Attica Group Charters TT-Line’s AKKA for Adriatic Service

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It has been reported that Attica Group has chartered TT-Line’s RoPax AKKA for nearly a year to operate on its Adriatic service. The large German-built vessel departed from Travemünde for the Mediterranean on 27 January and is expected to enter service on the Patras-Igoumenitsa-Ancona-Venice route on 10 February.

AKKA will gradually replace LEFKA ORI and ARIADNE, which are undergoing their annual maintenance, as well as SUPERFAST III, which is scheduled for both annual maintenance and a scrubber conversion. Meanwhile, HELLENIC SPIRIT is already out of service until June at the Elefsis shipyards, where she is undergoing an extensive renovation and refit that will transform her into SUPERFAST IV.

Built in Germany in 2001, AKKA has a carrying capacity of 800 passengers and 2,600 lane metres. She can operate at a speed of 21.5 knots.

Damen Shipyards Delivers Germany’s First All-Electric Ferry

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On the 15th of January, Damen Shipyards handed over Germany’s first, all-electric catamaran (E-Kat) ferry to its operator, AG Reederei Norden-Frisia. Capable of taking up to 150 passengers, the vessel will operate between Norddeich and Norderney on the East Frisian Wadden Sea.

  • The 32-metre E-Kat has been designed to operate on a 30-minute route with 28 minutes allowed at each end to disembark and embark passengers.
  • Built at Damen shipyards in Poland and the Netherlands.
  • Driven by two propellers, each powered by a 600kW electric motor.
  • Given the shallow waterways in which it will operate, it has been designed with twin hulls giving it a draught of just 1.2 metres.
  • These aluminium hulls together with a superstructure, also made of aluminium, ensure that weight has been kept to a minimum, enabling it to operate at speeds of up to 12 knots.
  • Other features include over-sized windows to allow passengers to enjoy the views of the Wadden Sea, the world’s largest tidal flats system and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Norwegian Fast Ferries: A Big Step Towards Zero Emissions

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A Breakthrough for High-Speed Ferries

  • Hurtigbåtforbundet, representing 120 vessels, has secured a fuel agreement with Bunker Oil to supply HVO100, an advanced biodiesel.
  • This switch can cut CO₂ emissions by 90% this year—far ahead of Norway’s 2030 target of 55%.
  • No vessel modifications needed—HVO100 works in existing engines, ensuring an easy transition.

Why Electrification Isn’t Enough

  • Fully electric and hybrid ferries work for short, structured routes, but high-speed, long-range, and emergency vessels need alternatives.
  • Heavy battery weight and limited range make full electrification impractical for many operations.

The Case for HVO100

  • CO₂ reduction: 85-97% compared to marine gas oil (MGO).
  • NOx reduction: Up to 90% with catalytic converters.
  • No infrastructure changes required—it blends seamlessly with existing fuels.
  • Made from waste materials without affecting food production.

A Cost-Effective Green Shift

  • Potential CO₂ savings for the fleet: 63,569 tonnes per year.
  • The extra cost of HVO100 for the industry is only 24% of the fishing sector’s CO₂ tax compensation—yet delivers unmatched environmental benefits.
  • From 2026, biogas may also be accepted in Norway’s World Heritage fjords, offering another alternative to zero emissions.

With this agreement, Hurtigbåtforbundet is leading a realistic, impactful transition to sustainable maritime transport.

Photo Bjarne Rygg, Jan Kleven and Rune Midtkandal, Hurtigbåtforbundet HRF

Double-Ended Ferry SAMSØ Bought by BluNavy

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BN di Navigazione, operating under the Blu Navy brand and serving the route between Elba Island and mainland Italy, has purchased the double-ended ferry SAMSØ, which is expected to depart in the coming days from the Danish port of Svendborg.

The vessel will head to Genoa for refit works.

SAMSØ was originally purchased last year from the Canadian company CTMA and was intended to operate on the Rivière-du-Loup – Saint-Siméon route.

BluNavy’s CEO, Luca Morace, confirmed the acquisition to Ferry Shipping News, stating: “The investment for the purchase exceeds €7 million. The ferry, now renamed AETHALIA, was active in Denmark until just a few weeks ago and is in good condition.”

The vessel is 91 metres long, 16 metres wide, with a draft of 3.5 metres. She can sail at a speed of 17 knots, transporting up to 600 passengers and 120 cars in her garage.

Competitiveness Compass: A Boost for European Shipping

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ECSA – European Shipowners welcome the EU’s new Competitiveness Compass, which underscores competitiveness and open trade as essential for Europe’s security, resilience, and growth. With 76% of EU international trade relying on shipping, the sector is vital to Europe’s energy, food, and supply chain security.

