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2025 Newsletter week 47

Nov 21
3

Mixed Results for Gotlandsbolaget After Go Nordic Acquisition

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Gotlandsbolaget’s results for January–September 2025 show higher revenues and stable passenger numbers across the group. The acquisition of Go Nordic Cruiseline has more than doubled the number of employees and significantly increased turnover. However, establishment costs and lower-than-expected revenues continue to weigh on the cruise line’s result.

 Quarter: July–September 2025

  • Revenues: SEK 1,415.6m (1,002.7)
  • Costs: SEK –1,079.1m (–695.1)
  • Adjusted operating profit: SEK 352.7m (318.2)
  • Profit after tax: SEK 311.1m (230.4)

The quarter was strengthened by Go Nordic Cruiseline’s first high season under Gotlandsbolaget. Passenger numbers reached 230,000, in line with 2024. Onboard revenues did not meet expectations and establishment costs remain high.

Gotland Alandia Cruises also contributed positively. 161,000 guests travelled on BIRKA GOTLAND, up 3% on the previous year.

Gotland traffic saw a 1% decline during the quarter, although June and August exceeded 2024 levels. Travel by Gotland residents increased by 6% for January–September.

 Period: January–September 2025

  • Revenues: SEK 2,985.3m (1,991.7)
  • Costs: SEK –2,815.5m (–1,677.2)
  • Adjusted operating profit: SEK 157.6m (278.8)
  • Profit after tax: SEK 32.3m (322.7)

Dockings and upgrades of NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN reduced availability in Q1. Exchange-rate effects also had a significant negative impact compared to 2024.

 CEO’s Comment

CEO Björn Nilsson highlighted revenue growth and the contribution from Go Nordic Cruiseline, but noted that 2025 remains an establishment year with high costs. He sees strong potential for both Go Nordic and BIRKA GOTLAND as their market positions strengthen.

Nilsson also emphasised progress in emissions reductions. By exceeding FuelEU Maritime requirements and selling surplus allowances, Gotlandsbolaget can finance increased use of renewable fuels. The order for GOTLAND HORIZON X supports this transition.

The CEO underlined the group’s Nordic footprint and continued commitment to Gotland’s development, including the investment in Brommaflyg and the partnership with Strawberry (hotels).

Nov 21
3

Finnlines Back on Track With Strong Passenger Growth

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Highlights January–September 2025

  • Revenue: EUR 547.1m (2024: 547.2m)
  • EBIT: EUR 74.5m (72.3m)
  • Result for the period: EUR 68.4m (52.1m)
  • Interest-bearing debt reduced to EUR 344m (–EUR 43m)
  • EBITDA: EUR 141.6m, up 1%
  • Passenger revenue: EUR 89.5m, +EUR 7.2m year-on-year

Thomas Doepel, President and CEO:

“The first nine months re-confirm that we are back on track again. Our ro-ro fleet rationalisation and investments in passenger traffic formed the basis of this satisfactory result.”

Cargo volumes totalled 592,000 units, 51,000 cars, and 871,000 tonnes of non-unitised freight, while 831,000 passengers and drivers travelled with Finnlines.

The company continues its long-term commitment to green shipping. In April, Finnlines announced a new investment programme for three methanol-powered RoPax vessels, due to enter service between Finland and Germany in 2028–2029.

Further measures include low-carbon transport solutions, ship electrification, biofuels, and network optimisation.

Finnlines remains focused on strengthening routes between Sweden–Poland, Finland–Poland, and Poland–Belgium/France/UK/Spain, linking to the global Grimaldi Group network.

Financial review click on picture below

Nov 21
3

Godby Shipping Confirms Purchase of RoRo Vessel TRANSPORTER

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Godby Shipping has completed the purchase of the RoRo vessel TRANSPORTER from Eckerö Shipping in Mariehamn. The transaction was finalised on 19 November, and the vessel is now officially part of the Godby fleet.

TRANSPORTER is the sister ship of AURORA, making her a strong strategic fit for the company.

