Damen Advances BC Ferries Island Class Programme with Launch of Ninth Vessel
Damen has launched ISLAND CLASS 9 at its Galati yard, marking the latest milestone in the BC Ferries newbuild programme. The vessel is part of a four-ship order based on the Damen 8117 (E3) electric-ready design, with ISLAND CLASS 10 also progressing following its block assembly in October. Upon delivery, the hybrids will be prepared for future full-electric operation and will serve the Gabriola Island and Quadra Island routes.
EUROCHAMPION JET 2 (Ex SKANE JET) Arrived in Greece
On 23 November 2025, the high-speed vessel EUROCHAMPION JET 2 (ex SKANE JET) arrived at the Port of Piraeus. SEAJETS purchased her from FRS last October, and she is expected to join the Hellenic Coastal Shipping network.
EUROCHAMPION JET 2 is one of the world’s fastest car-carrying passenger vessels and holds the eastbound record for the fastest transatlantic crossing. Built by Incat (Australia) in 1998, she can carry 900 passengers and 240 cars, operating at 41 knots (maximum 48 knots).
Photo: Anastasios Anastasiou
GOLDEN CARRIER Chartered to GNV
On 22 November 2025, GOLDEN CARRIER (ex WOLIN), operated by A-Ships Management, departed Perama for Italy. The RoPax vessel has been chartered to GNV for a short period, as the Italian operator aims to strengthen its presence on the highly demanded Naples–Palermo passenger and freight route with a third ship.
Purchased last March from Polish operator Unity Line and built in Norway in 1986, GOLDEN CARRIER has capacity for 370 passengers and 1,770 lane metres, with a service speed of 18 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
VENIZELOS Returns to Greece
On 26 November 2025, the large ferry EL. VENIZELOS returned to Greece, heading to Elefsis Shipyards (ONEX). The vessel had been on a bareboat charter to Algerie Ferries since May 2025, operating on the Alicante–Oran route.
According to available information, the vessel’s arrival in Elefsina is related to technical and operational requirements. It remains unclear whether she will be deployed again on a Greek domestic line or chartered abroad. The ferry will undergo inspections, maintenance, and possible upgrades in preparation for her next assignment.
Photo: Voyager – Christos Chatzaras
Contract Signed for New Fully Electric Ferry
Torghatten Nord has signed a contract for a new NSD 60CFE Gen 2 fully electric ferry, designed by Norwegian Ship Design. The vessel will be built at Özata Shipyard in Istanbul, where the steel-cutting ceremony also took place this week. It is the yard’s third Torghatten ferry using NSD design.
Corsica Ferries Acquires STENA VISION
Corsica Sardinia Ferries has indeed purchased the RoPax STENA VISION from Stena Line and will be renamed MEGA SERENA. The ferry was built in 1987
Stena Line Names STENA FUTURA at Belfast Harbour
Over 200 guests attended the official naming ceremony of Stena Line’s newest vessel, STENA FUTURA, at Belfast Harbour. The event marked a major step in the company’s 30-year partnership with the port and in its wider push towards sustainable shipping.
The 147-metre STENA FUTURA is the first of two next-generation “NewMax” freight vessels designed for the Belfast–Heysham route. The ship is methanol-ready and fitted with hybrid propulsion, battery capability and shore-power connections. Stena Line expects these technologies to support its target of a 30% CO₂ reduction by 2030.
The vessel was named by its Godmother, Dr Madeleine Olsson Ericksson, a member of the Olsson family who own Stena Line. Among the guests were the Deputy Lieutenant of the Borough of Belfast, Dr Philip McGarry, the First Minister Michelle O’Neill, the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners.
The ceremony also celebrated 30 years of Stena Line operations in Belfast, marking three decades since the company moved its services to the city in 1995.
Photo Scott Mackey
STENA SAGA as SAGA X
Bridgemans Floatel, a division of Bridgemans Services Group announced the successful completion and Canadian arrival of SAGA X, the company’s second Canadian floatel. The ferry is the former STENA SAGA.
Over the past four months alongside, every cabin, common area, and system on board has been rebuilt and upgraded.
The vessel now features shore power connectivity, industrial heat pumps eliminating diesel use while alongside, a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant, advanced water-making and filtration systems, and a comprehensive waste management plan to reduce waste and maximize recycling.
Source: Bridgemans