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2026 Newsletter week 16

Apr 17
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GNV Deploys New LNG Ferries on Italy–Morocco Route

By 2026 Newsletter week 16
  • GNV, part of the MSC Group, will strengthen its Italy–Morocco network by deploying newbuild ferries GNV AURORA and GNV VIRGO from summer 2026.
  • The vessels will operate on the Genoa–Tangier Med route via Barcelona, with Barcelona serving as a transit hub.
  • GNV AURORA will enter service on 1 June, followed by GNV VIRGO on 1 July.
  • Both ships will operate weekly departures from Genoa, their homeport, with LNG bunkering scheduled every four days.

Passenger Demand and Marhaba Traffic

  • The expanded service is aimed at growing passenger demand, particularly Moroccan citizens living in Europe travelling home during the annual Operation Marhaba summer migration.
  • GNV said the new ships will improve capacity, comfort and schedule reliability on the route.

Freight Importance

  • Tangier Med remains a strategic logistics gateway for North Africa and a growing hub for trade between Europe and Africa.
  • The new vessels offer increased freight capacity and improved operational efficiency, supporting commercial flows between Italy and Morocco.

Vessel Specifications

  • Capacity for more than 1,700 passengers.
  • 426 cabins.
  • Up to 2,780 lane metres of freight space.

Environmental Performance

  • Both vessels are LNG-powered.
  • GNV says CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to 50% per unit of cargo carried compared with previous-generation ships.
  • The ferries are also prepared for shore power (cold ironing), allowing zero direct emissions while in port.

Local Presence

  • Operations in Morocco will be led by Carole Montarsolo, appointed Managing Director of GNV Morocco in October.
  • Long-standing partner Mohammed Kabbaj will continue to support institutional and commercial relations.
Apr 17
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SCA Switches European RoRo Calls to Vlissingen

By 2026 Newsletter week 16
  • SCA will move its RoRo calls for kraftliner and pulp from Rotterdam to Vlissingen from 1 October 2026.
  • The change covers vessels serving Western and Central Europe and also applies to complementary bulk vessels.
  • SCA said the move supports lower emissions, improved cost efficiency and stronger competitiveness.
  • Shorter port calls are expected to save several hours per voyage, improving vessel efficiency and delivery reliability.
  • Earlier adjustments to Swedish RoRo operations already reduced emissions by 40% per transported tonne-kilometre through lower sailing speeds.
  • In Vlissingen, vessels will discharge kraftliner and pulp, while loading recycled fibre, general cargo and RoRo cargo for Sweden.
  • Annual cargo volumes are estimated at 400,000–450,000 tonnes.
  • Logistics partner Verbrugge will handle the operations.
  • SCA highlighted strong road and rail links, plus barge co-loading opportunities for larger and more efficient inland transport solutions.

Photo: Linda Snell

Apr 17
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Port of Turku Invests in Future Ferry Traffic While Delivering Strong Results

By 2026 Newsletter week 16
  • The Port of Turku reported a strong 2025 despite Finland’s weak economic environment.
  • Turnover reached EUR 22.3 million, with an operating profit of EUR 5.1 million.
  • The port said it was Finland’s most profitable port in 2025.
  • Passenger traffic remained stable at around 2.1 million travellers, down only slightly year-on-year.
  • Ferry traffic continues to be a core pillar of Turku’s business model.
  • Construction of the new Ferry Terminal Turku began in January 2025 and advanced on schedule.
  • Piling and foundation works were completed in March, with structural works starting in July.
  • The foundation stone was laid in September 2025.
  • The new joint terminal for ferry operators is scheduled for completion in early 2027.
  • The project will improve future passenger, vehicle and freight ferry operations in Turku.

Source: Port of Turku

Apr 17
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Port of Dover Reaches Net Zero for Scope 1 and 2 Emissions

By 2026 Newsletter week 16
  • The Port of Dover has achieved carbon net zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 in 2025.
  • Dover said this is at least five years ahead of any other UK port target and 25 years ahead of the UK Government’s maritime target.
  • Emissions have fallen by 98.3% since 2007, from nearly 14,000 tonnes.
  • Remaining emissions were offset through a local regenerative farming scheme certified under the UK Carbon Code of Conduct.
  • The result was externally verified against ISO 14064 and the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard.
  • The Port highlighted that the Short Straits account for 8% of UK maritime emissions, making the milestone significant for wider decarbonisation efforts.
  • Measures included use of sustainably sourced HVO fuel, 1.5 MW of on-site solar generation, renewable electricity and energy efficiency upgrades.
  • CEO Doug Bannister said Dover now aims to become home to the world’s first high-volume Green Shipping Corridor on the Short Straits.
  • The net zero target forms part of the Port of Dover 2050 Masterplan.
  • Dover also recently secured EcoPorts (PERS) environmental recertification for the fourth time.

Source: Port of Dover

Apr 17
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Leadership Change at Port of Antwerp-Bruges

By 2026 Newsletter week 16

Jacques Vandermeiren will step down as CEO of Port of Antwerp-Bruges after leading the organisation since January 2017.

The board said the port is entering a new strategic phase focused on cost efficiency and sustainable value creation, making this the right moment for new leadership.

The search for a successor starts immediately. In the meantime, current COO Rob Smeets will take over as interim CEO, ensuring continuity of daily operations and policy.

Apr 17
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Brittany Ferries and Atout France Renew Partnership to Boost UK Tourism to France

By 2026 Newsletter week 16

Brittany Ferries and Atout France signed a new three-year strategic agreement on 14 April 2026 aboard SAINT-MALO in Saint-Malo, strengthening their long-standing cooperation to promote France to British travellers.

The renewed partnership comes as competition between tourism destinations intensifies. Both organisations aim to support more sustainable and innovative tourism while increasing the international appeal of France.

The UK remains France’s third-largest inbound tourism market, with an estimated 13.1 million visitor arrivals in 2025. British visitors are also among the highest spenders, generating more than EUR 8 billion in tourism revenue.

At the same time, Ireland has gained importance as a nearby growth market following Brexit, creating further opportunities.

Brittany Ferries carries more than 2.5 million passengers each year and plays a key role in connecting French regions with major UK markets, generating substantial tourism benefits for Brittany, Normandy and other served regions.

The new roadmap includes:

  • stronger use of customer data and market intelligence
  • ambitious digital promotion, including innovation and AI
  • expanded joint marketing campaigns in the UK
  • onboard promotion of French gastronomy and craftsmanship
  • destination marketing linked to major cultural events

A key milestone will be the Millennium of the Normans celebrations in 2027, marking 1,000 years of shared history between France and the UK. Both partners see this as a major opportunity to further raise France’s profile among British travellers.

Atout France is France’s national tourism development agency, responsible for promoting France as a travel destination and strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of its tourism sector.

Photo: Adam Oubuih, CEO Atout France, and Christophe Mathieu, CEO Brittany Ferries
© Jess Breheret