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2026 Newsletter week 27

Jul 06
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Belfast Harbour Reports Strong 2025 Results

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Belfast Harbour reported turnover of £97.1 million in 2025, up 10.2 %, while underlying profit before tax increased by 21 % to £44.4 million.

Trade volumes remained stable at 24.3 million tonnes, and the port invested £39.4 million in infrastructure during the year. RoRo freight reached a record 625,000 freight units, up 1 % year-on-year and accounting for around 56 % of total port trade tonnage. Belfast Harbour also marked 30 years of partnership with Stena Line, whose new hybrid freight vessels STENA FUTURA and STENA CONNECTA are expected to increase capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route by 40 %.

The port also welcomed 147 cruise calls, bringing more than 320,000 visitors to the city and generating an estimated £25 million for the local economy.

Belfast Harbour noted that its operational emissions have been reduced by 70 % since 2015, keeping it on track to achieve net-zero operational emissions before 2030.

Click on the picture to access the annual report

Jul 06
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Eemshaven–Norway Ferry Project Takes Another Step

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Plans for a possible new ferry service between Eemshaven and Arendal have moved a step closer, following confirmation of financing for a new ferry quay in Eemshaven.

The investment would provide the port infrastructure needed for a future RoPax service. However, the project is still at an early stage and there is no guarantee yet that the route will actually materialise.

The planned connection is linked to Njordic Ferry Lines and would restore a direct ferry link between the Netherlands and Norway.

Source: Groningen Seaports

Jul 06
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Ystad Welcomes Defence Committee Support for Poland Rail Ferry Link

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

The Port of Ystad has welcomed the Swedish Defence Committee’s latest report, which highlights the need to safeguard rail ferry services between Sweden and Poland.

Ystad is Sweden’s only port with a rail ferry connection to Poland. According to the port, rail freight volumes on the route increased by 168% in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.

The Defence Committee’s recognition of the link’s strategic importance for security of supply, military mobility and total defence could strengthen the case for long-awaited infrastructure investments by the Swedish government and the Swedish Transport Administration.

Port CEO Veronika Leo said the report creates new opportunities to secure the future of the rail ferry service and develop the surrounding infrastructure.

Defence Committee member Mikael Larsson noted that Ystad’s role as a gateway to Poland is becoming increasingly important as robust transport chains and security of supply move higher up the national agenda.

The port said it looks forward to continued discussions with the Defence Committee, the Armed Forces and the Swedish Transport Administration on turning the report’s recommendations into concrete measures.

Jul 06
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Surikat to Support BC Ferries Cargo Operations Modernisation

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Surikat has launched a Discovery and Blueprint project with BC Ferries to optimise the operator’s drop trailer business at the terminals of Duke Point Terminal, Swartz Bay Terminal and Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

The project aims to reduce manual processes, improve real-time data visibility, support data-driven decision-making, and enhance dispatching, scheduling and customer collaboration. It will also prepare the ground for the future implementation of Surikat’s cloud-based Lynx platform.

According to Surikat, the project represents the first step in a longer-term partnership focused on the digitalisation of ferry terminal and logistics operations.

https://www.surikat.se/news/pr-bcferries

Jul 06
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GNV Introduces AI-Powered Ticket Booking

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

GNV has launched Ginevra AI, described as the ferry industry’s first conversational AI assistant capable of completing the entire ticket booking process through a natural-language conversation on the company’s website.

Passengers can describe their journey, travel party, dates and destination, with the AI guiding them through the booking process up to payment. The launch forms part of GNV’s wider digitalisation strategy, alongside a new online check-in system with mobile boarding passes and an updated loyalty programme.

Jul 06
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DFDS Welcomes Michael Hansen, the New CEO

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

Since 1 July 2026, DFDS has a new President & CEO. Michael Hansen, formerly President & CEO of Hempel, has succeeded Torben Carlsen at the helm of the company.

The appointment became effective on 1 July, following DFDS’ earlier announcement that Torben Carlsen would step down from the role. Michael Hansen now leads the ferry and logistics group as it continues the execution of its strategic plans.

Jul 06
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Port of Kiel Expands Management Board

By 2026 Newsletter week 27

As of 1 July 2026, Port of Kiel has expanded its management board with the appointment of Jörg Demuth as Managing Director alongside Dr. Dirk Claus.

Demuth has been with the port since 2006 and will take responsibility for operational activities. Dr. Claus remains Chairman of the Management Board and continues to oversee strategy, marketing, finance, HR, technology, legal affairs and IT.