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2026 Newsletter week 10

Mar 06
3

UECC Orders Two Smaller Eco-Friendly PCTCs

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FSN normally does not cover PCTC (Pure Car and Truck Carrier) orders. However, this one is interesting because it focuses on smaller, flexible vessels designed for the European short-sea market.

Key points

  • 3,000 CEU capacity, significantly smaller than typical deep-sea PCTCs, making them suitable for regional trades.
  • Multi-fuel LNG engines with battery-hybrid systems, capable of running on liquefied biomethane (LBM).
  • Ballast-free design and aerodynamic hull aimed at reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
  • Enhanced safety architecture, with improved fire detection, monitoring and containment systems.
  • Nine-deck configuration with stronger and higher decks, allowing transport of larger high & heavy cargo and project cargo.
  • Shore power capability and real-time emissions monitoring.
  • Advanced digital systems to improve operational performance and lifecycle management.

The vessels will be built at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Nanjing) and are scheduled for delivery in early 2028. UECC already has two larger 4,500 CEU vessels on order at the same yard.

Source: https://uecc.com/news/uecc-expands-fleet-with-fresh-order-for-eco-friendly-pctc-newbuild-pair-at-chinese-yard/

Mar 06
3

Wagenborg Names New Ferry HIDDEBORG

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  • Wagenborg has named its new (small) ferry HIDDEBORG, which will operate the fast connection between Ameland and the mainland.
  • The vessel was christened at Next Generation Shipyards in Lauwersoog by journalist Afke Boven.
  • Designed for the shallow Wadden Sea, the ferry features about 80 cm draught, waterjet propulsion and energy-efficient engines.
  • HIDDEBORG is expected to enter service in 2026, strengthening reliability on the Ameland route.

Source: Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten (in Dutch)

Mar 06
3

Three New Motorways of the Seas to Be Subsidised in Italy

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Three new Motorways of the Seas have been declared eligible for government funding under Italy’s Sea Modal Shift programme (formerly Marebonus).

Sea Modal Shift 3 new routes

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport approved requests submitted by shipping companies for the following routes:

  • Savona – Palma de Mallorca (covered by GRIMALDI GROUP via Valencia)
  • Cagliari – Marina di Carrara (operated by GRENDI TRASPORTI MARITTIMI)
  • Gioia Tauro – Livorno, a brand-new link to be launched between the two Italian ports

The Sea Modal Shift incentive scheme, promoted by the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, supports combined road–sea transport.

Key elements include:

  • Eligible beneficiaries: road haulage companies, including temporary or permanent groupings, shipping vehicles and/or swap bodies (with or without drivers) on RoRo and RoPax vessels.
  • Eligible routes: those listed in Regulation No. 166/2023, plus additional routes proposed by applicants.
  • Subsidy: up to €0.30/km for each loaded vehicle unit, multiplied by the number of road kilometres avoided.
Mar 06
3

Scotland To Bring Ardrossan Harbour Into Public Ownership And Redevelop Port Ellen

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The Scottish Government has announced a series of investments in ferry infrastructure, including the acquisition of Ardrossan Harbour and major redevelopment plans for Port Ellen.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop told Parliament that negotiations and legal agreements for the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour have been successfully concluded. The harbour will be formally acquired by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) later this month.

Bringing Ardrossan into public ownership is intended to secure its role as the main mainland port for CalMac services to Arran. According to the government, CMAL is already assessing short-term works to ensure resilient ferry operations while CALEDONIAN ISLES continues to operate from the port. The government also confirmed its commitment to funding a two-port service until major redevelopment works begin.

In addition, the Scottish Government has allocated more than GBP 107 million for the redevelopment of Port Ellen on Islay. The project will include new terminal facilities and an expanded marshalling area, aimed at increasing capacity and improving the passenger experience.

Source: https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/investment-in-ferries-and-ports/

Mar 06
3

SCA Reshapes RoRo Calls Between Umeå and Piteå to Cut Emissions and Improve Efficiency

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SCA will reorganise its RoRo logistics from 1 October 2026, changing sailing patterns and port usage between Umeå and Piteå. The measures aim to improve efficiency and cut vessel emissions by about 40%.

