- Attica Group continues its participation in Greece’s Social Tourism Programme 2025–2026.
- Over 193,000 beneficiaries have travelled with discounted fares since 2020.
- In 2025–2026, the programme will benefit 325,000 eligible travellers, including unemployed individuals, pensioners, and workers.
- Attica offers 75% discounts on round-trip fares; some groups (e.g., people with disabilities) travel free.
- Valid from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026 across domestic routes served by Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and ANEK Lines.
- Deltamarin has secured a basic and detailed design contract for six ‘Next Generation Med’ RoPax ships for Grimaldi Group.
- Set for Mediterranean deployment under Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines, each 229 m vessel will host 3,300 lane metres, over 300 cars and up to 2,500 passengers, with more than 300 cabins.
- These pioneer ships will be methanol‑ready and feature shore power compatibility, silicon hull coatings, optimised hull‑propeller designs and advanced power‑management—cutting CO₂ emissions per cargo unit by 50%+.
- Design work starts immediately, with deliveries slated between 2028 and 2030.
Source: Deltamarin
- DFDS celebrates 150 years since the first Esbjerg–UK sailing in 1875.
- The freight route handles over 100,000 trailers annually (1.5 million lane metres).
- Originally carrying cattle, later Danish exports like bacon, butter, and eggs.
- Passenger services ran from 1925 to 2014, but freight has always been core.
- CEO Torben Carlsen: “The route is a symbol of enduring partnership between Denmark and the UK.”
- Two vessels—ARK DANIA and ARK GERMANIA—offer six weekly departures to Immingham (18.5h crossing).
- Spain’s Ministry of Transport has extended Armas Trasmediterránea’s public service contract on the Cádiz–Canary Islands route until 30 June 2026.
- The route connects Cádiz with Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.
- Main vessel: CIUDAD DE VALENCIA (605 pax, 240 vehicles, 2,564 lane metres), supported by VOLCÁN DE TINAMAR.
- Corporate Commercial Director Óscar Martínez calls the extension “an important step” for island-mainland connectivity and trade—especially for exports like bananas.
- The service is part of the operator’s plan to consolidate its Peninsula–Canary Islands operations in Cádiz and improve efficiency and competitiveness.
- Spain’s Ministry of Transport has extended Armas Trasmediterránea’s public service contract on the Cádiz–Canary Islands route until 30 June 2026.
- The route connects Cádiz with Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.
- Main vessel: CIUDAD DE VALENCIA (605 pax, 240 vehicles, 2,564 lane metres), supported by VOLCÁN DE TINAMAR.
- Corporate Commercial Director Óscar Martínez calls the extension “an important step” for island-mainland connectivity and trade—especially for exports like bananas.
- The service is part of the operator’s plan to consolidate its Peninsula–Canary Islands operations in Cádiz and improve efficiency and competitiveness.
This week, Baleària presented at Tanger City Port the project for the first green corridor between Spain and the Kingdom of Morocco, which will be operated by two 100% electric, zero-emission fast ferries, built in Spain and which will be operational from 2027.
Ships will be built in Spain by Armon, each powered by 16 MW electric propulsion (4× propellers, 11,500 kWh batteries), enabling the 18‑mile crossing emission‑free.
Associated ports in Tarifa and Tánger will be electrified with OPS charging systems (~5–8 MW), recharging vessels in about 40 minutes.
- Stena Line will invest up to £20 million to upgrade Fishguard port with a new linkspan.
- Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2027.
- The new drawbridge will improve vessel access and operational efficiency.
- Stena says the project signals its long-term commitment to the port for the next 30–40 years.
- The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships entered into force on 26 June 2025.
- It sets global standards for ship recycling to protect human health and the environment.
- Applies to ships ≥500 GT on international voyages and to authorised recycling facilities.
- Requirements include:
- Certified Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
- Ship-specific recycling plans
- Authorised and audited recycling yards
- Ratified by key countries including Bangladesh, India, Türkiye, and EU member states.
- The convention aims to raise safety and environmental standards across the global ship recycling sector.
Source: IMO.org
- Elise Caspersen of ZERO warns that Nordland still operates many outdated ferries.
- New contracts are often awarded without emission or vessel age requirements, raising concerns over safety and sustainability.
- ZERO argues that ferry renewal is not just about emissions:
Reliability boosts coastal economic development.
- New vessels improve conditions for crew, aiding recruitment.
- Safe ferries are critical for coastal emergency preparedness.
- The proposed solution:
- Long-term contracts to support investment.
- Early dialogue between counties and suppliers.
- Support schemes to offset the higher cost of zero-emission technology.
- A clear political will for fleet renewal.
(*) ZERO (Miljøstiftelsen ZERO) is a Norwegian environmental foundation focused on cutting greenhouse gas emissions through zero-emission solutions.
ZERO Stands for Zero Emission Resource Organisation
Photo Knut Neerland/ZERO and Source
Rauma Marine Constructions has delivered the second Spirit of Tasmania ferry, marking the completion of one of the largest export projects between Finland and Australia. The vessel, designed for the demanding Bass Strait, offers significantly increased capacity and replaces a 1990s-built predecessor. RMC now shifts its focus toward producing electric ships.
Photo and Source: Rauma Marine Constructions