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Last week, Stena held a joint ‘launch’ and ‘keel-laying’ ceremony at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, Weihai, celebrating the release of STENA FUTURA into the water for the first time, and the laying of the keel for STENA CONNECTA, which marks the beginning of the build.

Once operational, the vessels will enhance freight capacity by 40% on the Belfast-Heysham route in response to an increase in customer demand for services between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

The two NewMax hybrid vessels will play a key role in Stena Line’s journey to sustainable fuel as they will both be able to operate on methanol fuel.

They will also be enhanced with built in technologies that will be able to utilise both battery propulsion and shore power, when available.

Stena Line is working closely with methanol suppliers, ensuring future volumes of e-methanol and fulfilling their strategic ambition of shifting to renewable fuels and cutting 30% of its CO₂ emissions by 2030.

Source: Stena Line

A recent ruling by the administrative court in Bastia rejected Corsica Ferries’ request to annul the 2019 maritime service delegation agreements between the Collectivity of Corsica and Corsica Linea.

The court found Corsica Ferries’ offer to be incomplete, which disqualified it from contesting the validity of Corsica Linea’s offer.

Additionally, Corsica Ferries argued that these agreements violated European law, claiming no legitimate public service need existed.

The court disagreed, confirming a genuine need for public maritime transport services for both freight and passengers between Corsica and the mainland.

Photo: Jean-Pierre Fabre

An amendment proposed by MP Michel Castellani has been approved by the French Finance Committee. This amendment aims to increase territorial continuity funding for Corsica, which would help support essential services, infrastructure, and accessibility on the island, enhancing connections between Corsica and mainland France. This funding adjustment of 50 MEUR is seen as a step forward in recognising Corsica’s unique logistical challenges due to its geographical isolation.

This is good news for Corsica Linea and La Méridionale.

In summer 2024, CMA-CGM-owned La Méridionale played a key role in Corsican tourism, transporting 132,000 passengers—a notable increase of 31,000 compared to 2023. Alongside passenger services, the company handled 188 km of freight, reinforcing both regional continuity and economic vitality.

Source: La Méridionale on Linkedin

The newly built SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV will be temporarily stored at a Scottish shipyard while the Tasmanian government considers leasing options until its home berth is ready. The ferry must leave its Finnish shipyard before winter ice sets in. The duration of its stay in Scotland is uncertain, and a second ferry, the SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V, will remain in Finland for now. Both ferries, already delayed, are not expected to enter full service in Tasmania until 2027.

Speculation suggests that TT-Line, the ferry’s owner, might lease or charter SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV during the delay in Tasmania, pending the completion of berth construction in Devonport. This was suggested by Tasmania’s premier, Jeremy Rockliff.

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV has been built by Rauma Marine Constructions Oy and handed over to the owners in September. The second vessel will be ready in 2025.

Photo: Spirit of Tasmania

The new RoRo line between the port of Trieste in the Northern Adriatic and Damietta in Egypt, operated by DFDS, will begin service on December 2nd.

The local ship agent and terminal operator in Italy, Samer & Co Shipping, has confirmed that this new regular link will operate on a weekly basis, with plans to double the frequency by mid-2025. The transit time between Italy and Egypt is expected to be 68 hours.

The first vessel on the route will be a RoRo unit with a lane capacity of 3,214 metres, capable of transporting 200 trailers and reaching a speed of 21.5 knots.

Grimaldi Group proudly announced that Guido Grimaldi, Corporate Short Sea Shipping Commercial Director, has been appointed Chairman of Interferry.

The official flag-handover ceremony took place during the 48th annual conference of the association in Marrakech, Morocco.

In his acceptance speech, Guido Grimaldi emphasized the importance of sustainability in maritime transport for the Grimaldi Group, reinforcing the commitment to a greener future. He also invited all delegates to attend the next Interferry Conference, which will take place in Sorrento on 4-8 October 2025.

“This prestigious recognition celebrates the Group’s steadfast dedication to the ferry sector and its vision for a more sustainable, integrated future in global mobility,” Grimaldi Group stated in a message.