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sandra

Mar 16
3

Fourth Onshore Power Supply Project in Trelleborg

By | 2025 Newsletter week 11 | No Comments

Actemium has been awarded a new assignment by the Port of Trelleborg to continue contributing to the port’s environmental transformation through a comprehensive Onshore Power Supply (OPS) project. This fourth OPS project includes the delivery and installation of new shore connections to ferry berths 10 and 11 as well as a significant modernisation of ferry berths 8 and 9.

The project is also an important part of the Port of Trelleborg’s environmental initiative “Baltic-Green-NET”, which has received EU co-financing. A large part of the energy will be produced locally by two new wind turbines.

Mar 16
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 11 | No Comments

Since 2 March, Small Cyclades Lines’ ferry EXPRESS SKOPELITIS has been undergoing her annual maintenance and refit at Panagiotakis Shipyards (Ambelakia, Salamis). This legendary ferry has been serving the Small Cyclades barren line (Naxos–Amorgos–Donousa–Koufonisi–Schoinoussa–Iraklia) since 1986, performing six weekly sailings year-round.

She is one of the most important vessels in the Greek ferry scene, having continuously served this route for nearly four decades. Built in Greece in 1986, EXPRESS SKOPELITIS has a carrying capacity of 340 passengers and 12 cars and operates at a service speed of 12.5 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

During a public meeting in Jersey DFDS has revealed some renderings of its new ferries.
As reported by local media Bailiwick Express, DFDS is balancing fleet renewal with its pricing strategy, ensuring both competitiveness and service improvements.
These new vessels could significantly enhance connectivity for passengers and freight alike.

Mar 08
3

Irish Ferries Reports Solid 2024 Performance

By | 2025 Newsletter week 10 | No Comments

 Irish Continental Group has reported a good year in 2024, with growth across its key financial and operational metrics. The company achieved revenue of €603.8 million, marking a 5.6% increase from 2023, while EBITDA rose 0.7% to €133.5 million. Operating profit also saw a modest rise of 1.0% to €69.1 million.

Growth in Key Segment Irish Ferries

The Ferries Division demonstrated strong performance, with car carryings increasing by 9.5% to 707,300 and passenger numbers rising by 10.1% to over 3 million. RoRo freight units also grew by 6.0% to 767,200. A significant driver behind this success was the strategic expansion of Irish Ferries’ Dover-Calais operations, with the introduction of the newly acquired OSCAR WILDE (formerly SPIRIT OF BRITAIN), which entered service in June 2024.

“Our decision to expand onto the Dover-Calais route has proven to be a worthwhile investment, contributing to our strong performance despite broader market challenges” said Andrew Sheen, Managing Director of Irish Ferries.

Strategic Expansion and Market Positioning

Irish Ferries has long held ambitions to establish a strong presence on the Dover-Calais route, which represents a crucial freight corridor between the UK and France. The Channel market remains highly competitive, with Eurotunnel, DFDS, and P&O Ferries all vying for market share.

“Freight-wise, the Channel is a strong market for traffic from Britain, with an overall market of 4 million freight units split between ferries and the tunnel. We have always aimed to be present in strong markets,” said Andrew Sheen. “On short-sea routes: we can operate five return sailings on Dover–Calais, whereas a ship on the Ireland–France route can only manage one sailing per day. Hauliers are unlikely to pay the premium required to achieve the same return on an asset for a direct long route compared to a short-sea route. Strategically, short-sea routes have always been where we see the value.”

Irish Ferries has strengthened its position through a space charter agreement with P&O Ferries, enabling more efficient vessel utilisation and reducing haulier wait times.

This partnership, structured on a “turn up and go” basis, allows for seamless freight transportation between both operators’ vessels, offering hauliers increased flexibility. “It’s as close to a ‘floating bridge’ as you can get,” Sheen explained. “It enhances efficiency and levels the playing field in competition with the tunnel.”

