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sandra

Mar 02
3

Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies to Launch UK’s First Zero-Emission, High-Speed Ferry

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

Red Funnel Ferries and Artemis Technologies have advanced their partnership to deliver the UK’s first zero-emission, high-speed passenger ferry. The Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry, set to operate between Southampton and West Cowes by late 2025, will utilize electric hydrofoil technology to “fly” above the water, reducing drag and enhancing passenger comfort. This innovative vessel is projected to cut up to 3,700 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, with potential savings increasing to approximately 4,150 tonnes when powered by renewable energy sources. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards sustainable maritime transport in the region.

Source: Red Funnel

Mar 02
3

L’Aures, Yet Another New Ferry Company for Algeria

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

SANTA CRUZ, the former MOBY CORSE is preparing to set sail again between Algeria and the European Continent under the new company name L’Aures.

The name L’Aures likely comes from the Aurès Mountains, a mountain range in northeastern Algeria. This range is historically and culturally significant as it is home to the Chaoui Berber people and played a crucial role in Algeria’s fight for independence.

Recently, the SANTA CRUZ was spotted in Genoa sporting a new livery, as photographed by our colleagues at Shipping Italy. The new company has also launched a website, which is currently under construction, and a Facebook page to provide updates and information to prospective passengers.

Mar 02
3

Saronic Ferries: A New Identity for a New Era

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

Saronic Ferries is refreshing its corporate identity with new colours and a redesigned logo, inspired by the landscapes of the Saronic Islands. The update, created by G Design Studio, reflects the company’s focus on innovation and sustainability.

In 2025, Saronic Ferries will introduce its sixth car-passenger ferry and is also planning Greece’s first fully electric ship.

The company operates five modern vessels, connecting Piraeus with Aegina, Agistri, Methana, and Poros year-round. With 60 years of experience, it continues to invest in fleet and service improvements to enhance the passenger experience.

Photo: Saronic Ferries

Mar 02
3

Ports

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

Mega Battery Park by Lion Storage Strengthens North Sea Port’s Role as an Energy Hub

Lion Storage is set to construct one of Europe’s largest battery parks, named Mufasa, in Vlissingen within the North Sea Port area. Scheduled to be operational in the first half of 2027, this Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will feature 372 Tesla battery packs, offering a storage capacity of 1,400 MWh and a power capacity of 350 MW—sufficient to supply over 200,000 households.

The €350 million project, backed by Macquarie Capital, TINC, and six banks, aims to balance renewable energy supply and demand, reinforcing North Sea Port’s role as a sustainable energy hub. Eneco will oversee the daily operations of the facility.

Read more: North Sea Port

Mar 02
3

Grimaldi Group Expands Its Maritime Network to India

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

The Grimaldi Group is further strengthening its global presence by extending its maritime network to India. Starting this month, the company will introduce a regular service with two monthly departures from Europe to the Indian subcontinent, reinforcing its footprint in the Asian market.

The new route includes strategic port calls in Northern Europe and the Iberian Peninsula, following this itinerary: Southampton – Antwerp – Bremerhaven – Setubal/Vigo – Mumbai. After reaching India, the vessels will continue their journey to the Far East, calling at ports in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China. Additionally, a monthly connection will be established between India and major ports in the Persian Gulf, including Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

Source: Grimaldi Group

Mar 02
3

Bornholmslinjen and Rønne Havn to Conduct New Ferry Simulations

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

Bornholmslinjen and Rønne Havn will jointly carry out ferry simulations to test approach and departure conditions under previously untested weather scenarios.

The decision follows a meeting last Friday between Bornholmslinjen, Rønne Havn, and the Danish Ministry of Social Security and Emergency Preparedness (Safe Waters office) to address reports of incidents at the redeveloped port. All parties were satisfied with the discussions and the focus on operational safety.

“These incidents have been addressed, and we’re now ensuring safe navigation during construction. Previous simulations didn’t include current vessels or all weather conditions, so this initiative is essential,” said Molslinjen CEO Kristian Durhuus.

Rønne Havn’s COO, Thomas Bay Jensen, welcomed the cooperation, highlighting the constructive dialogue and authorities’ recognition of their coordination efforts.

Source: ViaRitzau

Mar 02
3

People

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

Benoît Rochet Appointed CEO of Haropa Port

It’s now official: Benoît Rochet has been appointed CEO of Haropa Port, the Grand Fluvio-Maritime Port of the Seine Valley. His appointment decree has been signed and published in the Journal Officiel, and he will assume his role by the end of the week.

Previously CEO of SEPD, the company managing the ports of Boulogne-Calais, Rochet succeeds Stéphane Raison at the helm of this key player in maritime and inland trade. His tenure begins at a crucial time for Haropa Port, as it navigates major challenges in development and modernisation, reinforcing its strategic role in France and Europe’s transport and logistics sector.

Mar 02
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 07 | No Comments

On 27 February 2025, PENELOPE A (ex-HORSA, 1972) of Agoudimos Lines was removed from her 12-year anchorage in Elefsis Bay and sent for scrapping at the Aliaga yard in Turkey. The former Sealink ferry was purchased in February 1992 and operated on the Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos route until 2013, when her operator went bankrupt. Since June 2014, she had been laid up in Elefsis Bay.

PENELOPE A was the last of three legendary sisters—APOLLO EXPRESS (ex-SENLAC) and AGIOS GEORGIOS (ex-HENGIST)—that played a key role in Greek coastal shipping, significantly contributing to its development.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Stena Line has marked a key milestone with the launch of STENA CONNECTA at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, the first of two hybrid RoRo vessels for the Belfast–Heysham route. The methanol-ready ship, equipped with battery propulsion and rotor sails, is set to enter service in early 2026, supporting Stena Line’s goal to cut CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.

Source: Stena Line

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has secured a 12-month charter for its freight vessel ARROW, which will operate in the Channel Islands with DFDS. Expected to primarily serve the Jersey–Portsmouth route, ARROW will begin port trials and pilotage training before entering service following the 24th March charter commencement. The vessel was acquired by IOMSPC in September 2022 to ensure compliance with the Sea Services Agreement ahead of MANXMAN’s arrival in mid-2023.

Source: Isle of Man Steam Packet Company on Linkedin

The Red Ensign is now flying on TARIFA JET, marking its addition to the UK Ship Register ahead of deployment on the Jersey routes. DFDS Vice President Gemma Griffin highlights the company’s proud history with the UK flag and its commitment to creating new employment and training opportunities. TARIFA JET will begin service on the Jersey–Saint-Malo route on 28th March, with LEVANTE JET to follow on the Jersey–Poole route from 17th April.

Source: DFDS Global on Facebook

Viking Glory turns three in early March and at the same time will celebrate serving three million passengers. For Finns, Viking Line’s flagship offers modern slow cruise experiences, while Swedish passengers see the vessel as a luxury party boat.

Viking Glory launched a new era on the Turku–Stockholm route on March 1, 2022.

Source: Viking Line

French Mediterranean Port of Sète and VIIA are expanding the rail motorway service to Calais. A new platform, equipped with Modalohr technology, will significantly increase the number of trains running between the two ports—meaning fewer lorries on the road.

Will the new SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV, laid up in Leith, be used to house Ukrainian refugees in Scotland, while it awaits its berth being completed in Devonport. According to Australian media talks are ongoing. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said negotiations were underway as to the leasing arrangements of the ship and “when there is an outcome, we will release the details of that outcome”.

Photo: Matt Sudders