The vessel is currently on time charter to DFDS, operating on the Fredrikstad–Halden (Norway), Zeebrugge (Belgium) and Immingham (UK) liner route. She will remain on charter until the end of December 2026, with further extension options.

Godby Shipping confirmed that TRANSPORTER will retain her existing name.

Nov 21
3

MacGregor to Supply Access Solutions for Grimaldi’s Nine New RoPax Vessels

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MacGregor has been selected by the Grimaldi Group to supply cargo access solutions for nine new RoPax vessels to be built at China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard. The order was booked in MacGregor’s third quarter 2025.

The contract covers cargo access equipment for:

  • Three vessels for Finnlines
  • Four for Grimaldi Euromed
  • Two for Minoan Lines

Two Vessel Designs

  • Finnlines (3 ships): 5,400 lane metres and capacity for 1,000 passengers. Designed for Baltic Sea operations.
  • Grimaldi Euromed / Minoan Lines (6 ships): 3,300 lane metres and 2,500 passengers. Intended for Mediterranean and Adriatic services.
Nov 21
3

Vessels In & Out for Corsica Ferries’ Fleet

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Market rumours suggest changes in the Corsica Ferries fleet.

MEGA EXPRESS FIVE is reportedly sold to Dubai-based Tarco Marine, the buyer of CORSICA MARINA SECONDA and CORSICA VICTORIA.

  • Owner Pierre Mattei declined to comment on the transaction.
  • Built in 1993 by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the ship offers 1,400 lane metres, 276 cabins, capacity for 1,800 passengers and a 26-knot service speed.

STENA VISION is expected to join the fleet.

  • The vessel, built in 1987 and refitted in 1999 and 2010, recently arrived in the Mediterranean and is now off Gibraltar.
  • It is 175 metres long, 30 metres wide, 38,700 GT, and carries 1,700 passengers and 570 cars at 20 knots.
  • The ship previously served the Rosslare–Cherbourg route.
Nov 21
3

Øresundslinjen Moves Toward Fully Green Corridor With HAMLET Conversion

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Øresundslinjen has taken another major step towards a fully green maritime corridor between Denmark and Sweden. The ferry HAMLET has entered Oresund Drydocks in Landskrona for a full conversion from diesel engines to battery power.

When HAMLET returns to service in mid-December 2025, she will operate as a fully electric ferry powered by renewable energy. This marks the third vessel on the Helsingør–Helsingborg route to undergo electrification.

The ferries AURORA and TYCHO BRAHE have operated on battery power since 2018. TYCHO BRAHE also installed the world’s largest maritime battery pack in 2021, at 6,400 kWh. Øresundslinjen was the first operator globally to run electric RoPax ferries on a high-frequency service.

HAMLET’s conversion includes:

  • 2,800 kWh of batteries (Echandia) in four containers on Deck 6
  • ABB charging modules on both sides of the Øresund
  • Structural reinforcement completed during two earlier dockings

CO₂ Emissions Sharply Reduced

The route previously emitted 37,800 tonnes of CO₂ annually. After the first two conversions, emissions fell to 10,200 tonnes in 2024. With HAMLET electrified, emissions will drop to 2,500 tonnes after full implementation. The three conversions together will remove 35,300 tonnes of CO₂ per year.

HAMLET will return to service on 15 December 2025.

Nov 21
3

Vestlandske Converts Two Ferries to Zero-Emission Operation on the Geirangerfjord

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Vestlandske is converting two ferries to zero-emission operation on the Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. The project supports national goals for emission-free domestic shipping.

The electrification will cut emissions by around 2,600 tonnes of CO₂ annually. It will also allow further development of tourism services on the fjord without increasing pressure on the natural environment.

Large Battery Capacity for Demanding Operations

Both vessels will receive battery packs totalling 17 MWh, giving sufficient capacity for operations in an area with limited shore power. With support from Enova, the aim is for JOTUNHEIM and HJØRUNGAVÅG to begin zero-emission operations at the start of the 2026 season.

