Category

2026 Newsketter week 05

Feb 02
3

Stena RoRo Orders Next-Generation Future-Proofed C-FLEXER RoRo’s

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Stena RoRo has placed an order for 2 next-generation C-FLEXER RoRo vessels (+4 options)

The vessels are designed to meet future regulatory and fuel requirements.

Key points:

  • Yard: China Merchants Industry Weihai
  • Developed by Stena RoRo in close cooperation with NAOS Ship and Boat Design
  • Multi-fuel engines prepared for low-carbon fuels
  • Battery-hybrid readiness included in the design
  • Focus on efficiency and operational flexibility
  • Delivery in March and June 2029 respectively. The optional vessels will be delivered at three-month intervals thereafter.
  • Length: 200m | Beam: 31m | Dwt: about 15,000 ton | Draft: 7,5 m |Speed: 21 knots
  • Capacity depends on configuration 3-deck version: 3,400 lane metres or 4-deck version: 4,750 lane metres

Source: Stena RoRo Illustration Peter Mild

Feb 02
3

Poland: Shareholder Agreement Signed for POLSCA S.A.

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An agreement was officially signed on 27 January at the headquarters of Polska Żegluga Morska P.P., confirming the acquisition of shares in POLSCA S.A.

The signing marks an important milestone for ferry transport cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, reflecting a shared strategy for future market development.

The shareholders of POLSCA S.A. are:

  • Polska Żegluga Morska Group (shipowner Unity Line)
  • Hass Holding (shipowner EuroAfrica)
  • Polska Żegluga Bałtycka S.A. (shipowner Polferries)

The partners emphasised that the cooperation represents a long-term commitment to modern ferry shipping and the strengthening of connections between people, markets, and ports across the Baltic.

Source: LinkedIn statement, 27 January 2026.

Feb 02
3

Isle of Man Steam Packet Seeks Public Input on New Vessel for 2030

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The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) has launched an online public consultation as planning progresses for the next vessel to join its fleet, due to enter service in 2030.

The ship will replace HSC MANANNAN, which has operated with the company since 2009.

IOMSPC stressed that the newbuild will not be a like-for-like replacement, reflecting changes in technology, regulations, and evolving customer expectations.

The consultation is being carried out via an online survey, with further project details to be released at a later stage.

New Vessel Public Consultation Survey

Photo: Philpos, Wikipedia

Feb 02
3

New RoRo Ship From Cantiere Navale Visentini to Be Named GRENDI HORIZON

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The new RoRo vessel currently under construction at CANTIERE NAVALE VISENTINI in Italy will be named GRENDI HORIZON. Delivery is expected before next summer.

The Musso family-controlled shipping line will take delivery of its fifth ship in June, under a five-year time charter.

The newbuild will offer 3,000 lane metres of capacity. It will strengthen Grendi’s RoRo services on national and international routes.

GRENDI HORIZON will be:

  • Equipped with a scrubber
  • Methanol-ready
  • Cold ironing-ready
  • Operated under a European flag with a European crew

The ship’s name was chosen through an online vote involving employees, partners, and customers.

Feb 02
3

GNV AURORA delivered to MSC, Next Phase for Four Further Ships Started

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At Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China, GNV, a subsidiary of the MSC Group, has taken delivery of GNV AURORA.

As the second LNG-powered unit in the fleet, and the final vessel of GNV’s first fleet renewal phase, GNV AURORA is scheduled to enter active service at the beginning of April 2026.

The ship will be deployed on the vital Genoa–Palermo route, a move GNV says will “strengthen the national network and support more efficient management of traffic flows”.

Technical Details

  • Gross tonnage: 52,300 GT
  • Length / beam: 218 m / 29.6 m
  • Max speed: 25 knots
  • Passenger capacity: 1,785 (420+ cabins)
  • Cargo capacity: 2,770 lane metres
  • Propulsion: LNG dual-fuel

While the delivery of GNV AURORA closes the first chapter of fleet renewal, GNV’s modernisation is far from over. The company has already confirmed a second phase involving four additional LNG-powered vessels, with deliveries starting in late 2027.

These next-generation ships will be even larger, with a projected:

  • Increased size: 71,300 GT (up from 52,300 GT)
  • Enhanced capacity: 2,500 passengers and 3,500 lane metres of garage space
  • Strategic goal: reaching a total of eight new LNG-ready units by 2030, to modernise the “Motorways of the Sea” infrastructure
Feb 02
3

RoRo PATRIS: First Arrival in Cyprus

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On 28 January 2026, Salamis Lines’ largest cargo RoRo vessel, PATRIS, made her first call at the port of Limassol, following her purchase from DFDS last November.

