Fred Olsen Express’ newest ship, BARLOVENTO EXPRESS, began operations on Sunday, 29 December 2024, connecting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with Morro Jable in Fuerteventura. This high-speed ferry, which has a capacity of 866 passengers, 271 vehicles, and dedicated spaces for pets, brings the fleet total to 13 vessels.
Photo: Fred. Olsen EXpress
Tallink Silja Oy has signed a contract with Slaapschepen Public BV, an organisation nominated by Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers (COA), to continue chartering the company’s vessel SILJA EUROPA to the Netherlands for six months starting from 1 January 2025 (with an option to extend the contract for an additional 7 + 6 + 6 months).
SILJA EUROPA has been chartered to the Netherlands since August 2022 to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.
Photo: Tallink Silja – Marko Stampehl
ANEK Lines’ pair of ferries, KRITI I (ex-New Suzuran, 1979) and KRITI II (ex-New Yukari, 1979), have been laid up in Elefsis Bay as of October 7, 2024, and November 2, 2024, respectively. This marks the probable conclusion of their remarkable service careers within the Greek ferry scene.
After 28 years of distinguished service in Hellenic coastal shipping, reports suggest that the two ships may soon be sold for scrap.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
After 12 years of lay-up in Elefsis Bay, PENELOPE A (ex-HORSA, 1972) of Agoudimos Lines has been sold for scrap. This legendary former Sealink vessel was purchased in February 1992 and deployed on the Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos route in the summer of that same year.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
FRS expands its presence on the Rhine by taking over the historic Loreley Ferry Line, a connection with over 500 years of history between Sankt Goar and Sankt Goarshausen. This marks the second acquisition in the region within a short period, further solidifying FRS’s commitment to the Rhine and the Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage area.
LEONINE, the second of two G9 RoRo vessels for CLdN, has been launched at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The 234-metre ship boasts advanced engines, 6 MW shaft generators, and future-proof flexibility, cutting CO2 emissions by 40% compared to CELINE and DELPHINE while maintaining the same cargo capacity.
Photo: CLdN
The conversion of RoRo CABO STAR (ex EUROCARGO SAVONA) into a RoPax is well underway at Astilleros de Santander, a first collaboration with Baja Ferries.
The project involves constructing a new accommodation block, accommodating up to 399 passengers in double cabins and seats. Prefabricated steel blocks are being lifted onboard, paving the way for interior retrofitting, including saloons and common areas.
Photo: Astilleros de Santander
Gondan Shipyards launched its 500th newbuild. It is a ferry, with a capacity of 540 passengers, and the eighth in the series built for TTSL – Transtejo Soflusa.
Photo Astilleros Gondan
La Méridionale found a buyer for PELAGOS, in Egypt. The vessel will leave the fleet in spring.
Buyers unknown.
Photo: Jean-Pierre Fabre