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2025 Newsletter week 15

Apr 11
3

2024: A Strong Year for Color Group

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Color Group – the parent company of Color Line – delivered results in 2024 on par with its record-breaking 2023, despite ongoing inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.

Highlights from 2024:

  • EBITDA reached NOK 1.4 billion, only marginally lower than in 2023
  • Operating profit (EBIT) came in at NOK 808 million, compared to NOK 819 million in 2023
  • Carried 3.7 million passengers and 160,000 freight units
  • Nearly 4,700 sailings across four international routes and five ships
  • Maintained robust performance despite weaker Norwegian currency and softer freight markets

 “We delivered results in line with 2023 – the best year in the company’s history. This proves the strength of our product portfolio and our ability to adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics,” says CEO Trond Kleivdal.

Accelerating the Green Transition:

2024 marked the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)

Color Line is actively preparing for future requirements:

  • Route optimisation and energy efficiency initiatives
  • Increased use of biofuel and silicone-based hull coatings
  • Deployment of digital support systems for optimised sailing
  • Continued exploration of zero-emission fuels and hybrid technology
  • For the first time, Color Line reports according to the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – a key step towards transparency and alignment with 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

Strong Financial Position:

Net interest-bearing debt (excl. hybrid bond): NOK 3.6 billion, down from NOK 3.75 billion

Available liquidity at year-end: NOK 1.7 billion

Outlook

Looking ahead to 2025: Despite an intensive docking programme to meet new environmental standards, Color Line expects another solid year of operations in 2025.

https://live.euronext.com/en/products/equities/company-news/2025-04-08-color-group-annual-report-2024

Apr 11
3

Wasaline Reports Strong Q1 2025 Results

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  • Revenue grew by 7.5%, setting a new Q1 record
  • Passenger traffic (cars and buses) reached all-time highs
  • Freight volumes increased by 10%, with growth in both units and tonnage
  • Energy consumption dropped 19.5% overall
  • Energy use per trip decreased by 21.7%
  • CO₂ emissions reduced by 23.2%
  • Number of trips increased by 2.8%
  • Main fuel remains liquefied natural gas (LNG)
  • Strong growth in intermodal transport, especially via the Vaasa–Umeå–Southern Europe corridor
  • Managing Director Peter Ståhlberg highlights customer loyalty and staff dedication

Click on here for the new sustainability report.

Apr 11
3

AS Tallink Grupp Statistics for March and Q1 2025

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March 2025

-21% = 322,717 passengers

-30.1% = 20,737 cargo units

-11.9% = 47,776 passenger vehicles

The year-on-year change in the volume of passengers and vehicles transported should be evaluated taking into account the impact of Easter holidays, which in 2024 were in March.

Q1

-12% = 970,359 passengers

-31.9% = 57,830 cargo units

-10.9% = 135,829 passenger vehicles

https://res.cloudinary.com/as-tallink-grupp/image/upload/grupp/documents/traffic-volumes/2025/2025-03-traffic-volumes-en.pdf

Apr 11
3

DFDS March Volumes

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March 2025 volume numbers are compared to 2024 impacted by the Easter holiday period falling in April this year compared to March in 2024. In general, this increases freight volumes and decreases passenger volumes compared to March 2024.

Ferry – freight:

  • Total volumes in March 2025 of 3.8m lane metres were 4.1% above 2024 and up 3.6% adjusted for route changes. For Q1 2025, the growth rates were -0.2% and -0.5%, respectively.
  • North Sea volumes were above 2024 as most routes carried higher volumes.
  • Mediterranean volumes were below 2024 due to increased ferry competition in the corridor between Türkiye and Italy.
  • Channel and Baltic Sea volumes were both above 2024 driven mainly by the Easter timing difference.
  • Strait of Gibraltar volumes were also above 2024 driven by general market growth and the Easter impact.
  • For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total transported freight lane metres increased 5.9% to 41.5m from 39.2m in 2024-23. The increase was 2.0% adjusted for route changes.

Ferry – passenger:

  • The number of passengers in March 2025 was 46.3% below 2024 and down 29.5% adjusted for route changes. For Q1 2025, the growth rates were -27.4% and -12.1%, respectively.
  • The adjusted monthly decrease was driven by mainly the Easter timing difference.
  • The number of cars was 38.9% below 2024 and down 30.8% adjusted for route changes.
  • For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total number of passengers increased 26.9% to 6.3m compared to 5.0m for 2024-23. The increase was 2.3% adjusted for route changes.
Apr 11
3

Grimaldi Group Orders Nine Groundbreaking RoPax Ships

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On April 8, Grimaldi Group has commissioned the construction of 9 RoPax vessels from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai).

  • Total price of the order: $1.3 billion.
  • To be delivered between 2028 and 2030.
  • All nine will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, making them ready to achieve the “Net Zero Emission” goal.
  • Ground-breaking, green technology innovations. Optimized hull and propeller designs, energy-efficient onboard power management systems (both at sea and in port), shore power readiness and the application of silicon-based hull coatings will reduce CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared to vessels currently operating on the same routes.