The ship will operate on a regular weekly rotation connecting Lavrion with Limassol and Haifa.

According to the company, the acquisition of PATRIS reflects its vision for increased capacity, operational efficiency, and adaptability, as trade flows between Southern Europe, Cyprus, and the Levant continue to expand.

Today, Salamis Lines owns three RoRo vessels — PATRIS, VASSILIOS, and AKRITAS — alongside the multipurpose vessel IONIA, serving the ports of Limassol, Lavrio, Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Haifa, and Ashdod.

Built in Germany in 2002, PATRIS offers capacity of up to 3,200 lane metres (177 trailers) and has a service speed of 21.5 knots.

Photo: Salamis Lines

Feb 02
3

Alaska: New Vessel to Replace TUSTUMENA

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Alaska’s next chapter in coastal connectivity is moving forward. The Tustumena Replacement Vessel (TRV) is purpose-designed for the Gulf of Alaska, combining modern safety systems, higher capacity, and improved passenger comfort.

The build contract to replace TUSTUMENA (1964) is out to bid. The state’s project notice calls for the new mainliner ferry to be completed by the beginning of 2029 with an estimated price tag of more than USD $300 million.

TRV Characteristics and Capacities

  • Length overall (LOA): 100.6 m
  • Depth: 7.5 m
  • Breadth overall (BOA): 22.8 m
  • Design draught: 5.0 m
  • Air draught: 27.4 m
  • Cruise / service speed: 15 knots
  • Vehicle capacity: 14 vans + 26 cars
  • Cars only: 58
  • Loading capability: Stern and side (port & starboard), plus vehicle lift
  • Vehicle lane length: 366 m
  • Passenger capacity: 250 (124 berths)
Feb 02
3

Magic Sea Ferries’ HSC MAGIC 5 Arrived in Greece

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On 24 January 2026, Magic Sea Ferries’ new acquisition HSC MAGIC 5 (ex-MAJESTIC DYNAMIC) arrived at the port of Lavrion, transported aboard the general cargo vessel LADY LUCIANA.

The ship was purchased in November 2025 from Singapore-based Majestic Fast Ferry and is the fifth new vessel to join the Magic Sea Ferries fleet.

Built in 2025, HSC MAGIC 5 has a capacity of 343 passengers and operates at a service speed of 36 knots, with a maximum speed of 39 knots.

Photo: Anastasios Anastasiou

Feb 02
3

Port of Antwerp-Bruges: RoRo Growth Despite Overall Decline

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Port of Antwerp-Bruges faced heavy geopolitical and operational pressure in 2025, including congestion, trade uncertainty and industrial action.

Key points:

  • Total maritime throughput: 266.5 million tonnes (-4.1%)
  • Container throughput remained almost stable, with slight growth of 0.4% in tonnage and 0.7% in TEU.
  • RoRo throughput: +3%, driven by growth in Trucks, Heavy equipment and Used cars
  • Higher US tariffs reduced exports of iron, steel and cars
  • Container imports from China rose by 3.8%, widening trade imbalances
  • Around 25 days of industrial action caused an estimated loss of 2.4 million tonnes (~1%)
  • Cruise calls fell to 166, carrying 466,089 passengers

RoRo was one of the few bright spots, confirming continued demand for rolling cargo flows despite a difficult year for European port logistics.

Source: POAB

Feb 02
3

Stena Line Completes Acquisition of Liepaja Terminal Operator Terrabalt

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Stena Line has completed the acquisition of terminal operator Terrabalt in Liepaja, Latvia, and has officially taken over RoRo, bulk and general cargo operations. All regulatory approvals have been granted, and Stena Line is now registered as the owner.

Key points:

  • The terminal has been renamed Stena Line Ports Liepajas SEZ.
  • Liepaja is Latvia’s third-largest port and a key logistics hub in the Baltic Sea region.
  • Stena Line currently operates the Liepaja–Travemünde route with two vessels.

Stena Line plans to gradually modernise the terminal infrastructure.

Trade Director Liene Lemane said the deal reflects strong confidence in the Baltic region’s long-term trade potential.

Stena Line will follow a similar development path as in Ventspils, acquired nearly three years ago.

In parallel, the Liepaja Special Economic Zone Authority will rebuild berth 46.

The berth reconstruction project is scheduled for completion by 31 December 2027.

The acquisition strengthens Stena Line’s Baltic Sea network, which includes:

  • Port operations in Ventspils and Karlskrona
  • Ferry routes linking Latvia, Sweden, Germany and Poland