the weather deck cover.
  • Battery and frequency converter systems from NES, featuring an energy pack with shore power and peak shaving.
  • New power management system from Smart Automation, integrating the rotorsail and battery technology for optimal energy efficiency.

Through the implementation of these measures, Sea-Cargo anticipates a reduction of up to 50% in fossil fuel consumption.

The vessels will be renamed TRANS HAV and TRANS SOL.

Mar 30
3

LMG Marin To Do the Basic Design of the Seven New Scottish Ferries

By | 2025 Newsletter week 13 | No Comments

LMG Marin has been selected to deliver the basic design for seven new all-electric small ferries ordered by CMAL, following an international tender won by Remontowa Shipbuilding in Poland.

The concept design for these vessels was developed by NaValue, with LMG Marin now taking on the role of basic designer on behalf of the shipyard—a setup identical to the one used for the Islay-class vessels currently under construction at Cemre.

Scheduled for delivery from 2027, the ferries will operate on lifeline routes across Scotland’s west coast, including Iona, Raasay, Gigha, and others. The project represents a major step forward in fleet renewal and the shift to zero-emission operations.

LMG Marin, part of the Seatrium Group, brings vast experience in sustainable ship design, with over 100 ferries designed globally and a strong portfolio of battery- and hydrogen-powered vessels.

Mar 30
3

Incat’s New Hybrid Ferry Available for Charter – Second Vessel to Follow

By | 2025 Newsletter week 13 | No Comments

Incat Tasmania’s new 78-metre hybrid electric ferry, currently under construction, will be available for charter from the first half of 2026. A second, sister vessel is planned and could follow within 12 months of delivery.

Key features:

  • Flexible propulsion: fully electric, hybrid or generator-assisted
  • Near-zero emissions (ESS up to 12 MWh)
  • Charging capacity: up to 10 MW
  • Capacity: 600 passengers
  • Top speed: 27 knots
  • Flexible vehicle deck configurations with optional mezzanine decks
  • 2 x 230 kW bow thrusters and bridgewing controls

Designed to replace ageing high-speed craft, the vessel combines lower operating costs with compliance to evolving environmental standards.

Mar 30
3

DALEELA Will Sail The Greece–Cyprus Route For A Fourth Consecutive Year

By | 2025 Newsletter week 13 | No Comments

It has been announced that the popular Greece–Cyprus route will reopen for the fourth consecutive year on May 31, 2025. Scandro Holding’s RoPax DALEELA will depart from the port of Limassol, with her last sailing from Piraeus scheduled for September 2, 2025. This season, DALEELA will complete 22 round trips.

Since the relaunch of the line in 2022, 22,582 passengers and 7,641 cars have been transported in total. Notably, on August 23, 2024, the Ministerial Council of the Republic of Cyprus decided to extend the agreement with Scandro Holdings Ltd. for another three years (2025, 2026, and 2027), under the same conditions, including the annual government subsidy of €5.5 million.

Photo: Dimitris Mendakis