Tallink Grupp: Signs of Recovery in Q2

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Tallink transported 1.49 million passengers in Q2 2025 – a 2.5% increase year-on-year – signalling renewed trust and travel appetite. However, freight volumes dropped 22.8%, highlighting continued pressure in that segment.

Q2 Revenue: €207 million

EBITDA: €37.4 million

Net Loss: €2.5 million (incl. €11m dividend tax)

CEO Paavo Nõgene points to seasonality, reduced idle vessels, and strategic moves like the sale of STAR I and chartering of ROMANTIKA as positive signs for recovery.

Despite a challenging first half – with passenger volumes down 3.8% and a net loss of €35.7 million – investments in fleet renewal (€22m) and debt reduction signal a long-term commitment to resilience and shareholder value.

Maintenance of BALTIC PRINCESS and SILJA SERENADE accounted for 68 days out of service, part of the group’s strategy to extend asset life and improve passenger experience.

Tallink stays the course with a clear focus: optimising operations, reducing debt, and returning to profitability.

Incat Wins Contract to Build Two All-Electric Ferries for Molslinjen

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  • Incat Tasmania has secured a contract to build two 129-metre battery-electric ferries for Danish operator Molslinjen (owned by Nordic Ferry Infrastructure)
  • Each vessel will be powered by 45,000 kWh of battery capacity and operate on the Kattegat route between Jutland and Zealand.
  • The order forms part of the world’s largest maritime electrification project.
  • Vessels will carry up to 1,483 passengers and 500 cars at speeds of 40+ knots, with delivery of the first ship due in late 2027.
  • Chairman Robert Clifford: “These vessels redefine what’s possible at sea.”
  • Project aligns with Incat’s expansion at Prince of Wales Bay, set to double capacity and workforce over the next three years.

Incat is currently building Hull 096 for Buquebus (world’s largest battery-electric ship) and Hull 100 (78-metre hybrid ferry).

Rederiaktiebolaget Eckerö Acquires Rederi Ab Fjärdvägen

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  • Rederiaktiebolaget Eckerö is acquiring Rederi Ab Fjärdvägen from Rederi Ab Lillgaard.
  • The acquisition includes the FJÄRDVÄGEN and the Långnäs–Nådendal route.
  • All personnel and assets are part of the deal.
  • Eckerö CEO Björn Blomqvist: “This route strengthens our network and aligns with our floating bridge strategy between Åland and mainland Finland.”
  • Lillgaard Chairman Trygve Eriksson: “Challenging conditions made it necessary to become part of a larger context. We are pleased with a stable Åland-based buyer.”
  • Transfer of ownership planned for 18 August.

Photo: https://www.lillgaard.ax/

Public Consultation Opens on Future of Northern Isles Ferry Services

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  • The Scottish Government has launched a 12-week consultation on the next Northern Isles Ferry Services contract (NIFS4), running until 13 October 2025.
  • Key proposals include:
    • Introducing a late cancellation fee on pre-booked tickets to reduce no-shows and free up capacity.
    • Implementing Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) pricing for islanders on the Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick route.
    • Considering dynamic pricing for visitors to support RET for residents.
    • Seeking views on overnight pods, reclining chairs, and how to support urgent travel needs.
    • Exploring ideas to manage freight demand ahead of the arrival of two new freighter-flex vessels.
  • The current contract ends on 30 June 2028.
  • Stakeholders, communities and businesses are invited to help shape the next generation of ferry services via online consultation and upcoming engagement sessions.
  • The Scottish Government has launched a 12-week consultation on the next Northern Isles Ferry Services contract (NIFS4), running until 13 October 2025.
  • Key proposals include:
    • Introducing a late cancellation fee on pre-booked tickets to reduce no-shows and free up capacity.
    • Implementing Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) pricing for islanders on the Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick route.
    • Considering dynamic pricing for visitors to support RET for residents.
    • Seeking views on overnight pods, reclining chairs, and how to support urgent travel needs.
    • Exploring ideas to manage freight demand ahead of the arrival of two new freighter-flex vessels.
  • The current contract ends on 30 June 2028.
  • Stakeholders, communities and businesses are invited to help shape the next generation of ferry services via online consultation and upcoming engagement sessions.

