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2025 Newsletter week 20

May 17
3

First Ever Car Train Arrives in Port of Ostend

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On 15 May 2025, the Port of Ostend welcomed its first ever car train, marking a historic moment in the port’s development. This event also signalled the reactivation of rail freight traffic in the port after more than 15 years, made possible through close collaboration with Infrabel.

The new rail link forms part of Ostend’s strategy to develop a sustainable, intermodal logistics platform, complementing its existing short sea shipping services. The trains will serve Ostend’s Tilbury terminal, connecting directly to various European destinations.

This development underscores Ostend’s ambition to become a major logistics hub, offering efficient and greener alternatives to road transport, and reinforcing its role in the modal shift toward rail and maritime freight.

Photo © Port Ostend

May 17
3

DIGITAL

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Brittany Ferries and Visit Group Join Forces to Drive Digital Transformation

“Our goal is to increase holiday passenger volumes by 15% over the next five years”

Maria Mathieu, Head of Digital Products at Brittany Ferries

Brittany Ferries has partnered with Visit Group to modernize its digital booking systems. This collaboration aims to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency by adopting Visit Group’s modular platform. The new system will offer real-time availability and pricing, streamline internal processes, and support Brittany Ferries’ goal of increasing holiday passenger numbers by 15% over the next five years.

Visit Group provides smart software and technology for the experience and hospitality industry- enabling seamless operations, effortless room and ticket sales, tailored packaging of stays with experiences, and consistent revenue growth across channels.

Read more: https://www.visitgroup.com/visit-group-welcomes-brittany-ferries-new-partner-digital-transformation-journey

May 17
3

Flying Fish Welcomes CPAC Systems as Strategic Investor and Partner

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Flying Fish Maritime Innovations B.V., a Dutch pioneer in digital maritime technology and advice, announced a minority investment from CPAC Systems AB, a subsidiary of the Volvo Group, on May 7th, 2025. CPAC Systems (Sweden) is specialized in developing advanced control and automation systems for marine, construction and commercial vehicle industries. For the Flying Fish team, this step marks the beginning of a broader strategic partnership aimed at accelerating sales growth, product innovation, industrialization, and team development.

Read more: https://www.flying-fish.tech/news

May 17
3

SALES AND MARKETING

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Eurovision Act KAJ Sells Out Cruise in Record Time
Viking Line’s Dialect Cruise on 18 September with Eurovision act KAJ sold out immediately, prompting a second concert on 19 September aboard VIKING GRACE. With nearly 70 music-themed cruises planned this year, music continues to drive strong demand and premium spending onboard.

Read more: https://news.cision.com/viking-line-abp/r/kaj-fever-on-the-baltic-sea—an-extra-concert-on-viking-grace-september-19-can-now-be-booked,c4148965

May 17
3

IN THE MEDIA

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InfoPuertos [in Spanish]

Baleària Wants To Acquire Armas To Be a National Shipping Company Serving the Entire Country

The dispute over Armas Trasmediterránea has become a key issue for Spain’s maritime future, particularly for the Canary Islands, where the company symbolises vital regional connectivity. On one side, Baleària, led by Adolfo Utor, is aiming for national dominance by acquiring Armas, while on the other, a Canarian coalition supported by Vicente Boluda is fighting to keep control local—making this more than a business deal, but a turning point for territorial logistics and cohesion.

News.err.ee [link]

Tallink CEO: Finnish tourists haven’t disappeared but fewer trips made to Estonia

In March, Estonian accommodation establishments hosted 19 percent fewer tourists than during the same month last year.

Tallink Group CEO Paavo Nõgene said that Estonia has become an increasingly expensive destination and fewer Finns than before are visiting.

The number of people traveling from Estonia to Finland has also declined, mainly due to a sharp drop in the number of workers commuting to jobs in Finland.

Despite the challenges, Tallink is approaching the summer with optimism.

BBC [link]

Shipyard confirms new delay and cost rise for CalMac ferry

The delivery date for GLEN ROSA, the second of two dual-fuel CalMac ferries being built by the nationalised Ferguson shipyard, has been put back by up to nine months. Delivery April-June 2026 (instead of planned 2018).

May 17
1

IMAGE CARDS

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The contract for two new vessels for Western Ferries’ Gourock to Dunoon route was formally signed at a ceremony at APCL Cammell Laird’s facility in Birkenhead between Western Ferries’ MD Gordon Ross and APCL Group Chief Technology Officer Linton Roberts on 6th May 2025.

They were joined by Graeme Fletcher, Technical Director, Alistair McLundie, Operations Director, Samantha Proctor, Finance Director and James Harris from Western Ferries and APCL Group CEO David McGinley along with Mike Hill, Managing Director of APCL Cammell Laird.

Facebook Group Irish Ferries Enthusiasts (George Holland)

https://www.facebook.com/groups/568009444784794/