The ICS Board has nominated John Denholm CBE to succeed Emanuele Grimaldi as Chairman in June 2026.
FSN is saddened to report the passing of Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, a prominent and influential figure in the global maritime industry. Former President of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs and past Chairman of BIMCO, he was widely respected for his leadership, vision, and lifelong commitment to shipping.
In Denmark, a new campaign called “Tal pænt – vi er alle i samme båd” (“Speak nicely – we’re all in the same boat”) has been launched to encourage mutual respect between ferry passengers and crew. Backed by several ferry operators and unions, the initiative aims to reduce verbal abuse on board – especially during the busy summer months – by promoting kindness and better communication at sea and in terminals.
Viking Line ranks highest in customer satisfaction and loyalty among passenger shipping companies in EPSI Rating’s 2025 Maritime Transport survey. The company scored above industry averages on all routes, with a notable 77.6 on Finland–Sweden and 76.4 on Estonia routes. Passengers also rate Viking Line as delivering the best value for money, with a score of 80.0.
Photo Viking Line Joonas Kortelainen
According to French professional maritime magazine Le Marin, CMA CGM could be preparing to end its involvement in LA MÉRIDIONALE after just two years as sole shareholder.
Reasons for the possible – but unconfirmed – sale include:
The Marseille-based ferry operator was acquired from the STEF Group in spring 2023. Two LNG-electric hybrid ferries ordered that same year in China are expected to remain with CMA CGM and not be part of any sale (unconfirmed).
An Editorial View from Le Marin
In a Linkedin piece titled Deux mondes, Thibaud Teillard, reporter at le Le Marin paints a broader picture of cultural and strategic mismatch. CMA CGM, symbol of decarbonisation and global scale, reportedly found itself bogged down by “French-style union soup,” insular politics, and a fragmented local shipping scene. The editorial suggests the shipping giant “entered Corsica with the intention of modernisation, but ended up seeing only bureaucracy and losses.”
CMA CGM’s high ambitions to reinvent LA MÉRIDIONALE with faster, greener ships and integrated logistics reportedly clashed with entrenched structures, slow procedures, and the realities of operating in Corsica. “Too slow, too expensive, too complex,” the article hints.
Neither CMA CGM nor LA MÉRIDIONALE has commented officially on the news. The information could also be a strategic leak, a move in the ongoing battle with unions.
If the sale becomes reality – what next for LA MÉRIDIONALE?
On 15 June 2025, EL. VENIZELOS departed from Greece for Algiers. She was chartered last month on a long-term bareboat basis by Algérie Ferries for the Algiers–Alicante and Oran–Alicante routes. She arrived in Algiers on 18 June.
Her last sailing on the Piraeus–Chania route took place on 24 May.
Photo: Algérie Ferries
It is reported that HSC TERA JET 2 (ex Natchan Rera), operated by Seajets, will be deployed on the Cyclades route from Piraeus starting 27 June 2025.
The vessel is currently undergoing sea trials and final technical work before entering service.
She was purchased in March 2024 and was originally built in Australia in 2007.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
Brand new SOUTH ENABLER has been welcomed by a “FiFi Show” (fire fighting) at arrival in Zeebrugge on Monday 16 June. The modern RoRo came straight from Italy, where it has been built by Visentini. She loaded for the first time for Wallenius SOL, who charter the vessel for five years.
Photo: Mike Louagie
SOUTH ENABLER (left) replaces ML FREYJA (right). The latter left the fleet of Wallenius SOL in Tilbury on Wednesday 18 June. She is on her way to Algeciras (unknown operator).
Photo: Mike Louagie
DFDS has acquired COMMODORE GOODWILL, which will operate freight services between Jersey, Portsmouth and St Malo.
The ship is being renamed CAESAREA TRADER, a nod to Jersey’s Latin name, Caesarea.
She will eventually replace the ARROW, currently chartered by DFDS for freight operations.
Photo: Mike Louagie