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2026 Newsletter week 37

Sep 11
Love3

Jadrolinija Traffic Remains Stable as Costs Increase

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

Jadrolinija carried 9.3 million passengers and 2.8 million vehicles during the first eight months of 2026. Passenger numbers were slightly lower year on year, while vehicle volumes remained stable. More vehicles were transported during the summer season than last year.

H1 revenue increased by 3%, but expenditure rose by 5%. The Croatian ferry operator attributed the higher costs mainly to maintenance, energy prices and geopolitical developments.

Jadrolinija is preparing a major fleet-renewal programme with support from the International Finance Corporation. Its first concrete newbuild project is the passenger vessel NOVA POSTIRA, intended for services around Dubrovnik and the Elaphiti Islands. Negotiations with qualifying shipyards are under way.

Sep 11
Love3

DFDS August Freight Volumes Stable, Passenger Numbers Down

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

DFDS carried 3.1m lane metres of freight in August 2026, unchanged from August 2025.

North Sea volumes increased on most routes, while Strait of Gibraltar volumes were well above last year. Mediterranean volumes were slightly lower, mainly due to a decline on one route. Baltic Sea and Channel volumes also fell. The Channel decline was in line with the wider ferry market.

Passenger numbers decreased 4.6% to 934,000, mainly due to lower Dover Strait traffic, reflecting an overall market decline.

Over the last 12 months, freight volumes rose 0.4% to 41.8m lane metres but fell 0.5% when adjusted for route changes. Passenger numbers declined 12.4% to 4.9m, or 5.3% on an adjusted basis.

Sep 11
Love3

Damen Unveils New Fast Ferry 5012

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled a new ferry. The Fast Ferry (FF) 5012 is based on the well-established and popular Fast Ferry 4212.

The vessel has been extended, using Damen’s Enlarged Ship Concept. The increased tunnel height of the 50-metre catamaran hull allows the FF 5012 to operate effectively in rougher seas and open waters. Additionally, the passenger accommodation is positioned relatively further aft, helping to increase passenger comfort in a seaway. The two passenger decks also offer forward-facing views, further enhancing the onboard experience.

The additional space offered by the FF 5012 also provides the means for increased retail opportunities and a crew room, without reducing passenger capacity compared to the FF 4212. The FF 5012 includes as standard a large luggage hold with own side access.

Lodewijk van Os, Damen Product Manager Fast and City Ferries, said, “The FF 5012 allows operators to carry up to 450 passengers, and provides space for additional onboard services and comfort enhancements while remaining within the HSC Code Cat A framework. In our view, this new vessel provides the optimal balance between passenger comfort, operational capability and revenue potential.”

Sep 11
Love3

Attica Group Reports Lower Fleet Emissions

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

Attica Group reduced the greenhouse-gas emissions intensity of its owned fleet by 7.9 kg CO₂e per nautical mile in 2025 compared with 2024.

SOx emissions fell by 48.5%, while PM2.5 and PM10 particulate emissions decreased by 17.6%. The group is targeting a 14% reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions intensity by 2030, compared with 2019.

Attica Group also secured ISO 45001:2018 occupational health and safety certification for its entire fleet. The company says it is the first Greek passenger shipping group to achieve fleet-wide certification.

The group operates 33 vessels under the SUPERFAST FERRIES, BLUE STAR FERRIES, HELLENIC SEAWAYS and ANEK LINES brands.

Sep 11
Love3

Compagnie Maritime Nantaise Orders Wind-Assisted RoRo

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

Compagnie Maritime Nantaise, part of Sogestran Group, has ordered a specialised RoRo vessel from Guangzhou Shipyard International. The contract was signed on 21 August 2026, with entry into service planned by 2030.

Designed by Knud E. Hansen and VPLP Design, the vessel will transport launch vehicles, satellites and other sensitive cargo for Europe’s space industry. It will feature a main RoRo deck, a climate-controlled compartment and a flexible open deck.

The propulsion system will combine conventional machinery with three automated OceanWings rigid sails. The vessel will also feature an optimised hull, advanced weather routing and biofuel compatibility.