Key port-related changes

  • Fewer RoRo departures from Umeå: services will drop from three to two sailings per week (one to Kiel, one to London/Rotterdam).
  • Lower sailing speeds of 11–12 knots (down from about 15 knots) combined with higher vessel load factors.
  • Piteå (Haraholmen) will become a regular call, allowing vessels to load production from SCA’s Munksund mill.
  • Around 550,000–600,000 tonnes per year from Munksund will shift to Piteå, making SCA one of the port’s largest customers.
  • The rail link between Munksund and Umeå will no longer be required.

Impact on ports

  • Piteå gains significant new volumes, alongside SCA’s existing 300,000 m³ of sawmill cargo.
  • Port operator ShoreLink expects to recruit around 20 additional staff to handle the increased activity.
  • Umeå will see a reduction of about 300,000–400,000 tonnes annually from Munksund cargo, although growing volumes linked to the Obbola paper mill will partly offset the decline.
Mar 06
3

Winter Weather Pushes EV Traffic on Molslinjen’s Kattegat Routes

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Traffic patterns on Denmark’s domestic ferry network followed the usual winter trend in February 2026. Cold weather and snow reduced travel demand across most routes. Molslinjen reported slight traffic declines on all routes except the Kattegat crossings.

“The routes across the Kattegat stand out significantly. This time we believe we can thank the winter weather for the good numbers, somewhat unusually,” said Molslinjen’s Commercial Director, Lucas Kragh.

Cold temperatures appear to have boosted ferry demand among electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Low temperatures reduce battery range, encouraging drivers to limit road kilometres.

The share of EVs on MOLSLINJEN ferries rose sharply:

  • February 2025: 25.4%
  • February 2026: 34.0%

As a result, total traffic across the Kattegat increased 3.9% year-on-year in February.

At the end of January, Molslinjen commissioned eight new superchargers with 16 charging points at the Port of Aarhus. EV drivers can recharge while waiting for departure, reducing range concerns before continuing their journey across Zealand.

Molslinjen plans to install a similar number of charging stations at the Port of Odden. The new facilities are expected to enter service by the end of March 2026.

Mar 06
3

Viking Line Connects to Matkahuolto’s Matkat App

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  • Viking Line has become the first shipping company to integrate with Matkahuolto’s Matkat transport app.
  • Travellers can now book and pay for their entire journey in one place, combining local transport, coaches or rail with Viking Line sailings to Tallinn, Stockholm or Åland.
  • The app allows passengers to plan door-to-door journeys across Finland, comparing routes and timetables and purchasing all tickets in a single transaction.
  • The service aims to make public transport connections to ports easier and more sustainable for travellers.
Mar 06
3

Europe’s Ports Welcome EU Ports Strategy

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On 4 March, the European Commission launched its EU Ports Strategy, a 28-page framework outlining the future direction of Europe’s ports.

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) welcomed the document as a good starting point for further dialogue with EU institutions. The strategy recognises the growing complexity of ports, which must combine their role as competitive trade hubs with public service responsibilities supporting Europe’s economic resilience.

ESPO particularly welcomed:

  • The focus on maintaining the global competitiveness of European ports
  • The intention to review the impact of EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime
  • Recognition of the major investment needs in ports and their industrial clusters
  • Efforts to accelerate permitting procedures
  • The proposal for a high-level EU Ports Board
  • Plans for a cybersecurity forum linking ports, Member States, and the Commission

At the same time, ESPO warned against adding extra sector-specific regulatory layers or increasing reporting obligations for ports.

The organisation also called for further dialogue on shipping decarbonisation, the evolution of bunkering markets, and the role ports should play in the energy transition.

Mar 06
3

Interferry Welcomes EU Industrial Maritime Strategy

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  • Interferry supports the European Commission’s Industrial Maritime Strategy, which recognises the strategic role of ferries in Europe.
  • The association particularly welcomes the proposal to reinvest EU ETS revenues into maritime decarbonisation.
  • Shipping’s annual financing needs for fleet decarbonisation are estimated at EUR 2.4–8.5 billion, while ETS collections could reach about EUR 10 billion per year.
  • Interferry stresses that funds should support practical measures for the existing fleet, including shore power, electrification and alternative fuels.
  • The organisation also backs efforts to reduce administrative burdens and avoid double payments once a global IMO measure is in place.