- The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the results of the first EU–UK Summit, held on 19 May in London, as a key step towards restoring stronger trade relations.
- ESPO applauds plans to ease controls on animals, plants, and related products, viewing this as a boost for agri-food trade and food security.
- The organisation supports aligning the EU and UK Emissions Trading Systems but stresses the need for coordination with IMO’s global efforts to avoid market distortion in maritime transport.
- Enhanced cooperation on maritime safety and security is welcomed, including collaboration on the ISPS Code, cybersecurity, and responses to shadow fleet activity.
- ESPO calls for rapid implementation to deliver legal certainty, rebuild trust, and enable deeper EU–UK cooperation.
- The ESPO Statement can be read here.
Channel 4 is set to air a new six-part series, Dover 24/7: Britain’s Busiest Port, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Port of Dover. Filmed during the peak summer season, the ITN Productions series follows the teams who keep this critical UK transport hub running day and night. From terminal staff and control centres to the Port of Dover Police and ferry and cruise operators, the programme highlights the expertise, coordination, and split-second decisions behind the 24/7 operation that keeps millions moving.
Read more: https://www.portofdover.com/press-releases/dover-britains-busiest-port/
Watch the trailer on YouTube
Scandlines has been certified as a TourCert Qualified Partner, recognising its commitment to sustainable tourism in Rostock. The certification is part of Rostock Marketing’s sustainability initiative, developed in collaboration with TourCert and the local tourism board.
Each year, over a million Scandinavian travellers arrive in Rostock via Scandlines ferries. As a certified partner, Scandlines will now work closely with Rostock Marketing to support the region’s development as a sustainable travel destination.
To achieve the certification, Scandlines completed a structured self-assessment focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The partnership marks a further milestone in Scandlines’ long-term green strategy.
The certificate was officially presented on 16 May 2025 to Michael Dietz and Jenny Schmigale of Scandlines.
Gotlandsbolaget: Q1 Report Marked by Seasonal Impact and New Operations
- Revenue: SEK 608.6 million (384.9)
- Adjusted EBIT: SEK -177.3 million (-66.7)
- Net result after tax: SEK -225.2 million (37.2)
- Key factor: Integration of Go Nordic Cruiseline
The first quarter of 2025 showed a predictable seasonal loss for Gotlandsbolaget, exacerbated by the inclusion of the newly acquired Go Nordic Cruiseline. Both vessels, NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN, were out of service for upgrades, heavily impacting results.
Cruise demand in the Baltic remained weak, affecting Birka Gotland’s performance. Meanwhile, capital management was negatively affected by unrealised currency changes.
Strategic Updates:
- Launch of Go Nordic Cruiseline (Oslo–Copenhagen).
- Order placed for the hydrogen-ready GOTLAND HORIZON X, a large-scale catamaran.
Leadership Changes:
- Björn Nilsson to become CEO from 7 July.
- Current CEO Håkan Johansson will take on the role of Deputy CEO and lead Destination Gotland.
Political Concern:
The Swedish government has yet to clarify the future of the tonnage tax. Without reforms by 2025, Gotland traffic will be managed from Denmark as of 2027, due to lack of competitive parity.
Looking Ahead:
Summer preparations are under way, with increased departures for Destination Gotland and Birka Gotland. Go Nordic Cruiseline also prepares for its first high season under Gotlandsbolaget ownership, with marketing launched in both Norway and Denmark.
Q1 Report: in Swedish
On 16 May 2025, HIGHSPEED 3 began commercial operations for Hellenic Seaways, serving the Piraeus–Syros–Mykonos–Naxos–Ios–Santorini–Heraklion route. The vessel will operate on this line until 6 October 2025.
- Acquired: Early September 2024 from Fast Ferries
- Purpose: To strengthen Attica Group’s presence in the Crete service market
- Operates alongside: Highspeed 4
Schedule:
- Daily departure from Heraklion at 07:30
- Daily departure from Piraeus at 08:30
With the addition of Highspeed 3, Attica Group aims to enhance connectivity between Piraeus, the Cyclades, and Crete, offering high-speed service during the busy summer season.
The Vincenzo Onorato-controlled ferry company Moby has recently parted with two veteran, German-built vessels: MOBY ZAZA and MOBY DREA.
