AS Tallink Grupp reported solid growth across all key segments in January 2026.
The figures confirm a strong start to the year, with cargo growth again outpacing passenger volumes.
Click on link to see the source
HSC NATCHAN WORLD has been sold to Greek shipowners.
Delivery is expected after 15 February.
The vessel is a sister ship of TERA JET 2 (ex NATCHAN RERA, built 2007), which was sold in Greece in January 2024.
Originally built by Incat in Tasmania in 2008, HSC NATCHAN WORLD has a capacity of 800 passengers and 355 cars.
The vessel initially operated on the Aomori–Hakodate route for Tsugaru Kaikyō Ferry.
In November 2011, following economic difficulties, she was chartered by Japan’s Ministry of Defense for military logistics and transport. Between 2011 and 2017, the vessel was transferred to Towa Enterprise Co. Ltd., followed by Kosoku Marine Transport KK.
In later years, she operated under charter within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force framework, supporting maritime transport operations. In 2024, the vessel was laid up at Hakodate, mainly used for events, charters, and limited operations.
On 2 February 2026, RoPax A NEPITA (ex-SUPERFAST X) of Corsica Linea arrived at the Perama repair zone to undergo a series of modifications to her ramps and visor, reflecting her new operational role.
The vessel has been chartered for five years by Canadian operator Marine Atlantic and will replace the older RoPax LEIF ERICSON (1991) on the North Sydney–Port aux Basques route. Marine Atlantic previously chartered her sister vessel ATLANTIC VISION (ex-SUPERFAST IX), which operated on the same route between 2008 and 2024.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
Viking Line is renewing its offer of travel and transport powered by a high share of renewable European biogas in 2026.
Key points:
CEO Marcus Risberg calls the biogas investment one of the clearest large-scale examples of shipping’s practical transition towards fossil-free operations.
Tallink’s shuttle vessels MEGASTAR and MYSTAR, operating on the Tallinn–Helsinki route, are close to running entirely on renewable energy.
In January, 74% of the fuel used by the two ships consisted of liquefied biomethane (LBM), marking a significant step towards replacing conventional LNG completely.
The company’s stated objective is to substitute its full LNG demand with LBM in the near future, subject to favourable pricing and secure supply. According to CEO Paavo Nõgene, the transition represents a long-term strategic move rather than a temporary fuel switch, positioning the route as a low-emission corridor across the Gulf of Finland.
A full conversion to liquefied biomethane is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 75% compared with fossil fuels.
Photo: Karl-Robert_Kurm
POLSCA Baltic Ferries is developing its Baltic Sea network with a new ferry connection between Gdańsk and Karlshamn.
Key points:
Source: Port of Karlshamn
Stena Line will discontinue its ferry connection between Halmstad (Sweden) and Grenaa (Denmark).
STENA NAUTICA will continue operating the route until 30 April 2026.
Key points:
The European Commission has confirmed that it will delay the roll out of the EU new Entry/Exit System (EES) from April 2026 until September due to the growing concerns of summer travel chaos.
Ports of Stockholm is closing 2025 with stable cargo volumes and rising passenger numbers across both ferry and cruise operations.
Key points:
Ports of Stockholm underlined the importance of stable freight flows for regional supply, particularly for the construction sector in the Mälaren region.
Photo: Ports of Stockholm/Per-Erik Adamsson
IMO’s Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC) has finalised a workplan to develop a safety regulatory framework for ships using new technologies and alternative fuels to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
Key points:
Link: https://www.imo.org