While Brexit has not led to significant growth in the Ireland-UK freight market, there has been noticeable expansion on the Ireland-France and Britain-France routes. Irish Ferries’ network now provides a comprehensive landbridge solution for hauliers moving between Ireland and continental Europe, offering time savings compared to direct sailings from Ireland to France.

 Operational Efficiency and Future Plans

The efficiency-driven approach of Irish Ferries is evident not only in its Dover-Calais operations but across its entire network. The company is actively exploring how its partnership with P&O Ferries can be extended to passenger traffic, with the aim of implementing a shared capacity arrangement ahead of the peak summer season.

Despite industry challenges, including fluctuating fuel costs and regulatory changes under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), Irish Ferries remains financially resilient. With a strong balance sheet and strategic investments, the company is well-positioned for the future.

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Mar 08
3

Baleària Strengthens Its Fleet with €300M Investment Amid Expansion and Sustainability Goals

By | 2025 Newsletter week 10 | No Comments

Baleària has reported solid financial results for 2024, with an EBITDA of €130 million, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by a 6% rise in revenue, reaching €691 million, reinforcing the company’s financial stability. However, net profit fell 36% to €25 million, mainly due to higher depreciation, financing costs, and environmental compliance expenses.

Despite these financial pressures, Baleària tripled its investments to over €300 million, prioritising fleet renewal and efficiency enhancements. The company also announced the appointment of Guillermo Utor as its new vice president and board member.

Expanding Routes and Growing Passenger Traffic

Operating 28 routes across five countries with a fleet of around 40 vessels, Baleària remains a leader in passenger transport, which accounts for 61% of its revenue. In 2024, it carried:

  • 5.6 million passengers (+8%)
  • 1.5 million vehicles (+10%)

The Balearic Islands remain the core market, with 50% of passengers travelling on these routes. The Ceuta connections continue to be the second-most popular, while the Melilla-Málaga route saw the highest growth.

Internationally, Morocco is the key market, contributing 18% of total passengers. This presence is set to grow with the launch of the first green shipping corridor between Tarifa and Tangier Ville. Additionally, Baleària has expanded operations in Algeria, introducing three new routes that performed strongly over the summer.

Freight Business and Strategic Markets

Baleària transported 7.6 million lane metres of cargo in 2024, a 3% increase, playing a vital role in logistics.

  • 60% of cargo traffic is on Balearic routes, maintaining stable volumes in a competitive market.
  • Morocco is emerging as a key freight hub, now representing 30% of total cargo traffic, with strong potential for further growth.

Advancing Sustainability: Lowering Emissions Amid Increased Operations

Despite sailing 1.8 million miles (+1.4%), Baleària reduced its total CO₂ emissions for the first time (excluding pandemic years):

  • 15,000 tonnes less CO₂ (-2%)
  • -3.3% CO₂ per mile
  • -9.5% CO₂ per passenger

These achievements stem from improved operational efficiency and a 184% increase in LNG usage. Baleària is also testing bioLNG, trialling it on its latest vessels, Margarita Salas and Rusadir, as part of its transition towards alternative energy.

Regulatory Challenges and a €1B Investment in Sustainable Shipping

Baleària has committed €1 billion (2017–2028) to a more sustainable fleet, balancing operational excellence with environmental responsibility. However, regulations significantly impact costs:

  • €9M in compliance costs in 2024
  • Expected to rise to €26M in 2025

With the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) now in force, covering 40% of emissions in 2024 and increasing to 70% in 2025, plus upcoming low-carbon fuel mandates and the Mediterranean’s designation as a sulphur emission control area (SECA) from May 2025, Baleària faces escalating financial and operational pressures.

Looking Ahead: New Ships and International Expansion

Baleària is investing in new shipbuilding projects:

  • A third high-tech LNG-powered catamaran, launching in late 2025.
  • Two fully electric fast ferries for the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route, ensuring zero-emission operations.

The company is also expanding internationally, with plans to strengthen its Algerian network and introduce a Dominican Republic–Puerto Rico route.