Tourism Partnership

Vestlandske has also entered a long-term collaboration with Norway’s Best, one of the country’s largest tourism operators, which will handle sales and marketing.

A Collaborative Project

CEO Øystein Meek said the initiative reflects extensive planning and cooperation across technology, maritime expertise and tourism.
“The goal is to deliver a tourism product that safeguards the environment, guests and the area’s long-term interests,” he said.
“Zero-emission operation and greater capacity provide more efficient operation and a better overall experience on board. This is important for tourism, but also for the area as a whole.”

Nov 21
3

Ferry Solution Saves New Zealand $2.3 Billion (≈ €1.12 billion)

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The New Zealand Government says taxpayers will save billions under a revised plan for two new Interislander ferries and streamlined infrastructure in Picton and Wellington.

Rail Minister Winston Peters confirmed the deal on Monday.

  • Two new road-rail ferries will enter Cook Strait service in 2029.
  • A $596 million (≈ €290 million) fixed-price contract has been signed between Ferry Holdings and Guangzhou Shipyard International.
  • The total programme cost remains below $2 billion (≈ €974 million).
  • Taxpayer funding will stay under $1.7 billion (≈ €828 million) allocated earlier this year.
  • Peters says this represents a $2.3 billion (≈ €1.12 billion) saving, after removing costly consultancy-driven upgrades that pushed estimates towards $4 billion (≈ €1.95 billion).
  • Infrastructure spending will be recovered through port fees from Interislander revenue.
  • Interislander must build reserves to fund replacement vessels over the next 30 years.
  • Ferry Holdings will lead infrastructure delivery, supported by CentrePort, Port Marlborough, and KiwiRail.
  • Disruption to Interislander and Bluebridge operations will be minimised.

Peters will travel to Guangzhou next week with Ferry Holdings leadership to mark the agreement and strengthen economic ties with China.

Nov 21
3

Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Unveils Three-Vessel Schedule With New Focus on Ireland

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The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company will launch its new three-vessel timetable for 2026/27. It goes on sale on 21 November 2025 and marks the first regular three-ship schedule outside TT for over 15 years. The plan strengthens all core routes and introduces a major expansion of services to Ireland.

Key points:

  • BEN-MY-CHREE becomes the dedicated Ireland vessel.
    Five sailings a week to Dublin and Larne in peak season.
    Three winter sailings a week to Larne.
    Supports both passenger travel and new freight opportunities.
  • MANANNAN expands on Liverpool.
    More daytime summer sailings.
    Maintains two daily services into early September.
    Potential September increases if demand remains strong.
  • MANXMAN focuses on Heysham.
    Exclusively on the route in peak season.
    Operates weekend Liverpool sailings from November to March.
    BEN-MY-CHREE supports Heysham freight when required.
  • Customer initiatives extended.
    10% off Flexi Fares and Kids Go Free continue after strong uptake in 2025.
  • Fleet investment.
    Major interior refit planned for BEN-MY-CHREE to upgrade public areas for the Ireland routes.

The schedule runs until late May 2027 and goes live on 21 November at 09:30.

Managing Director Brian Thomson says the Company is investing to support growth. He warns the new Irish links must be used to remain viable, adding that the two-year commitment aims to build sustainable demand.

Nov 21
3

Port of Antwerp-Bruges Hosts Ship Firefighting Seminar in Zeebruges

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Port of Antwerp-Bruges held a seminar on ship firefighting in the ABC Building in Zeebruges. Experts from the maritime sector, emergency services and government bodies discussed lessons learned from recent incidents, including the DELPHINE fire earlier this year.

Key points:

  • Focus on improving joint response to shipboard fires.
  • Detailed analysis of the DELPHINE incident and its impact on a new SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for ship fires.
  • Officials highlighted the need for structural cooperation between fire brigades, port authorities, terminals, shipping lines and federal services.
  • Partners are preparing a public–private network for training, information exchange and standardised procedures, planned for formal launch in spring 2026.