It will notably transport Avio’s Vega-C launch vehicles to the Guiana Space Centre and may also carry oversized Ariane 6 components.

Sep 11
Love3

CTMA Seeks Permission to Deploy Foreign Ferry

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

CTMA plans to withdraw MADELEINE II for scheduled maintenance and has been unable to find a suitable replacement in Canada.

The company has applied for a temporary coasting trade licence to deploy Cyprus-flagged SUPERSTAR II between Cap-aux-Meules and Souris from 15 November 2026 to 15 March 2027. North Sydney could replace Souris if ice conditions prevent access.

Following a notice to the Canadian maritime industry, the Canadian Transportation Agency determined that no suitable Canadian vessel or equivalent service was available. This determination does not itself authorise the service.

Operation remains subject to a coasting trade licence issued by the Minister of Public Safety. If granted, the licence would allow SUPERSTAR II to maintain the Magdalen Islands’ ferry connection while MADELEINE II undergoes maintenance.

Sources:

Sep 11
Love3

Jadrolinija Plans Ten New Ships by 2030

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

Croatian ferry operator Jadrolinija is preparing its largest fleet renewal programme in recent years, with plans to build ten new vessels by 2030. The investment is currently estimated at €200–260 million.

The programme includes seven new, more environmentally friendly ferries and three fully electric passenger vessels. The size and specifications of the ships will depend on the routes they are intended to serve.

Jadrolinija currently operates 58 vessels, with an average age of around 28 years. During the summer season, its fleet operates more than 600 departures per day. In 2025, the company carried 12.6 million passengers and 3.8 million vehicles, generating revenues of €195.1 million, but recorded an €8.7 million loss.

Sep 11
Love3

ABB To Deliver Shore Power System At Lerwick

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

ABB Marine & Ports UK will design, install, commission and test a new shore power system at Holmsgarth Berth 3 in Lerwick.

The system will enable NorthLink passenger ferries to switch off their generators and use electricity from the local grid while alongside. Together with the shore power installation commissioned in Aberdeen earlier in 2026, it will allow vessels on the Aberdeen–Lerwick route to connect at both ends of the crossing.

Lerwick Port Authority developed the project with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited. CMAL and Transport Scotland are providing the funding. The infrastructure is also being prepared for the future Northern Isles Freight Flex ferries.

The project is expected to take approximately 14 months from the initial contract award.

Sep 11
Love3

FINNECO III To Make First Call At Esbjerg

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

Finnlines’ hybrid RoRo vessel FINNECO III is scheduled to make the first call by a FINNECO-class vessel at Port Esbjerg on 11 September.

The inducement call forms part of Finnlines’ Biscay–Baltic service and will provide direct connections from Esbjerg to Gdynia in Poland and Hanko, Helsinki and Kotka in Finland. Three inducement calls are planned during September and October.

FINNECO III is 238 metres long and 34 metres wide. The vessel features batteries, shore-power capability and 600 m² of solar panels.

Sep 11
Love3

Viking Line Renews Management Structure

By 2026 Newsletter week 37

Viking Line is reorganising its management structure to create a clearer division of responsibilities and a more business-focused organisation.

A new central management team, the Viking Leadership Team (VLT), will comprise:

  • Marcus Risberg, President and CEO
  • Mats Engblom, Chief Financial Officer
  • Ulf Hagström, Technical Director
  • Peter Hellgren, Chief Marketing Officer
  • A new Chief Commercial Officer
  • A new Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Commercial Officer will oversee passenger acquisition, onboard sales and concept development. The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for HR, procurement, and Customer Service & Sales. Recruitment for both positions will begin shortly.

Johanna Boijer-Svahnström will remain responsible for corporate communications and public affairs.

Wilhelm Hård af Segerstad will move into a strategic procurement and logistics role.

Captain Henrik Grönvik will continue as Master of VIKING GRACE.

The new structure will be introduced gradually over the coming months. Further appointments will be announced separately.

https://news.cision.com/viking-line-abp/r/viking-line-renews-its-management-structure,c4391623