Scandlines has renewed its long-standing cooperation with NABU for another three years, further strengthening its commitment to sustainable ferry operations. Key initiatives include:
In anticipation of the new “ECAMED” (see under “organisations”, MONTE D’ORO and MÉDITERRANÉE have completed scheduled refurbishment works to meet the new requirements.
Corsica Linea has been preparing for this shift for over five years, with a clear focus on reducing the environmental footprint of its fleet while maintaining operational reliability. Measures already in place include:
Hydrogen Powers Ships at Berth – a Pioneering Pilot Project in the Port of Gothenburg
As part of a forward-thinking pilot project, green hydrogen is now being used to generate electricity for ships at berth in Gothenburg. The hydrogen-powered generator supplied vessels like STENA SCANDINAVICA and STENA GERMANICA via existing shore power connections — offering a promising solution for ports lacking the infrastructure for traditional OPS.
With stricter EU regulations approaching in 2030, mobile hydrogen generators could be a game changer for ports worldwide seeking to reduce emissions.
Baleària started operating the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route on May 8 with the fast ferry AVEMAR DOS. Later, a second vessel will be added.
Earlier, on Sunday May 4, FRS Iberia Maroc / DFDS ended operations on the same route, after 25 years of service.
The company said in a press release it will continue operating its routes between Algeciras-Tangier Med and Algeciras-Ceuta as normal.
DFDS said also it maintains a long-term vision for the region, maintaining service quality and exploring new opportunities for the future.
TasPorts and Strait Link have signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement for a potential 30-year lease extension at Burnie’s Terminal 4, strengthening Tasmania’s vital Bass Strait freight link. The deal ensures long-term certainty for trade and industry, reinforcing Burnie’s role as a key logistics hub.
Source: Strait Link
Management Changes at Gotlandsbolaget and Viking Line
Gotlandsbolaget
Viking Line
Source 1: https://corporate.gotlandsbolaget.se/sv/bjorn-nilsson-ny-vd-for-gotlandsbolaget/
Source 2: https://www.vikingline.com/sv/investerare/2A1B630434453DB1
The Med Became an Emission Control Area on May 1st
The Mediterranean Sea officially became an Emission Control Area (Med SOx ECA) under MARPOL Annex VI on 1 May 2025. The sulphur content in fuel oil for ships operating in the area is now limited to 0.1%, significantly reducing air pollution and delivering major benefits to both human health and the marine environment.
Ships operating in Emission Control Areas for Sulphur Oxides and Particulate Matter, such as the Mediterranean Sea, are now subject to strict mandatory measures to prevent, reduce, and control air pollution. This new ECA must comply with stricter sulphur content limits than those set by the global standard (0.10% mass by mass (m/m), compared with 0.50% m/m allowed outside SOx ECAs).
Read more on the IMO website: https://www.imo.org/en/MediaCentre/Pages/WhatsNew-2254.aspx
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, the re-introduction of Italy’s “International Registry” scheme.
The aim is to encourage shipping companies to register their ships in Europe, which ensures adherence to higher social, environmental and safety standards.
Read more: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/de/mex_25_1154
TV2 Bornholm:
Bornholm–Poland Ferry Route on the Horizon?
The article from TV 2/Bornholm [in Danish] discusses the potential establishment of a new ferry route between Rønne (Bornholm, Denmark) and Świnoujście (Poland), which could commence operations in 2026.
This initiative is being explored by the Danish Ministry of Transport and the Bornholm Regional Municipality, aiming to enhance connectivity between Denmark and Poland.
El Periodico:
Baleària Eyes New Ferry Connections from the Port of Alicante
The article in El Periodico [in Spanish]highlights Baleària’s strategic interest in expanding its ferry operations from Alicante to North Africa, particularly Morocco. While the company has already solidified its leadership on existing routes (like Algeciras–Tangier and Almería–Nador), it is now considering launching new connections from Alicante, aiming to position the city as a key hub for future maritime routes to North Africa.
Island Echo:
UK Government Rules Out Isle of Wight Ferry Nationalisation
Island Echo writes that the UK Department for Transport has confirmed it will not consider nationalising ferry services or introducing service guarantees for the Isle of Wight, despite repeated and desperate calls from residents and MPs.
Kystens.no
Norled Cancelled three Vessels
Because the vessels couldn’t reach the contractual speed, and because of delays, Norled has now cancelled all three units built by Brøderne Aa.
The yard now looks at solutions to sell the vessels, and to secure its future.
The cancellation means that Norled’s routes out of Trondheim will be operated with diesel-powered equipment for the foreseeable future.
Article in Norwegian in Kystens.no
Bornholmslinjen’s HAMMERSHUS will undergo her mandatory drydocking from 8 to 21 May 2025. To maintain freight service on the Rønne–Køge route, DFDS’ PATRIA SEAWAYS will be chartered as a replacement.
Scandlines’ new emission-free ferry has successfully completed its first test voyage in the Sea of Marmara, including Sea Acceptance Tests under the supervision of Lloyd’s Register.
The vessel’s batteries, electrical systems, and propulsion were all put to the test during ten days at sea. Now back at the outfitting quay, final verifications are underway ahead of delivery.
The former P&O Ferries vessel NORBANK has been renamed DP WORLD EXPRESS and is now registered under the flag of St Vincent and the Grenadines. The vessel is expected to begin operating soon on a route between Dubai and Iran.
Sister vessel NORBAY is still operating on the Zeebrugge-Teesport service.
Interislander’s rail-enabled ferry, ARATERE (1998), will be retired to make way for the port re-development needed in Picton to prepare for the two brand-new ferries arriving in 2029, KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reidy says.
ROSALIND FRANKLIN, former BRETAGNE, started its service for Baleària on May 7th, connecting the ports of Nador and Almería. She is replacing the CIUDAD DE MAHÓN which will move to the Motril-Tangier Med port.