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2025 Newsletter week 12

Mar 21
3

FINANCE

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Brittany Ferries: A Stabilised Return to Growth in 2024

Brittany Ferries has reported strong operational results for 2024, confirming its stabilised return to growth. The company’s consolidated revenue (excluding Condor Ferries) reached €516 million, marking a 6.5% increase from 2023.

The passenger sector continues its steady recovery, with nearly 2 million passengers transported, a 6.5% rise compared to the previous year. Growth was particularly strong on the Channel routes, where Brittany Ferries outperformed its competitors. Freight volumes also increased by 4%, with the Spanish and Irish routes leading the way at +8.3%.

Despite the introduction of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which added an €8 million cost in 2024, Brittany Ferries maintains solid operational profitability. The company has also significantly reduced its Covid-related debt, fulfilling commitments to repay regional loans and progressing towards a 50% reduction in its state-guaranteed loan by the end of 2025.

Strategic decisions taken over the past decade, particularly the development of long-haul routes to Spain and Ireland, now contribute nearly half of Brittany Ferries’ total revenue. These results reinforce the company’s leadership in sustainable maritime transport, as it continues investing in fleet decarbonisation and innovation.

Brittany Ferries’ resilience is further reflected in the confidence of new private investors and the unwavering support of its historical shareholders. With the introduction of Europe’s two largest hybrid ferries in 2024, the company remains at the forefront of innovation in the maritime sector.

Mar 21
3

Gotlandsbolaget: A Year of Growth and Strategic Expansion in 2024

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Gotlandsbolaget has reported strong results for 2024, marking a year of strategic expansion and financial stability. Total revenue reached SEK 2.62 billion, up from SEK 2.37 billion in 2023, reflecting the company’s continued growth. The adjusted operating profit increased to SEK 218 million, driven by a solid performance in Gotland traffic.

A major milestone was the acquisition of the Oslo-Copenhagen route from DFDS, which expanded Gotlandsbolaget’s footprint in the passenger shipping sector. The transition included the integration of around 800 employees and the addition of the cruise ferries NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN (ex PEARL SEAWAYS and CROWN SEAWAYS). The rebranding of the route to Go Nordic Cruiseline is set for 2025.

Sustainability remains at the core of Gotlandsbolaget’s strategy. In 2024, the company announced an investment in a biogas plant, securing volumes of fossil-free fuel for the Gotland traffic. Additionally, Gotlandsbolaget ordered the Gotland Horizon X, a next-generation high-speed catamaran designed for future carbon-neutral operations.

While the transition of the Oslo-Copenhagen route incurred start-up costs, the company remains financially solid, with an equity ratio of 82%. Investments in fleet modernisation and environmental sustainability will position Gotlandsbolaget for continued success in the coming years.

Source: Gotlandsbolaget

Mar 21
3

Malta Can Seek EU Funding for Fourth Gozo Ferry, Says MEP Peter Agius

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Nationalist Party MEP Peter Agius has urged the Maltese government to apply for EU funding to secure a fourth ferry for Gozo Channel. Speaking at a conference titled “New Ferries for Gozo: What Can Europe Do? What Must We Do?”, Agius stressed that Malta has the opportunity to include this project under the European Climate Fund, which must be submitted this year. He also called for inter-island connectivity to be a priority in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the EU.

Currently, Gozo Channel operates three ferries—TA’ PINU, GAUDOS, and MALITA, built between 2000 and 2002. To meet rising demand, the company has been leasing the Greek vessel NIKOLAOS, built in 1987, since 2019. However, the cost of this lease remains undisclosed, and the government has been criticised for relying on an ageing vessel.

Both the Nationalist Party (PN) and Prime Minister Robert Abela have pledged to introduce a fourth ferry, though details on the government’s plans remain limited. PN leader Bernard Grech reiterated his party’s commitment to adding a fifth ferry and improving port infrastructure.

The conference also featured Cecile Larsen, project manager at Danish ferry operator Ærøfærgerne, who highlighted the success of the EU-funded electric ferry ELLEN, serving the Danish island of Ærø since 2019. She suggested that Gozo could follow a similar path towards greener ferry solutions with EU support.

Source: Newsbook

Mar 21
3

SHIPS

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CMAL Selects Remontowa for its Seven New Loch-Class Electric Ferries

aledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has identified Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland, as the lead bidder for a contract to build seven new loch-class fully electric ferries.

  • The contract is expected to be awarded following a 10-day standstill period.
  • Seven vessels in its first phase, with an additional three to follow in phase two through a separate procurement process later this year.
  • The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in 2027.
  • These electric ferries will strengthen the resilience of the Clyde and Hebrides ferry network, enhancing service reliability and reducing carbon emissions.
  • The procurement process involved a thorough evaluation, with bids assessed based on technical (65%) and financial (35%) criteria by marine experts and CMAL specialists. Remontowa emerged as the top-scoring bidder.
Mar 21
3

Stena Line and Norsepower Join Forces for a Cleaner Future

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Stena Line and Norsepower have signed an agreement for the installation of two Norsepower Rotor Sails™ on STENA CONNECTA, Stena Line’s brand-new methanol-hybrid RoRo ferry.

