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2025 Newsletter week 22

May 30
3

Dublin Port Company’s Masterplan 2040 Project 2 (MP2) is Progressing at Pace

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The project includes the construction of a new quay wall at Berth 52 East and a significant new RoRo facility at Berth 53 to support growing freight and ferry traffic and introducing new technology for the safer berthing of ever larger vessels.

The works involve the installation of a combi-wall quay structure, a double-tier linkspan and modern bridge system for RoRo vessels, and extensive marine and landside infrastructure. Berth 53 will feature a 290-metre open jetty with nine marine platforms (known in the industry as Dolphins), while the landside development includes a 400m access road, electrical services, CCTV, and an asphalt-paved operational yard.

Read more: https://www.dublinport.ie/significant-progress-made-at-irelands-largest-marine-construction-project-mp2-update/

May 30
3

Important Turning Point for Toulon Harbour (France)

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Ports Rade de Toulon has marked a major milestone with the arrival of the first car train from the Stellantis Group. The nearly 600-metre train, arriving from Mulhouse, delivered 226 vehicles directly to the Brégaillon Nord freight terminal.

The cars will now be shipped to Turkey, Italy, and Algeria by Terminal Automobiles Services, based at the terminal. With four trains scheduled per month, this new flow is a significant step in sustainable logistics—removing an estimated 1,900 trucks from the roads each year

May 30
3

Scottish Ministers Confirm Direct Award of Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services

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The Scottish Government has announced that it will implement a direct award of the next Clyde and Hebrides Ferry Services contract to CalMac Ferries Limited.

“This direct award fundamentally changes the ethos of the service by shifting from a commercial arrangement to a model more focused on the delivery of a public service engaged on the particular needs of the communities it serves,” said the Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop.

Read more: https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/scottish-ministers-confirm-direct-award-of-clyde-and-hebrides-ferry-services/

May 30
3

Millbay Docks Celebrates Opening of Upgraded Brittany Ferries Terminal and Completion of £23 Million Infrastructure Programme

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Millbay Docks in Plymouth (UK) has officially unveiled its upgraded Brittany Ferries terminal, marking the completion of a significant £23 million infrastructure programme. The celebratory event, held on 28 May 2025, was attended by key figures including Christophe Mathieu, CEO of Brittany Ferries; Julian Walker, Chief Commercial Officer and Regional Director at Associated British Ports (ABP); and Councillor Mark Lowry from Plymouth City Council.

The comprehensive upgrades include:

  • A state-of-the-art passenger boarding bridge to enhance accessibility and streamline the boarding process.
  • Strengthening of the West Wharf, enabling the port to accommodate larger vessels and increased freight volumes.
  • Modernisation of the terminal building, offering improved passenger amenities and operational efficiency.
  • Upgraded freight and cruise infrastructure to support Plymouth’s ambitions for sustainable economic growth and increased maritime traffic.

 

Read more: https://www.abports.co.uk/news-and-media/latest-news/2025/millbay-docks-celebrates-official-opening-of-upgraded-brittany-ferries-terminal-and-completion-of-major-infrastructure-programme/

May 30
3

Port of Barcelona Awards €54.7 Million Contract for New RoPax Terminal

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  • Port of Barcelona has awarded the construction of a new RoPax terminal to SATO and Rubau.
  • The €54.7 million project will complete the Adossat Wharf and boost passenger and freight capacity.
  • Works include three berths (12m and 8.5m draft), superstructures, port equipment, and access roads.
  • The new terminal will be the third permanent facility for RoRo-Pax traffic, consolidating operations at Adossat.
  • Completion is expected in 51 months (4 years and 3 months).
  • The development supports the city’s 2018 agreement to relocate ferry traffic away from the urban centre.
  • The terminal will feature OPS (Onshore Power Supply).
May 30
3

Brittany Ferries Signs EU AI Pact

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Brittany Ferries has become the first French maritime company to sign the European Pact on Artificial Intelligence.

A Responsible and Ethical AI Strategy

The company commits to:

  • Implementing strong AI governance.
  • Raising staff awareness.
  • Engaging with European partners on best practices.
  • Defining strategic priorities.

A governance strategy was initiated in 2024 to:

  • Manage risks of generative AI.
  • Develop staff skills.
  • Promote ethical innovation.

Anne-Laure Fabre, member of Brittany Ferries’ AI Governance Committee, said:

“We put people at the heart of our AI approach. It’s not about the power of AI, but how we control it to align with our values, manage risks, and support sustainable innovation.”

Concrete Initiatives

  • Governance:
    A dedicated AI committee was formed in February 2024. A governance charter was shared with teams from January 2024.
  • Training:
    A learning community launched in November 2024. A second cohort is planned for September 2025, focusing on virtual assistants to improve working conditions and operations.
    An e-learning course explains the risks and uses of generative AI.
  • Transparency:
    Internal logo created to mark AI-assisted content verified by humans.
  • Compliance:
    Inventory of high-risk AI tools to ensure legal conformity.

Brittany Ferries promotes a human-centric, field-based AI approach—serving both employees and customers.

May 30
3

ESPO Welcomes Outcome of EU–UK Summit

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  • The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomes the results of the first EU–UK Summit, held on 19 May in London, as a key step towards restoring stronger trade relations.
  • ESPO applauds plans to ease controls on animals, plants, and related products, viewing this as a boost for agri-food trade and food security.
  • The organisation supports aligning the EU and UK Emissions Trading Systems but stresses the need for coordination with IMO’s global efforts to avoid market distortion in maritime transport.
  • Enhanced cooperation on maritime safety and security is welcomed, including collaboration on the ISPS Code, cybersecurity, and responses to shadow fleet activity.
  • ESPO calls for rapid implementation to deliver legal certainty, rebuild trust, and enable deeper EU–UK cooperation.
  • The ESPO Statement can be read here.
May 30
3

Channel 4 Series to Spotlight Port of Dover’s 24/7 Operations

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Channel 4 is set to air a new six-part series, Dover 24/7: Britain’s Busiest Port, offering exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the Port of Dover. Filmed during the peak summer season, the ITN Productions series follows the teams who keep this critical UK transport hub running day and night. From terminal staff and control centres to the Port of Dover Police and ferry and cruise operators, the programme highlights the expertise, coordination, and split-second decisions behind the 24/7 operation that keeps millions moving.

Read more: https://www.portofdover.com/press-releases/dover-britains-busiest-port/

Watch the trailer on YouTube

May 30
3

Scandlines Becomes TourCert Qualified Partner

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Scandlines has been certified as a TourCert Qualified Partner, recognising its commitment to sustainable tourism in Rostock. The certification is part of Rostock Marketing’s sustainability initiative, developed in collaboration with TourCert and the local tourism board.

Each year, over a million Scandinavian travellers arrive in Rostock via Scandlines ferries. As a certified partner, Scandlines will now work closely with Rostock Marketing to support the region’s development as a sustainable travel destination.

To achieve the certification, Scandlines completed a structured self-assessment focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The partnership marks a further milestone in Scandlines’ long-term green strategy.

The certificate was officially presented on 16 May 2025 to Michael Dietz and Jenny Schmigale of Scandlines.