Key highlights from the Competitiveness Compass:

  • Recognises shipping’s essential role in the European economy, in line with the Draghi report.
  • Calls for de-risking investments to accelerate the production of renewable and low-carbon fuels under the upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP).
  • Supports faster and simpler processes for businesses, including a 25% reduction in reporting burdens (35% for SMEs).

ECSA Secretary General Sotiris Raptis welcomed the initiative, emphasising the need to close the innovation gap and invest in clean tech and fuels for shipping’s role in the energy transition. He also highlighted the importance of open trade as a key driver of Europe’s prosperity and resilience.

Progress on ANDROS KING Conversion at Perama

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The extensive refit and conversion of Golden Star Ferries’ latest acquisition, ANDROS KING, is progressing rapidly at the Perama Repair Zone. In November 2024, she underwent dry docking and is now being prepared, hopefully, for the summer season of 2025.

The vessel was purchased in July 2024 and delivered in September 2024. She will likely be deployed on the Rafina-Andros-Tinos-Mykonos route. Notably, she is one of the youngest ferries in the Hellenic ferry fleet.

Built in Spain in 2006, ANDROS KING has a carrying capacity of 1,500 passengers and 310 cars (1,200 lane metres). She can operate at a speed of 22.5 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

New RoRo Line Linking Italy, Turkey, and Libya Set to Sail from Venice

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Agencies Srl, a Venice-based shipping agency led by Loris Trevisan, has announced a new RoRo and multipurpose service to Benghazi, Libya—the first of its kind in the Mediterranean.

The company stated: “As general agents for the European market on behalf of Midline Shipping, we are pleased to announce the launch of a new sea transport service to Benghazi, Libya.”

The service will accommodate the following types of cargo:

  • RoRo (trucks, excavators, cars, heavy machinery)
  • General cargo (pallets, cases, crates)
  • Heavy project cargo
  • Containers (20′ DV – 40′ DV)

The route will follow this schedule: Venice (Marghera) – Izmir – Benghazi – Alexandria – Mersin – Benghazi – Venice.

The first sailing is scheduled for 24 February with the RoRo ship MARIN.

Photo: Gordon Dalzell Shipspotting

Finnlines Appoints New CFO And Updates Executive Committee’s Responsibilities

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Finnlines announced on 19 December 2024 that Thomas Doepel had been appointed as the President and CEO of Finnlines Plc, effective on 1 March 2025. Following this, Finnlines has appointed a new CFO and updated the Executive Committee’s responsibilities.

Santeri Laakso has been appointed as the new CFO and a member of the Executive Committee of Finnlines Plc as of 1 March 2025. In his new role, Mr. Laakso will report to Thomas Doepel.

Thomas Doepel taking over as President and CEO, will lead Finnlines’ Executive Committee and continue being directly responsible for Finnlines Ship Management. In addition, Mr. Doepel will assume direct responsibility for Group Quality and Group Communication.

More details about the roles in the Executive Committee here.

PORTS

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Annual Figures for Port of Antwerp-Bruges Show Growth Despite Challenging Times

  • Containers were the driving force behind the 2.3% growth in total throughput in the ports of Zeebrugge and Antwerp, amounting to 278 million tons.
  • RoRo throughput decreased by 3.4% in 2024 compared to 2023. This decline was noticeable in transportation equipment, such as new cars (-9.4%), used cars (-31.8%), trucks (-3.2%) and High & Heavy (-22.0%).
  • Belgian car sales were down 5.8% (Jan-Nov), and European electric vehicle sales were also down 5.4% (YTD), mainly due to a sharp drop in Germany.
  • The throughput of unaccompanied cargo on RoRo ferries in Zeebrugge increased by 3.4%, with decreases in traffic to the UK (-2.8%) offset by increases to Ireland (+1.4%), Scandinavia (+16.3%) and Spain/Portugal (+34%).

More details on the Port of Antwerp Bruges website

2024: Port Boulogne Calais maintains its momentum

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  • Tourist traffic was up by 11% in Calais. 7.6 million passengers (+4%) and 1.4 million vehicles. 68,000 coaches (+13%) used the infrastructure last year, i.e. 3 out of 4 coaches on the Dover Strait.
  • Freight traffic remained steady at 1.8 million units, representing a tonnage of almost 40 million tonnes. On the Strait, more than one lorry in two chooses to use the Port of Calais.
  • Commercial terminal activity rose by 5% to 1.3 million tonnes.
  • Rail motorway services set a new record with 46,000 units, up 10%. 1/3 of freight units transported on rail motorways in France are destined for or depart from the Port of Calais.
  • Traffic in new vehicles increased by a factor of 2.5 over 2024, with 25,000 units.