On May 1st, 2025, Stena Line will switch its ferry service from Hoek van Holland to Killingholme to a new route between Hoek van Holland and Immingham. Following a successful trial in March, the STENA TRANSPORTER and STENA TRANSIT will relocate to Stena Line’s dedicated terminal at nearby Immingham port.
The Port of Barcelona has become operational with its first Onshore Power Supply (OPS) system for ferries at the Grimaldi Terminal, located on the Sant Bertran dock. This system provides 100% renewable electricity daily to ferries connecting to the Balearic Islands, allowing ships to switch off their engines while docked—eliminating emissions and noise.
This marks the completion of the first phase of the Nexigen dock electrification plan, a €200+ million initiative aiming to cut port activity emissions by 47%. Like the OPS installed at the BEST container terminal (the first of its kind at a Mediterranean container port), this OPS is currently in pilot phase for data collection and operational experience.
The OPS installation was done in coordination with Grimaldi Logística España, ensuring compatibility with daily terminal operations. Trasmed, a Spanish subsidiary of the Grimaldi Group, has adapted its vessels CIUDAD DE PALMA and CIUDAD DE SÓLLER to use the system and is already connecting them during port calls.
Five key takeaways:
Finnlines launched a daily Malmö–Świnoujście ro-pax service in April 2024, transporting freight, private passengers, and professional drivers. The route has met expectations and complements Finnlines’ wider network.
To support the new service, Świnoujście’s terminal area was expanded and passenger facilities in Malmö were improved, enhancing the travel experience and accommodating growing volumes.
Passenger numbers are rising, especially during the summer and holidays. Group travel is also seeing strong growth across all routes, including the new Sweden–Poland connection.
Despite challenges due to the war in Ukraine, Finnlines is considering adding another vessel to the route when market conditions improve.
Finnlines plays a crucial role in Swedish trade, logistics, and security of supply, operating under the Swedish flag and strengthening connections with Finland, Germany, and now Poland.
Ferry operator Baleària has raised concerns about proposed limits on vehicle access to the Balearic Islands, warning that such measures could reduce maritime services and disrupt supply chains without solving congestion issues.
President Adolfo Utor argued that maritime transport plays a minimal role in road traffic and is vital for the movement of people and goods. He cautioned that restricting vehicles could make ferry routes less viable, impact local supplies, and shift travellers toward air transport and rental cars, to the detriment of national tourism.
Baleària is urging authorities to seek collaborative, sustainable solutions rather than impose measures that could harm essential ferry connections.
New designated routes are now in place at Rosslare Europort for HGVs only.
These changes aim to improve traffic flow and efficiency.
On Friday 28 March, Brittany Ferries marked a significant milestone with the blessing and official naming of its second hybrid vessel, GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE. The ceremony was led by Monseigneur Dominique Lebrun, Archbishop of Rouen, and the ship was named in line with maritime tradition by British sailor Miranda Merron, who had the honour of serving as godmother.
Powered by a hybrid LNG-electric propulsion system, the French-flagged ship is a cornerstone of Brittany Ferries’ commitment to greener cross-Channel transport.
Since April 2nd, all EU citizens travelling to the United Kingdom will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. The new requirement forms part of the UK’s broader border control reforms post-Brexit.
The ETA is mandatory for visa-exempt travellers, including those from the EU, and must be applied for online prior to travel. It grants permission to enter the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes and is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period.
More than just the beginning of a new ship, the steel-cutting ceremony marks the proud restart of shipbuilding in Flensburg. Following the bankruptcy, the yard is once again beginning construction—this time on a new RoRo vessel.
The contracted RoRo vessel with a length of 210 metres and a width of 29.30 metres is scheduled for delivery to SeaRoad in Q3, 2026.
It will have 3,722 lane metres available for freight units, plus capacity for 101 cars (= 4,227 lane metres in total). A special requirement for the vessel is the capability to transport heavy cargo with a unit weight of up to 100 tonnes.
Source: FSG on Linkedin