Source: Transport Scotland

Port of Great Yarmouth in Major Expansion

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The Port of Great Yarmouth is set to undergo a major expansion, with plans announced to develop a new deep-water terminal at the port.

The port operator is progressing plans to develop the Southern Terminal at its Outer Harbour amid a surge in demand from developers and construction contractors working on major infrastructure onshore and offshore projects. The planned development will consist of an additional 350 metres of quay, a RoRo ramp, a heavy lift pad and approximately 10 hectares of strengthened outdoor storage space.

Read more on Peel Ports.com

Valenciaport Grows in Import/Export, Offsetting Drop in Transhipment

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  • In June, exports rose 5.29% and imports 2.93%, offsetting a 5.46% drop in transhipment traffic.
  • Overall container volume stable in June at 487,833 TEUs (+0.08% YoY).
  • H1 2025:
    • Total handled: 2.83 million TEUs (+3.84%).
    • Imports: +4.82%.
    • Exports: +15.21%.
    • Transhipments: -1.75%.
  • RoRo traffic:
    • 269,637 ITUs moved (+7.78%).
    • Key links: Balearics, Italy, Mediterranean.
  • Passenger traffic (June):
    • Total: 184,515 (+4.88%).
    • Regular passengers (last 12 months): +3.85%
    • Cruise passengers: -3.99%

Valenciaport’s shift toward stronger import/export flows reflects resilience amid a softening transhipment trend.

Fred. Olsen’s BUGANVILLA EXPRESS Marks One Year of Mini-Ferry Service

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On 22 July 2025, Fred. Olsen Express celebrated one year of BUGANVILLA EXPRESS operating between Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) and Corralejo (Fuerteventura). Since its launch, the 250-passenger miniferry has completed 2,300 trips, carrying over 103,000 people. More than 63%—around 65,500 passengers—used the service for same-day return travel. The vessel, built by Rodman Polyships, supports the company’s strategy of offering high-frequency, passenger-only connections alongside the vehicle-carrying BOCAINA EXPRESS.

Portsmouth International Port Saves £138,000 on Electricity Through Solar Power

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Portsmouth International Port has saved £138,058 in electricity costs over the past year, thanks to its 2,200 solar panels (1.2MW) installed across terminal roofs and car lane canopies.

On sunny days, the port can operate completely off-grid.

The panels have supplied 21% of the port’s total electricity demand in 2023/24.

The new terminal extension paid just £41 in electricity, saving £14,690 by drawing only 0.28% from the grid.

The initiative supports the port’s goal to become the UK’s first net-zero emissions port by 2050.

Port of Dover Prepares for EU Entry/Exit System with SmartPort Platform

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  • The Port of Dover has selected Brock Solutions to implement a real-time Transit Assurance System, supporting compliance with the EU’s upcoming Entry/Exit System (EES).
  • The EES introduces biometric checks for Third Country Nationals (TCNs), requiring operational changes at border checkpoints.
  • Brock’s SmartPort platform will:
    • Track vehicle movements using AI and ANPR.
    • Monitor transit times between checkpoints.
    • Provide dashboards, incident reporting, and multilingual interfaces.
  • The Transit Assurance module offers real-time visibility and control, enhancing Dover’s readiness for post-Brexit requirements.
  • Mark Burton, Head of IT, Port of Dover:
    “This collaboration ensures we’re not only able to meet the complex operational challenges posed by our implementation of EES, but also well-positioned to scale and evolve our digital capabilities.”
  • SmartPort’s modular design allows for future upgrades, making it a key part of Dover’s long-term digital transformation strategy.

Source: Brock Solutions

Attica Group Launches “seamore” App

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  • Attica Group introduces seamore, a new mobile app offering a more personalised, intuitive, and seamless travel experience.
  • Available across all Attica brands: Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and Anek Lines.
  • Key features include:
    • Faster bookings with auto-filled personal, vehicle, and pet data.
    • Access to travel history and upcoming trips.
    • Seamless redemption of SeaSmiles points.
    • Unified login across all Attica websites.
  • Part of Attica’s “Seanthesis” digital transformation programme, launched in 2023.
  • The app will be continuously updated with features supporting all stages of the journey.