MOBY ZAZA, now reflagged under the San Marino ship register, has been sold to an Asia-based operator and will serve as a floating hotel in the Far East. The new technical manager is Venture Ship Management Europe, part of the Wah Kwong Group of Hong Kong.
This 40-year-old RoPax ship was built in 1982 by A.G. Weser Seebeck Werft and offers capacity for 1,500 passengers and over 1,500 lane metres.
MOBY DREA, by contrast, is destined for dismantling. The vessel has just been delivered to its new owner and is bound for a scrapyard in Aliağa, Turkey. Built in 1975 at Flenderwerke in Germany, the ship has capacity for 1,700 passengers and nearly 1,000 lane metres.
MOBY ZAZA Photo: Pianeta Navi/Wikipedia
MOBY DREA Photo: Lucarelli/Wikipedia
Strait of Gibraltar Transit Plan Approved – 4% More Pax Expected
The Spanish Ministry of the Interior has approved the Special Plan for Operación Paso del Estrecho (OPE) 2025, a large-scale logistical operation facilitating the summer transit of Maghreb-origin citizens travelling between Europe and North Africa.
- Operational period: 15 June – 15 September 2025
- Expected traffic: Over 3 million passengers and 800,000 vehicles
- Forecast: +4% passengers, +5% vehicles compared to 2024
Key elements of the plan:
- Fleet Plan: Defines vessels, capacity, and scheduled crossings to ensure smooth flow
- Port coordination: Covers 9 Spanish ports – Algeciras, Tarifa, Almería, Málaga, Motril, Alicante, Valencia, Ceuta, and Melilla
- Multi-agency deployment: Involves 20 national and regional organisations, with over 29,000 personnel, including police, health services, and volunteers
The plan also emphasises:
- Bilateral coordination with Morocco
- Advance ticket purchase to minimise port congestion
- Crisis readiness and safety protocols
Now in its 36th edition, OPE continues to be one of Europe’s largest annual seasonal migration operations by sea.
A new player is (possibly) entering the Algerian maritime passenger transport market. Andalouza, a brand launched by Madar Maritime Company—a subsidiary of the public conglomerate Madar Holding—is set to commence operations in June 2025, offering services between Algeria and Spain.
Key Details:
- Operator: Andalouza (Madar Maritime Company)
- Vessel: ROMANTIKA (not yet confirmed by Tallink Grupp)
- Routes: Algeria (Oran and Mostaganem) to Alicante and Almería
- Start Date: June 2025 (remark: how is that possible when the ferry is still in the Baltic?)
The introduction of Andalouza aims to provide a competitive alternative to the state-owned Algérie Ferries, addressing long-standing concerns over service quality, pricing, and capacity constraints during peak travel seasons.
Spanish ferry operators Baleària and Boluda Corporación Marítima have submitted non-binding bids to acquire Naviera Armas. The sale process is being managed by investment funds including JP Morgan, Barings, Cheyne, Bain, and Tresidor, who took control of Naviera Armas after capitalizing its debt.
Key Details:
- Baleària, advised by Deloitte, is bidding for two of the three main operational areas of Naviera Armas: the Canary Islands and the Alboran Sea routes. There is also an option to include the Strait of Gibraltar routes.
- Boluda, advised by KPMG, has partnered with a group of Canarian investors, including Rodolfo Núñez, president of the airline Binter, as well as companies like Satocan and Astican. Their bid focuses on maintaining and strengthening maritime connections within the Canary Islands.
- Spanish media also write that DFDS is interested in acquiring a smaller portion of Naviera Armas, specifically targeting the Strait of Gibraltar routes. Also Stena and MSC are sometimes mentioned.
- The shipping company’s valuation in the sale is estimated at around €200 million.
Trasmediterránea (Balearic routes) was sold to Grimaldi in 2021 and became Grimaldi Trasmed.
On 23 May 2025, Baleària will introduce the high-speed ferry JAUME I to its Tarifa–Tangier Ville route, increasing daily departures from four to six in each direction. The JAUME I has a capacity for over 600 passengers and 150 vehicles. Baleària plans to further increase frequencies to 8–12 daily sailings in the coming weeks, depending on demand.
This expansion follows Baleària’s launch of the route on 8 May 2025, initially operated with the AVEMAR DOS ferry.
Baleària has secured a 15-year concession to operate this route, committing to invest in two zero-emission electric fast ferries by 2027, aiming to establish the first intercontinental green maritime corridor between Europe and Africa.
