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sandra

Jul 06
Love3

AYK Energy’s OrionAN Batteries Selected for Grimaldi’s Next RoPax Ships

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Battery manufacturer AYK Energy has secured a contract to supply its 2,073 kWh OrionAN batteries for nine RoPax vessels being built for Grimaldi Group as part of the operator’s fleet renewal programme.

The vessels are under construction at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) and are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030. Six will operate in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands, while three will be deployed by Finnlines in the Baltic Sea.

The batteries are part of AYK’s latest product range, which received DNV type approval last year. According to the company, the approval confirms compliance with maritime safety and performance standards.

Jul 06
Love3

CMAL Takes Ownership of Three Vessels Under Construction at Cemre

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has taken ownership of the three remaining vessels under construction at Cemre Shipyard in Türkiye as a precautionary measure to support their completion and delivery.

The vessels, LOCH INDAAL, LOCHMOR and CLAYMORE, are now assets of CMAL, although construction work continues at the Turkish shipyard.

CMAL said the decision was taken against the backdrop of exceptionally challenging economic conditions affecting Cemre and many businesses in the region. The company cited global economic pressures, including the impacts of the conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, as well as disruption in the Red Sea.

By taking ownership of the vessels ahead of formal delivery, CMAL aims to protect the project and help ensure the successful completion of the much-needed ferries for Scotland’s island communities.

The announcement follows the successful completion of sea trials by LOCH INDAAL, marking a significant milestone in the construction programme.

Photo: Cemre Shipyard

Jul 06
Love3

New Shore Power Connection Operational in Puttgarden

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

A new shore power facility has entered service in Puttgarden, enabling Scandlines to supply its ferries with electricity on both sides of the Fehmarn Belt.

The project included the installation of 11 km of power cable and provides a connection capacity of 15 MW.

The facility complements the shore power connection in Rødby, which became operational in March alongside the introduction of BALTIC WHALE on the Puttgarden–Rødby route.

Jul 06
Love3

Belfast Harbour Reports Strong 2025 Results

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Belfast Harbour reported turnover of £97.1 million in 2025, up 10.2 %, while underlying profit before tax increased by 21 % to £44.4 million.

Trade volumes remained stable at 24.3 million tonnes, and the port invested £39.4 million in infrastructure during the year. RoRo freight reached a record 625,000 freight units, up 1 % year-on-year and accounting for around 56 % of total port trade tonnage. Belfast Harbour also marked 30 years of partnership with Stena Line, whose new hybrid freight vessels STENA FUTURA and STENA CONNECTA are expected to increase capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route by 40 %.

The port also welcomed 147 cruise calls, bringing more than 320,000 visitors to the city and generating an estimated £25 million for the local economy.

Belfast Harbour noted that its operational emissions have been reduced by 70 % since 2015, keeping it on track to achieve net-zero operational emissions before 2030.

Click on the picture to access the annual report

Jul 06
Love3

Eemshaven–Norway Ferry Project Takes Another Step

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Plans for a possible new ferry service between Eemshaven and Arendal have moved a step closer, following confirmation of financing for a new ferry quay in Eemshaven.

The investment would provide the port infrastructure needed for a future RoPax service. However, the project is still at an early stage and there is no guarantee yet that the route will actually materialise.

The planned connection is linked to Njordic Ferry Lines and would restore a direct ferry link between the Netherlands and Norway.

Source: Groningen Seaports

Jul 06
Love3

Ystad Welcomes Defence Committee Support for Poland Rail Ferry Link

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

The Port of Ystad has welcomed the Swedish Defence Committee’s latest report, which highlights the need to safeguard rail ferry services between Sweden and Poland.

Ystad is Sweden’s only port with a rail ferry connection to Poland. According to the port, rail freight volumes on the route increased by 168% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

The Defence Committee’s recognition of the link’s strategic importance for security of supply, military mobility and total defence could strengthen the case for long-awaited infrastructure investments by the Swedish government and the Swedish Transport Administration.

Port CEO Veronika Leo said the report creates new opportunities to secure the future of the rail ferry service and develop the surrounding infrastructure.

Defence Committee member Mikael Larsson noted that Ystad’s role as a gateway to Poland is becoming increasingly important as robust transport chains and security of supply move higher up the national agenda.

The port said it looks forward to continued discussions with the Defence Committee, the Armed Forces and the Swedish Transport Administration on turning the report’s recommendations into concrete measures.

Jul 06
Love3

Surikat to Support BC Ferries Cargo Operations Modernisation

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Surikat has launched a Discovery and Blueprint project with BC Ferries to optimise the operator’s drop trailer business at the terminals of Duke Point Terminal, Swartz Bay Terminal and Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

The project aims to reduce manual processes, improve real-time data visibility, support data-driven decision-making, and enhance dispatching, scheduling and customer collaboration. It will also prepare the ground for the future implementation of Surikat’s cloud-based Lynx platform.

According to Surikat, the project represents the first step in a longer-term partnership focused on the digitalisation of ferry terminal and logistics operations.

https://www.surikat.se/news/pr-bcferries

Jul 06
Love3

GNV Introduces AI-Powered Ticket Booking

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

GNV has launched Ginevra AI, described as the ferry industry’s first conversational AI assistant capable of completing the entire ticket booking process through a natural-language conversation on the company’s website.

Passengers can describe their journey, travel party, dates and destination, with the AI guiding them through the booking process up to payment. The launch forms part of GNV’s wider digitalisation strategy, alongside a new online check-in system with mobile boarding passes and an updated loyalty programme.

Jul 06
Love3

DFDS Welcomes Michael Hansen, the New CEO

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Since 1 July 2026, DFDS has a new President & CEO. Michael Hansen, formerly President & CEO of Hempel, has succeeded Torben Carlsen at the helm of the company.

The appointment became effective on 1 July, following DFDS’ earlier announcement that Torben Carlsen would step down from the role. Michael Hansen now leads the ferry and logistics group as it continues the execution of its strategic plans.

Jul 06
Love3

Port of Kiel Expands Management Board

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

As of 1 July 2026, Port of Kiel has expanded its management board with the appointment of Jörg Demuth as Managing Director alongside Dr. Dirk Claus.

Demuth has been with the port since 2006 and will take responsibility for operational activities. Dr. Claus remains Chairman of the Management Board and continues to oversee strategy, marketing, finance, HR, technology, legal affairs and IT.