Source: Baleària (in Spanish)

Mar 08
3

Wasaline Achieves Record-Breaking February Performance

By | 2025 Newsletter week 10 | No Comments

Wasaline has reported its best February ever, setting new records in both passenger numbers and freight transport. The northernmost shipping line saw 16,415 passengers travel between Vaasa (Finland) and Umeå (Sweden), a 14.6% increase compared to last year. Freight volumes also reached an all-time high for February, with 1,828 units transported, marking 8% growth from 2024.

Photo: Christoffer Bjorklund

Mar 08
3

SHIPS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 10 | No Comments

This Is How Axferries’ Renewed and Partially Electrified Ships Will Look Like

The new operator of the Ålandstrafiken ferry network, Axferries—a joint venture between the Åland government and Finferries—has unveiled its new livery.

 Background: The formation of Axferries was prompted by the bankruptcy of Nordic Jet Line in the summer of 2024, which posed significant risks to the infrastructure of Åland’s archipelago transportation. In response, Finferries’ associated company, Ansgar Ab, intervened to stabilize the situation. Subsequently, Finferries acquired full ownership of Ansgar and initiated discussions with the Åland government, leading to the establishment of Axferries.

 Objectives: Axferries aims to be a long-term operator in Åland’s archipelago traffic, focusing on providing stability and quality. The company is committed to developing and renewing Åland’s archipelago traffic in collaboration with Finferries, leveraging their expertise in green transition to work towards climate-smart, stable, and efficient maritime traffic.

Mar 08
3

Delcomar Only Bidder for the Short Sea Shipping Routes in Sardinia

By | 2025 Newsletter week 10 | No Comments

The Franco Del Giudice-controlled ferry company Delcomar has emerged as the sole bidder for the tenders launched to award subsidised maritime continuity services to the smaller islands in Sardinia.

The latest public procedure launched by the regional government, valued at a total of EUR 188.8 million for a period of 72 months, received two separate offers: one from Delcomar for the La Maddalena – San Pietro route and another from its subsidiary, Ensamar, for the service to Asinara Island.

In the coming days, a tender commission will be appointed to evaluate the submitted offers and verify the required documentation.

Mar 08
4

ANEK LINES’ KRITI II Sold for Scrap

By | 2025 Newsletter week 10 | No Comments

It has been reported that ANEK LINES’ KRITI II has been sold for scrap for $3.6 million USD. According to ATTICA GROUP, the profit from this transaction was €0.2 million. The large RoPax vessel was laid up in Elefsis Bay on 2 November 2024.

Originally built in Japan in 1979, KRITI II was purchased from Japan in 1996 and became one of the largest RoPax ferries operating on the Patras-Italy service. She was initially deployed on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Ancona route in June 1997, but also served on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Venice and Patras-Igoumenitsa-Trieste routes.

Domestically, she was actively involved in ferry services, particularly on the Piraeus-Heraklion route. In 2009, she briefly operated on the Piraeus-Chios-Mytilene-Lemnos-Thessaloniki service. After 28 years of service in Hellenic Coastal Shipping, KRITI II is expected to depart for scrapping in the coming days.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Mar 08
3

Saronic Ferries’ YABUSA Arrives in Greece from China

By | 2025 Newsletter week 10 | No Comments

On 4 March 2025, the latest addition to Saronic Ferries fleet, YABUSA (ex-HAYABUSA NO.3), arrived in Greece after a 66-day voyage from China. The vessel departed from the Port of Shanghai on 29 December 2024 and docked at Neos Molos Drapetsonas, where she will undergo final conversion into a car/passenger ferry.

YABUSA is the sixth vessel in the Saronic Ferries fleet and will operate on the Piraeus-Aegina-Poros route. Built in Japan in 2000, she was purchased from Seikan Ferry in 2024 and underwent part of her conversion at the COSCO Shipyard in Shanghai.

Saronic Ferries is a consortium operating a fleet of five modern ships in the Saronic Gulf. The company connects Piraeus with Aegina, Agistri, Methana, and Poros year-round, providing reliable service 365 days a year.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos