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2026 Newsletter week 04

Jan 23
3

Björn Boström Joins the Ferry Shipping Summit Team

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It was already announced during the Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmö. Now the good news becomes reality: Björn Boström joins the Ferry Shipping Summit team as Business Development Manager.

After 17 years as CEO of the Port of Ystad, Björn decided it was time to step down and to use his expertise in new roles, as a consultant, interim manager, or board member.

Björn has more than 40 years of experience in ferry shipping, with companies such as Saga Line, DFDS, Lion Ferry and others.

His broad experience in ferry and port operations, as well as intergovernmental organisations, will strengthen our team of professionals.

Bo-Lennart Thorbjörnsson, CEO of Ferry Shipping Summit, welcomes Björn:

“We are looking forward to working together and are grateful for his knowledge and network, which will benefit the Summit and our weekly Ferry Shipping News.”

Jan 23
3

Positive Trend For Travel To And From Gotland In 2025

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Travel volumes to and from Gotland increased in 2025, confirming a broadly positive development across passenger, visitor, and freight segments.

Key figures (2025 vs 2024):

  • Total passengers with Destination Gotland: 1,758,481 (+1.6%).
  • Visitors to and from the island: 1,335,045 (+0.8%).
  • Growth driven mainly by the Nynäshamn route.
  • Oskarshamn route remained broadly stable.
  • International travellers: +4.6%, representing 6.3% of all passengers (record level).
  • Gotland residents’ travel: 423,436 (+4.4%), back to pre-pandemic levels.

Destination Gotland highlights that increased off-peak travel indicates success in extending the season. This benefits both residents and the local visitor economy.

Operational performance:

  • Punctuality reached 97.1%, based on 2,786 completed sailings.
  • Freight volumes also increased year-on-year, reflecting resilient demand despite the economic climate.

Tourism indicators:

  • Registered guest nights (Jan–Nov): 988,708, up from 934,177.
  • Total guest nights, including unregistered stays: 1,367,645, showing a clear increase.

Improved accessibility continues to support year-round demand. Regular air services to Stockholm Bromma and Arlanda, combined with reliable ferry operations, keep Gotland well connected outside the summer peak.

Photo Destination Gotland

Jan 23
3

Norwest Ship Management Acquires MN PELICAN from Compagnie Maritime Nantaise – MN

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Norwest Ship Management AS has signed the purchase agreement for the RoRo vessel MN PELICAN, acquired from Compagnie Maritime Nantaise – MN.

Key facts:

  • Vessel: MN PELICAN (to be renamed LINK NEPTUNE)
  • Builder / Year: Fosen shipyard, Norway / 1999
  • Previous name: TRANS BOTNIA
  • Ownership history: CMN – MN since 2007

Operational background

  • 2007–2016: Chartered for the French Ministry of Defence, supporting missions worldwide.
  • 2016–2025: Operated for Brittany Ferries)on Poole–Bilbao.

Norwest Ship Management AS is a Norwegian ship owning and management company who owns 10 vessels and have management on further two, based in Avaldsnes. Carrying project cargo, aluminium, frozen cargoes, fish feed and building materials. Trading areas are in Northern Europe.

Jan 23
3

CLdN Launches Weekly Rotterdam–Porto LoLo Container Service

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CLdN has announced the launch of a new weekly LoLo container service linking Rotterdam Distriport with Leixões (Porto), responding to growing customer demand on the route.

Key points

  • Weekly LoLo container service between Rotterdam Distriport and Port of Leixões
  • Complements two weekly return RoRo sailings between Rotterdam / Zeebrugge and Leixões
  • Part of CLdN’s 2024 strategy combining LoLo and RoRo on longer-distance routes
  • Aims to increase operational flexibility, sailing frequency, and reduce CO₂ emissions per unit
  • Service scheduled to commence on Sunday, 25 January

According to CLdN, deploying container vessels alongside RoRo tonnage enhances network resilience while supporting customers’ decarbonisation objectives through improved utilisation and lower emissions intensity.

Jan 23
3

Port of Kiel Sets New Freight Record in 2025

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The Port of Kiel recorded a new all-time high in freight volumes in 2025, according to figures released on Thursday by Seehafen Kiel GmbH.

Total freight throughput reached almost 8 million tonnes for the first time, representing an increase of around 5% year-on-year. Nearly half of this volume was handled at the East Bank Port (Ostuferhafen). Growth was driven primarily by expanding trade with the Baltic states and continued strength in the Swedish paper trade.

Strong Growth on Key Routes

  • Traffic to Klaipėda (Lithuania) with DFDS reached 3 million tonnes, up 8% compared with 2024.
  • Stena Line transported 2.3% more freight between Kiel and Gothenburg.
  • SCA Logistics handled 5.2% more paper volumes from its Swedish mills at the East Bank Port.
  • Color Line recorded slightly lower freight volumes but saw growth in passenger numbers.
  • Passenger traffic rose slightly in 2025, with 2.7 million passengers handled in total. Of these, around 1.1 million were cruise passengers, underlining Kiel’s growing importance as a cruise hub.

Outlook

Managing Director Dirk Claus remains optimistic, citing strong early booking volumes for 2026 and positive market signals across both freight and passenger segments. The Port of Kiel expects continued growth, supported by infrastructure investment, sustainability initiatives, and robust demand in Baltic and Scandinavian trade lanes.

Jan 23
3

OSK Designs a High-Tech RoPax for Tunisian CTN

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OSK Design has unveiled its next-generation RoPax concept, developed for CTN – Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation.

The new vessel is intended to join the Tunisia Ferries fleet, reinforcing maritime links between Tunis, Barcelona, Genoa and Marseille.

Key specifications:

  • Length overall: 210 m
  • Capacity: 3,000 passengers (cabins), 730 cars, 170 trucks
  • Service speed: 24 knots
  • Propulsion: Electric plant with dual-fuel diesel/methanol generators, azimuth thrusters, and batteries for peak-shaving, spinning reserve, and zero-emission port operations

Designed to set a new benchmark

  • Reliability – Redundant systems and advanced machinery for uninterrupted service
  • Performance – Excellent seakeeping and manoeuvrability
  • Flexibility – Adaptable layouts for future market and regulatory needs
  • Sustainability – Low-emission energy solutions, including methanol readiness

CTN is expected to launch a public tender for the construction of the vessel, opening an important opportunity for shipyards to contribute to the next generation of sustainable Mediterranean ferry operations.

Jan 23
3

Hybrid Fjord Ferry Order for Torghatten Midt

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On 16 January, Stocznia Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A., part of Remontowa Holding S.A., signed a contract with Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten Midt AS for the construction of a hybrid-powered passenger and car ferry.

Key details:

  • Double-ended ferry designed for fjord operations between the Dønna and Herøy islands.
  • Capacity: 249 passengers, 85 cars, and up to six lorries.
  • Strong focus on reduced energy consumption and CO₂ emissions.

Propulsion and energy concept:

  • Hybrid system with two azimuth thrusters and permanent magnet electric motors.
  • Four generators running on 100% biodiesel.
  • Small battery pack for peak shaving, enabling optimal generator loading.
  • Designed for future upgrade to a battery system nearly 15 times larger, allowing fully electric operation.

The vessel (yard number B622) is being designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company AS and is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2028.

 

Source: Remontowa

Jan 23
3

Steel Cutting For Fifth MSC–GNV RoPax Newbuilding At GSI

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The steel cutting ceremony has taken place for the fifth LNG-fuelled RoPax newbuilding ordered by MSC for its ferry subsidiary GNV, at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China.

The vessel, which has not yet been named, is the first unit of a second batch of four ships ordered in 2025 by the Aponte-controlled group. Delivery is scheduled for the first months of 2028.

The four dual-fuel LNG vessels will be sister ships to GNV VIRGO and GNV AURORA.

Main particulars:

  • Length: 218 metres
  • Beam: nearly 30 metres
  • Gross tonnage: 52,300
  • Maximum speed: 25 knots
  • More than 420 cabins
  • Capacity for up to 1,785 passengers
  • 2,780 lane metres of RoRo cargo

Each newbuilding is expected to cost more than €150m. The vessels will be financed by MSC and transferred to GNV under bareboat charter agreements.

GNV, led by Matteo Catani, has already taken delivery of three new ferries from GSI: GNV POLARIS, GNV ORION and GNV VIRGO, with GNV AURORA due to follow in the coming days.

Jan 23
3

ABB To Power Four Hybrid Ferries For BC Ferries

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ABB will supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control systems for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries for BC Ferries.

The vessels will replace four end-of-life ships and form part of BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels programme, supporting capacity growth and lower-emission operations in the Strait of Georgia.

Key facts:

  • Four hybrid-electric double-ended ferries.
  • Order booked in Q4 2025.
  • Delivery from 2029.
  • Builder: China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard.

Propulsion and power:

  • ABB Azipod® gearless, steerable electric propulsion.
  • Reduced maintenance due to fewer moving parts.
  • Special propeller design lowers underwater radiated noise, benefiting sensitive marine life such as the Southern Resident killer whale.
  • ABB Onboard DC Grid™ for efficient power distribution and lower conversion losses.

Energy storage and charging:

  • Up to 70 MWh of battery capacity per vessel.
  • Hybrid operation using biofuel or renewable diesel.
  • Designed for future full-electric, zero-emission operation.
  • Shore charging capability above 60 MW, enabling fast port turnarounds.

ABB will also provide digital solutions to support operational awareness, safety and efficiency, contributing to a quieter and more sustainable ferry service.

Source: ABB