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2026 Newsletter week 23

Jun 06
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Trasmed Targets Debt-Free Position by 2027

By 2026 Newsletter week 23

Spanish ferry operator Trasmed reported a 2025 EBITDA of EUR 21.5 million, up more than 70% year-on-year, while revenue increased 9.4% to EUR 165.4 million.

The Grimaldi Group subsidiary also reduced its debt by 66% and aims to be debt-free by 2027. According to the company, it expects to return to profitability in 2026.

In 2025, Trasmed carried more than 700,000 passengers and 339,394 freight units on its mainland Spain–Balearic Islands services.

The company highlighted its decarbonisation efforts, including the use of shore power in Barcelona, where CIUDAD DE PALMA has consumed more than 722 MWh of renewable electricity since March 2025. Trasmed says it has reduced emissions by 22,800 tonnes over the past two years.

Jun 06
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Baleària Freight Volumes Grow 10% in 2025

By 2026 Newsletter week 23

Baleària transported 8.39 million lane metres of freight in 2025, a 10% increase compared with the previous year, reinforcing its position as a leading logistics operator in the Mediterranean and Atlantic markets.

Freight activities accounted for 36% of the company’s revenue, with services to the Balearic Islands and Morocco remaining key markets. Following the acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea, the group expects annual freight volumes to reach 11 million lane metres.

Baleària also reported a 12% reduction in CO₂ emissions per lane metre transported, driven by fleet efficiency improvements, lower-emission fuels and operational optimisation.

In addition, the company has launched a new online booking platform that allows freight customers to check availability, obtain prices and reserve cargo space in real time.

Jun 06
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Heinemann Takes Over Scandlines Travel Shops

By 2026 Newsletter week 23

Heinemann Travel Retail has taken over the operation of two border shops in Puttgarden and Rostock, as well as the travel shops on board seven Scandlines ferries operating between Germany and Denmark.

The transition took place overnight on 31 May–1 June and marks a new phase in the long-standing partnership between the two companies. Having acted as a distribution partner for more than 15 years, Heinemann now assumes direct responsibility for the retail operations.

The company highlighted the role of employees in the successful handover, including staff members transferring from Scandlines to Heinemann.

Jun 06
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Seajets Purchases Two More High-Speed Craft

By 2026 Newsletter week 23

According to the latest information, two more high-speed craft are set to join the Seajets fleet. Both vessels are currently in Hong Kong and previously operated between Hong Kong and Macao’s Cotai district.

They belonged to Cotai Water Jet, a premium high-speed ferry service managed and operated by Chu Kong High Speed Ferry Co. Ltd. on behalf of Sands China Ltd.

The vessels have already been renamed SUPERSPEED JET 1 (ex MARCO POLO) and SUPERSPEED JET 2 (ex ST MARK). They are expected to be loaded onto a cargo vessel before departing for Greece.

Built by Austal in Australia in 2009, the vessels can carry 411 and 427 passengers respectively and are capable of operating at speeds of up to 42 knots.

Photo: Wikipedia

Jun 06
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Attica Group’s New RoPax SUPERFAST V Arrives in Patras

By 2026 Newsletter week 23

On 31 May 2026, Attica Group’s latest fleet addition, SUPERFAST V (ex GNV BRIDGE), arrived at the new docks in the port of Patras.

The vessel has been chartered for five years on a bareboat basis, with a purchase option included in the agreement.

She will replace the older LEFKA ORI (1987) on the Patras–Igoumenitsa–Ancona–Venice route.

Built in Italy in 2021 by Cantiere Navale Visentini, the vessel has capacity for 970 passengers (616 berths) and 2,564 lane metres. Her service speed is 23.5 knots.

Photo: Superfast Ferries

Jun 06
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Echandia Launches New Marine Battery System

By 2026 Newsletter week 23

Swedish maritime battery specialist Echandia has launched Echandia Core, a new lithium-titanium-oxide (LTO) battery system designed for fully electric and hybrid vessels. The company says the system reduces upfront investment costs and installation footprint by 30% compared with its previous LTO platform while maintaining the safety, reliability and long service life associated with the technology.

Echandia Core is aimed at applications including electric propulsion, spinning reserve, peak shaving, backup power and load levelling. The launch expands Echandia’s portfolio alongside its existing Ultra and Robust battery platforms and is intended to make LTO technology more accessible for a wider range of maritime projects.

https://www.echandia.com/en/news/echandia-launches-new-battery-system

Jun 06
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Compagnie Maritime Nantaise Wins Vega C Transport Contract

By 2026 Newsletter week 23

France’s Compagnie Maritime Nantaise (MN) has secured a five-year contract to transport Avio’s Vega C launcher between Naples and the Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana.

The contract was awarded by Africa Global Logistics, part of MSC, and supports Arianespace’s European launch programme. Initially, the RoRo vessel MN COLIBRI will operate on the route.

CMN also confirmed that its Logspatial research project has secured funding to develop technologies for a future low-emission vessel dedicated to space logistics. The programme focuses on hybrid propulsion, rigid wing sails and digital optimisation tools aimed at reducing energy consumption.

The specialised trade involves transporting high-value rocket components that require carefully controlled handling and transport conditions.

Jun 06
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ROMANTIKA To Serve as Floating Hotel During Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026

By 2026 Newsletter week 23

Tallink’s RoPax ferry ROMANTIKA has been chartered to serve as a floating hotel during the 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games, taking place in Taranto, southern Italy, from 21 August to 3 September 2026.

The vessel will be the second ship accommodating participants during the event, alongside the cruise ship AROYA. Both vessels will host part of the delegations attending the Games.

Organisers have placed particular emphasis on accommodation arrangements, including the Athletes’ Village at the Taranto Naval Base and the use of the two ships.

The Mediterranean Games, the region’s largest multi-sport event, are expected to attract more than 4,000 athletes from 26 countries. The programme includes 33 sports and 10 tournament disciplines.

Built in 2002, ROMANTIKA can accommodate up to 2,500 passengers in 636 cabins, although the vessel is expected to operate at a reduced capacity during the event. The ferry is currently laid up at Paljassaare, near Tallinn.

Italian shipbroker Ferrando & Massone acted as adviser to the shipowner in arranging the charter.

Jun 06
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GNV AURORA Christened in Morocco as GNV Expands Services

By 2026 Newsletter week 23

MSC-controlled ferry operator GNV has celebrated the christening of its newest vessel, GNV AURORA, in Morocco, marking both the arrival of a new ship and the expansion of its services to the North African market.

The investment forms part of GNV’s fleet renewal programme, valued at more than €1.3 billion.

From June, the company, led by Matteo Catani, will deploy two of its newest dual-fuel LNG ferries, GNV AURORA and GNV VIRGO, on the Genoa–Barcelona–Tanger Med route.

Both vessels were built by Guangzhou Shipyard International in China. Measuring 218 metres in length, they each feature 426 passenger cabins, capacity for more than 1,700 passengers and 2,780 lane metres of freight.

During the ceremony, GNV highlighted its nearly 20-year presence in the Moroccan market. Over that period, the operator has carried more than six million passengers on routes to and from Morocco. In 2025 alone, more than 465,000 passengers travelled on its Moroccan services.

The expansion also forms part of the company’s long-term growth strategy towards 2030. Demand is expected to benefit from the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal.