Wasaline has reported its best February ever, setting new records in both passenger numbers and freight transport. The northernmost shipping line saw 16,415 passengers travel between Vaasa (Finland) and Umeå (Sweden), a 14.6% increase compared to last year. Freight volumes also reached an all-time high for February, with 1,828 units transported, marking 8% growth from 2024.
Photo: Christoffer Bjorklund
This Is How Axferries’ Renewed and Partially Electrified Ships Will Look Like
The new operator of the Ålandstrafiken ferry network, Axferries—a joint venture between the Åland government and Finferries—has unveiled its new livery.
Background: The formation of Axferries was prompted by the bankruptcy of Nordic Jet Line in the summer of 2024, which posed significant risks to the infrastructure of Åland’s archipelago transportation. In response, Finferries’ associated company, Ansgar Ab, intervened to stabilize the situation. Subsequently, Finferries acquired full ownership of Ansgar and initiated discussions with the Åland government, leading to the establishment of Axferries.
Objectives: Axferries aims to be a long-term operator in Åland’s archipelago traffic, focusing on providing stability and quality. The company is committed to developing and renewing Åland’s archipelago traffic in collaboration with Finferries, leveraging their expertise in green transition to work towards climate-smart, stable, and efficient maritime traffic.
The Franco Del Giudice-controlled ferry company Delcomar has emerged as the sole bidder for the tenders launched to award subsidised maritime continuity services to the smaller islands in Sardinia.
The latest public procedure launched by the regional government, valued at a total of EUR 188.8 million for a period of 72 months, received two separate offers: one from Delcomar for the La Maddalena – San Pietro route and another from its subsidiary, Ensamar, for the service to Asinara Island.
In the coming days, a tender commission will be appointed to evaluate the submitted offers and verify the required documentation.
It has been reported that ANEK LINES’ KRITI II has been sold for scrap for $3.6 million USD. According to ATTICA GROUP, the profit from this transaction was €0.2 million. The large RoPax vessel was laid up in Elefsis Bay on 2 November 2024.
Originally built in Japan in 1979, KRITI II was purchased from Japan in 1996 and became one of the largest RoPax ferries operating on the Patras-Italy service. She was initially deployed on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Ancona route in June 1997, but also served on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Corfu-Venice and Patras-Igoumenitsa-Trieste routes.
Domestically, she was actively involved in ferry services, particularly on the Piraeus-Heraklion route. In 2009, she briefly operated on the Piraeus-Chios-Mytilene-Lemnos-Thessaloniki service. After 28 years of service in Hellenic Coastal Shipping, KRITI II is expected to depart for scrapping in the coming days.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
On 4 March 2025, the latest addition to Saronic Ferries fleet, YABUSA (ex-HAYABUSA NO.3), arrived in Greece after a 66-day voyage from China. The vessel departed from the Port of Shanghai on 29 December 2024 and docked at Neos Molos Drapetsonas, where she will undergo final conversion into a car/passenger ferry.
YABUSA is the sixth vessel in the Saronic Ferries fleet and will operate on the Piraeus-Aegina-Poros route. Built in Japan in 2000, she was purchased from Seikan Ferry in 2024 and underwent part of her conversion at the COSCO Shipyard in Shanghai.
Saronic Ferries is a consortium operating a fleet of five modern ships in the Saronic Gulf. The company connects Piraeus with Aegina, Agistri, Methana, and Poros year-round, providing reliable service 365 days a year.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
Inaugural Rail Freight Shipment from Poland to Ystad
On March 5, 2025, the good cooperation between Unity Line, Swinoujscie Ferry Terminal, Port of Ystad together with DB Cargo and VÄTE resulted in the transhipping of steel rail from ArcelorMittal to Sweden.
The ferry POLONIA arrived on time in Ystad, Wednesday evening 5 March, with 26 waggons and approx. 800 tons of steel.
This operation marked the first transshipment of such an unusual rail transport between Świnoujście and Ystad, demonstrating new possibilities for freight logistics between Poland and Sweden.
Photo: Port of Ystad
As part of the financial restructuring procedure of the Mantovani Group, the Court of Padua has put up for sale 97% of the RoRo terminal Venice Ro-Port Mos SCPA, based in Fusina (Venice). The indicative enterprise value is set at EUR 46.1 million.
Expressions of interest, including the offered price, must be submitted by 12:00 (Italian time) on 30 May.
The terminal is dedicated to RoRo and RoPax traffic and features a highly automated infrastructure. In total, it offers 250,000 square metres of port yards, with 165,000 square metres allocated for RoRo/RoPax activities and 85,000 square metres for car carriers. Up to four ships can be berthed simultaneously.
European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) Rebrands as European Shipowners
On the occasion of its 60 years, the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) becomes ECSA European Shipowners, reinforcing its role as the voice of the European shipping industry.
The organisation, which launched a new logo and visual identity, represents 22 European shipowners’ national associations, around 35% of the global fleet and all shipping segments from bulker carriers to container ships, tankers, gas carriers, ferries, cruise ships and offshore vessels.
The new name reflects the organisation’s commitment to raising awareness of European shipping’s key role to the continent’s energy, supply chain and food security.
Source: European Shipowners
New Managing Director for Knud E. Hansen
On 1st March 2025, Denmark-based maritime consultancy KNUD E. HANSEN announced changes to its senior management structure.
The move sees Javier Suárez succeeding Finn Wollesen Petersen as the company’s Managing Director.
The move to the new management structure is part of a planned process that has been taking place over the past months. During this time, Javier and Finn have worked very closely together in order to facilitate a smooth transition.
Finn, who has held the role of Managing Director at KNUD E. HANSEN since 2003, will remain with the company. His focus will now be on coordinating the company’s operations in the United States.
Laurent Devulder Appointed as the New CEO of Port Boulogne Calais
On Friday, 28 February 2025, the Board of Directors of Port Boulogne Calais appointed Laurent Devulder as CEO, succeeding Benoît Rochet, who has taken over as Chairman of the Executive Board of HAROPA Port.
Tone Wille is the New Chair of the Board at Norled
Tone Wille succeeds Elisabeth Grieg, who has held this position since 2019.
Source: Norled on Linkedin
Red Funnel Announces New Operations Director to Enhance Service Excellence
Following a rigorous recruitment process, Red Funnel has announced the appointment of a new Operations Director.
Neil Chapman, (former MD of Hovertravel) will join the business in May 2025.
Source: Red Funnel
New CEO for Port of Trelleborg
Malin Collin was appointed as new CEO of the Port of Trelleborg in November 2024. She replaces CEO Jörgen Nilsson, who has chosen to move on to new challenges. Collin started this week.
Baleària and Axpo Iberia have taken a major step in maritime decarbonisation by supplying bioLNG to RUSADIR and MARGARITA SALAS from Enagás terminals in Huelva and Barcelona. These pioneering operations prove the viability of green corridors between European ports and beyond. A milestone in sustainable shipping, powered by certified bioLNG.
TT Line’s SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV will return to Hobart after failed charter attempts in Scotland, with its sister ship SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V now considered for lease, according to Transport Minister Eric Abetz. The second RMC newbuild begins sea trials next month, but neither ship can enter service until early 2027 when the new East Devonport terminal is ready.
Source: DCN