  • This partnership marks another step in Stena Line’s ambition to reduce its CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.
  • Two 28×4 metre Norsepower Rotor Sails™ (NPRS).
  • Up to 9% fuel savings on the vessel’s planned route. T
  • Ferry is scheduled for delivery from Stena RoRo in Q4 2025
  • Irish Sea, Belfast-Heysham, where wind conditions are highly favourable for wind-assisted propulsion.
Mar 21
3

Grimaldi Group Takes Delivery of ECO NAPOLI, Completing GG5G Fleet

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The Grimaldi Group has officially taken delivery of ECO NAPOLI, the final ship in its Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) class. This marks the completion of a 14-ship hybrid ro-ro fleet, the largest and most eco-friendly of its kind.

Key Features of ECO NAPOLI:

Size & Capacity

  • 238 metres long, 34 metres wide, 67,311 GT
  • Can carry 7,800 lane metres of rolling cargo (~500 trailers & 180 cars)

Fuel Efficiency & Sustainability

  • Same fuel consumption as previous-generation roro ships, for double cargo capacity
  • Hybrid engines with an exhaust gas cleaning system
  • Zero emissions in port, using 5 MWh lithium batteries charged via shaft generators and solar panels

Deployment

  • Expected to arrive in the Mediterranean in May
  • Will operate on the Gemlik – Ambarli – Patras – Trieste route

“With ECO NAPOLI, our GG5G fleet is now complete, revolutionising short-sea shipping in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe,” said Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Group.

Mar 21
3

Unity Line sells WOLIN to A-Ships Management

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On 18 March 2025, Unity Line delivered its RoPax WOLIN to the Athens-based A-Ships Management. The vessel has been renamed GOLDEN CARRIER.

Originally built in Norway in 1986 as a pure train/cargo ferry for SweFerry, she initially operated on the Helsingborg–Copenhagen route under DanLink as the ØRESUND. In July 2000, she was reassigned to the Copenhagen–Malmö route operated by Scandlines. A year later, in 2001, she was sold to Sea Containers and sent to Landskrona/Remontowa shipyard (Gdańsk) for conversion into a RoPax ferry, a process completed in 2002.

Following her conversion, she was chartered to SeaWind Line, renamed SKY WIND, and deployed on the Stockholm–Långnäs–Turku line until August 2007. She was then sold to Unity Line and operated on the Świnoujście–Trelleborg route as WOLIN until 31 January 2025.

The ship is expected to arrive in Greece in early April, where she will undergo minor modifications before entering service on the Adriatic route in June. GOLDEN CARRIER has a capacity for 370 passengers and 1,770 lane metres, with a service speed of 18 knots.

Photo: A-Ships Management

Mar 21
3

Italy Launches Public Consultation on Maritime Transport Services

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The Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has launched a public consultation to assess the future of maritime transport services between the mainland and the country’s major islands. The initiative comes as several public service contracts for ferry routes are set to expire between 2025 and 2026, requiring a reassessment of service needs.

Key Routes Under Review

In 2020, four ferry routes were returned to the free market after an evaluation by the Transport Regulation Authority (ART), removing public service obligations (PSO):

  • Livorno-Cagliari (freight only)
  • Ravenna-Brindisi-Catania (freight only)
  • Naples-Palermo (passengers and freight, winter PSO only)
  • Genoa-Olbia-Arbatax (passengers and freight)

Meanwhile, the Civitavecchia-Olbia service, which still operates under public service obligations, requires a renewal decision by April 2025. Several other PSO contracts for Sardinia and Sicily will also expire in 2026.

Assessing the Market’s Capability

The consultation aims to determine whether the free market can ensure reliable transport links between the mainland and islands or if government intervention is needed to maintain accessibility and affordability for passengers and freight. Special attention is being given to the transport of live animals and carcasses on the Livorno-Olbia route during the summer.

Industry and Public Input Sought

The Ministry is inviting consumer associations, transport operators, and logistics companies to share feedback on service needs, challenges, and potential improvements. Stakeholders can submit their input by 4 April 2025 via dg.tm@pec.mit.gov.it.

Mar 21
3

DIGITAL

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GNV Tests RINA’s Smart System to Cut Fuel Use on New Ship

GNV is using RINA’s SERTICA Performance on its newest ship, GNV POLARIS, starting with tests during the vessel’s first journey from China to Italy. This smart system helps monitor fuel use, improve efficiency, and optimise operations.

How It Works:

Real-time Monitoring

  • Sensors on board track key data like fuel consumption and engine power.
  • The system gives a clear picture of energy use for the crew and onshore teams.

Better Fuel Efficiency

  • Tests identified two best ways to run the ship for minimum fuel use.
  • Simulations at different speeds helped find the most efficient setup.
  • The system was tested on the Genoa-Palermo route, confirming accurate fuel-saving predictions.

Smart Learning for the Future

  • A machine learning model of the ship predicts performance over time.
  • It helps plan maintenance, like cleaning the hull or adjusting engines, to keep fuel use low.
  • The system can also simulate different routes to find the best settings for new journeys.
Mar 21
3

PORTS

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The Swedish Maritime Administration and Ports of Stockholm Establish a Joint Maritime Traffic Centre

The Swedish Maritime Administration and Ports of Stockholm are taking a historic step by establishing a joint maritime traffic centre in Stockholm. The co-operation will enhance the efficiency and safety of vessel traffic from Oxelösund in the south and up along the entire northern coast of Sweden.

Read More: PortsofStockholm

Photo: Erik Eklund, Director General of the Swedish Maritime Administration and Magdalena Bosson, CEO Ports of Stockholm