“Next Generation Med” class

  • 4 ferries for Grimaldi Lines, Italian flag
  • 2 ferries for Minoan Lines, Greek flag
  • LOA 229m |3,300 lane metres and 300+ cars | 2,500 passengers | 300 cabins for a total of over 1,200 guests | 700 reclining seats
  • Passengers will have access to numerous onboard amenities: 3 bars, a shopping area, a conference hall, 2 self-service restaurants, a panoramic à la carte restaurant, an indoor/outdoor lounge with a sun deck featuring two pools, a rooftop disco bar

“Hansa Superstar” class (evolution of the “Superstar” series)

  • 3 for Finnlines, Finnish flag
  • LOA 240m |5,100 lane metres + 90 cars |Up to 1,100 passengers in 320 cabins
  • Based on Finnlines’ Superstar-class vessels, but adapted for the long Finland–Germany route.
  • Onboard facilities include: 5 bars and restaurants, a spa with a wide range of services, including a Finnish sauna, shops, 2 age-specific children’s play areas.
  • Standout feature: main bar located at the bow on deck 12, offering panoramic views of the Baltic Sea.
Apr 11
3

Baleària Expands Summer Services to Algeria with Five Weekly Connections

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Baleària is enhancing its summer ferry services between Spain and Algeria, increasing weekly sailings from three to five between 15 June and 15 September. The expanded schedule includes three weekly departures from Valencia to Mostaganem and two from Barcelona—one to Algiers and a newly launched route to Oran.

To support the increase in services, two ferries will be deployed, offering amenities such as halal dining, prayer areas, and customer service in Arabic.

Apr 11
3

FRS Syltfähre Scales Up to Meet Seasonal Demand with Hourly Departures

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FRS Syltfähre has entered the 2025 high season with a strengthened service offer, reinstating two-ship operations and introducing an hourly schedule between Rømø and Sylt. As of 1 April, both SYLTEXPRESS and RÖMÖEXPRESS are in full operation, delivering up to 28 crossings per day.

The enhanced schedule responds to peak-period demand, particularly around Easter, and includes new early-morning departures on weekends and public holidays. The increased frequency supports smoother traffic management at ports and greater flexibility for travellers—factors that are increasingly important in a market shaped by short-notice travel and high service expectations.

The 40-minute crossing continues to offer a strong onboard product, including catering (with popular GOSCH dishes), retail, and open-deck seating. Operational highlights include:

  • Free advance reservations
  • No-cost same-day rebooking
  • Vehicle capacity for cars, motorhomes, and freight

With over 150,000 vehicles and 400,000 passengers transported annually, FRS Syltfähre remains a critical link to Sylt, combining frequency, flexibility, and a consistently reliable service offer. The move to a high-frequency model underlines its role as a responsive and strategically managed operator in the North Sea ferry landscape.

More: www.frs-syltfaehre.de

Apr 11
3

Port of Helsinki: Growth in 2024

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  • Passenger traffic grew by 5%, with full ferry capacity reinstated on both Tallinn and Stockholm routes by autumn.
  • Cargo traffic showed a positive trend after a quiet spring – strong year-end growth in unitised traffic strengthened the port’s role as a key general cargo hub for Finland.
  • The Port and City of Helsinki progressed joint projects that will see South Harbour repurposed mainly for city residents in the early 2030s.
  • Solid financial performance:
    • Turnover: €99.6M
    • Operating profit: €9.5M
    • Net profit: €7.5M
  • Sustainability in focus:
    • Port operations’ CO₂ emissions: –2.5%
    • Overall port area emissions: –3.3%
    • Wider adoption of onshore power contributing to cleaner air.

The 2024 Annual Report – including full sustainability results – is now available on the Port of Helsinki website, or click here below.

https://www.portofhelsinki.fi/en/about-us/port-of-helsinki/port-of-helsinki-annual-report-2024/

Apr 11
3

Digital Disruption at the Terminal: What Ferry Ports Can Learn from MSC in Miami

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MSC Cruises has just opened the world’s largest cruise terminal in PortMiami, with a capacity for 36,000 passengers per day —but it’s the digital infrastructure that sets it apart. For ferry terminals looking to modernise, this is a glimpse into the future.

At the heart of MSC’s innovation is a fully biometric passenger journey—from app-based check-in and facial recognition kiosks to automated boarding gates. Passengers can scan their passport, look into a camera, and breeze through security in minutes—no paper, no queues.

Why it matters for ferry ports:

  • Biometric processing can significantly reduce embarkation time and staff load.
  • App-based check-in streamlines the journey long before passengers reach the terminal.
  • Automated boarding improves flow and security.

Even in smaller terminals, these tools can make a big impact—especially on high-frequency routes or during peak travel seasons.

Bottom line?

MSC is showing what’s possible when digital meets operational efficiency. Ferry terminals don’t need to copy the scale, but adopting smart, passenger-centric technology is now more accessible—and more necessary—than ever.

Apr 11
3

DIGITAL

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Telenor Maritime and Quvia Partner to Revolutionise Maritime Connectivity with AI Integration

Telenor Maritime and Quvia have announced a collaboration to enhance AI-driven connectivity for the cruise and ferry industry. They plan to launch a Proof of Concept integrating Quvia’s AI-powered network management solution, Grid, into Telenor Maritime’s Connectivity Platform. This initiative aims to optimize network performance and bandwidth usage, ensuring a high-quality digital experience for passengers and crew. Kjetil Kjellstadli, Chief Product Officer at Telenor Maritime, emphasized AI’s role in improving service efficiency, while Benny Retnamony, CEO of Quvia, highlighted the potential for smarter, adaptive networks at sea. This partnership aligns with Telenor Maritime’s strategy to expand its Connectivity Platform’s capabilities and supports Quvia’s mission to transform maritime connectivity.