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sandra

Jan 16
3

MEGA EXPRESS V Becomes “Floatel”

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Bridgemans Services Group expands fleet with the addition of floatel MEGA X, formerly MEGA EXPRESS 5 (Corsica Ferries)

The Bridgemans floatel features 275 cabins and is currently undergoing a comprehensive refit in Naples. The upgrade will incorporate the company’s signature workforce-accommodation amenities, including a fully equipped gym, office spaces, recreation areas, and a large vehicle deck designed for the storage of client-required cargo.

MEGA X is purpose-configured to meet the increasing global demand for early-works workforce accommodation, supporting large-scale industrial LNG and energy construction projects worldwide.

The refit is scheduled for completion in late January, after which the vessel will mobilise to her first project, commencing in the spring.

Rendering: Bridgemans

Photo: Mike Louagie

Jan 16
3

Wightlink: More Sailings on Yarmouth–Lymington Route

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Wightlink will significantly expand services on its Yarmouth–Lymington route from April 2026.

Key points:

  • Three-boat operation during traditional high-demand periods.
  • 868 sailings versus the 2025 timetable.
  • Capacity increase of over 8% year-on-year.
  • Peak departures every 40 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.

All three Wight Class ferries on the route will complete full refurbishments by the end of March 2026. This includes upgraded passenger lounges, an enhanced retail offer, and completion of their annual maintenance programmes.

Source: Wightlink

Jan 16
3

Stena Line Sets New Freight Record on Belfast Routes

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Stena Line recorded another freight record on its three Belfast routes in 2025.

Volumes increased by 1.0% to almost 600,000 freight units, shipped to Cairnryan, Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Heysham.

The Belfast–Liverpool route led growth, exceeding 270,000 units, while Belfast–Heysham posted its highest volumes in five years.

Further growth is expected with the introduction of STENA CONNECTA in January, joining STENA FUTURA.

Together, the two newbuilds will add 40% freight capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route.

Jan 16
3

Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària add BUENAVISTA EXPRESS to Huelva–Canaries route

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària will deploy BUENAVISTA EXPRESS on the Huelva–Canary Islands service, replacing SICILIA from 24 January 2026.

From that date, the route will be operated by MARIE CURIE and BUENAVISTA EXPRESS, ensuring a reliable and efficient service for both passengers and rolling cargo.

BUENAVISTA EXPRESS is the former FORTUNY. The RoPax will make its inaugural sailing on 24 January.

Jan 16
3

Torghatten Wins Herøy–Dønna Ferry Contract

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Torghatten has been awarded the Herøy–Dønna ferry tender by Nordland County Council.

Key facts

  • Contract start: 1 February 2027
  • Duration: 7 years
  • Value: ~NOK 1.6 billion
  • Torghatten’s third-largest gross contract

Fleet

  • 4 main vessels: 70 PBE
  • 1 reserve vessel: 60 PBE

Route network

  • Sandnessjøen – Bjørn (Dønna) – Løkta
  • Søvik – Austbø – Flostad (Herøy) – Brasøy

With 3,180 inhabitants, Herøy and Dønna are Norway’s largest island communities by population.

Local economies depend on reliable ferry services:

  • Dønna: agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, tourism, public sector
  • Herøy: fish farming and fish processing

Source: Torghatten

Photo: Einar Aslaksen

Jan 16
3

New Italy–Algeria RoRo Service Launched via Marina di Carrara

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

A new regular maritime link between the port of Marina di Carrara in Italy and Djen Djen in Algeria has been launched by Dario Perioli, Grendi Group and Cnan Med.

The service will operate on a monthly basis and will carry both RoRo and containerised cargo. Michele Giromini, CEO of the Dario Perioli Group, underlined that service regularity is essential to allow customers to plan trade flows efficiently, supported by a structured commercial and consultative approach for imports and exports to and from Algeria.

The route will be operated using one of the RoRo vessels of Grendi Trasporti Marittimi.

A new regular maritime link between the port of Marina di Carrara in Italy and Djen Djen in Algeria has been launched by Dario Perioli, Grendi Group and Cnan Med.

The service will operate on a monthly basis and will carry both RoRo and containerised cargo. Michele Giromini, CEO of the Dario Perioli Group, underlined that service regularity is essential to allow customers to plan trade flows efficiently, supported by a structured commercial and consultative approach for imports and exports to and from Algeria.

The route will be operated using one of the RoRo vessels of Grendi Trasporti Marittimi.

Jan 16
3

Atlânticoline Selects Carus to Upgrade Digital Passenger Experience

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Atlânticoline has partnered with Carus to enhance its digital systems for inter-island ferry services in the Azores.

The project includes an online resident validation service to manage reduced fares for Azorean residents, ensuring eligibility is verified without increasing operational complexity. Carus brings relevant experience from similar implementations, including Madeira.

In parallel, the solution will support Portugal’s mandatory digitally signed invoicing, linking every ticket sale to a compliant invoice. Carus has delivered comparable systems in several regulated markets, including Portugal, Turkey, Mexico and Honduras.

Photo Ana Goulart

Jan 16
3

DFDS Appoints Michael Hansen as New President & CEO

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

DFDS has appointed Michael Hansen as President & CEO, effective no later than 1 July 2026. He succeeds Torben Carlsen, who is expected to step down on the same date.

Board perspective

Chair Claus V. Hemmingsen said the short-term priority is to improve financial performance, while the longer-term focus remains on unlocking network value through operational optimisation and organic growth, building on DFDS’ customer offering, service levels and people.

Background and mandate

Michael Hansen is a global executive with extensive leadership experience in shipping, transport, and industrial businesses. As President & CEO of Hempel, he has led a strategic transformation that has lifted financial performance, strengthened cash flow, and improved operational scalability. Prior to Hempel, he spent nearly two decades with A.P. Moller – Maersk, holding senior management roles across Europe, Latin America, and Oceania, including CEO of Seago Line and Global Head of Sales for Maersk Line.

Jan 16
3

DFDS Appoints New Managing Director for France

By | 2026 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

DFDS has appointed Rémi Liger-Belair as Managing Director for France and Route Director of the Dieppe–Newhaven service

Liger-Belair succeeds Etienne Melliani and will oversee both commercial and operational performance of one of the Channel’s oldest ferry routes.

Originally from Caen, he returns to Normandy after an international career spanning Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Based in Dieppe, Liger-Belair will also represent DFDS nationally, including engagement with French authorities, shipping associations and labour partners.