Dec 05
3

Molslinjen Orders Third Battery-Powered Megacatamaran

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Molslinjen has ordered its third battery-powered catamaran for the Kattegat routes. The vessel will again be built by Incat in Tasmania, which is already constructing the first two ships. Together, the three vessels form what is described as the world’s largest electrification project at sea.

The new order covers a 129-metre emissions-free catamaran for the busy link between Jutland and Zealand. Molslinjen highlights the benefits of building all three ferries at the same yard, including shared learning and continuity. “It has been important for us to have a stable and solid supplier,” says Kristian Durhuus, CEO of Molslinjen.

The total investment for the three ferries and the associated shore infrastructure amounts to DKK 3.5bn. The project recently secured DKK 180m in national investment support. Durhuus says the company and its owners want to lead the transition to greener technology, noting that these solutions were not available only a few years ago.

The three ferries will fully electrify Molslinjen’s Kattegat operation. Deployment will take place as each vessel arrives in Denmark: the first in late 2027, the second in summer 2028, and the third in spring 2029.

Dec 05
3

LAKEWAY EXPRESS Set for Major Emissions-Reduction Upgrade

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LAKEWAY EXPRESS will enter the shipyard on 23 December 2025 for a major upgrade aimed at boosting efficiency, safety and working conditions. Key elements include a new bulbous bow, high-efficiency propeller blades, an Eco Control system, new stabilisers and refurbished crew facilities.

The investment is expected to cut emissions by up to 20%. The vessel returns to service in Week 3, 2026. During the yard period, the Södertälje–Gdynia route will be operated by MISTRAL.

Source: Lakeway Link

Dec 05
3

Orkney Seeks Design-and-Build Partner for New Ferries

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Orkney Island Council is inviting expressions of interest for a detailed design-and-build contract covering three new ferries, with an option for a fourth.

Orkney Ferries operates 13 vessels on lifeline routes to the North and South Isles, carrying over 320,000 passengers a year. The newbuilds will replace ageing tonnage and deliver more capacity for freight, passengers, and vehicles.

Interested parties must submit their interest by 9 January 2026.

Follow the link for the tenders page.

Dec 05
3

Valencia Showcases Hydrogen Breakthroughs at H2PORTS Final Conference

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  • The Port of Valencia hosted the final H2PORTS conference, showcasing real-world hydrogen machinery in port operations.
  • A hydrogen-powered ReachStacker, designed by Hyster-Yale and tested at MSC Terminal Valencia, matched diesel performance with zero local emissions.
  • Attendees also saw the world’s first hydrogen-powered port tractor unit, converted from diesel and tested at Valencia Terminal Europa.
  • Both pilot vehicles operated for a full shift on hydrogen, proving viability in high-demand port environments.
  • A mobile refuelling station, designed by CNH2 and operated by Carburos Metálicos, demonstrated flexible, safe, high-pressure hydrogen supply.
  • The Clean Hydrogen Partnership hosted a dedicated hydrogen-in-ports session featuring projects from Hirtshals, Antwerp-Bruges, and Venice.
  • Port leaders reaffirmed their commitment to decarbonisation and to scaling hydrogen technologies across European ports.The €4 million EU-funded H2PORTS project, coordinated by Fundación Valenciaport, positions Valencia as a benchmark for hydrogen integration.
Dec 05
3

Will the French Passenger Tax Affect Ferries?

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December 1, the French Senate’s right-wing majority adopted an amendment to the 2026 budget that introduces a new tax on international cruise ships: €15 per passenger for every call in a French port. Based on the “polluter pays” principle, the measure is expected to generate around €75 million per year.

However, France’s Minister for Public Accounts, Amélie de Montchalin, expressed her opposition. She argued that the text does not clearly distinguish cruise ships from ferries, which could lead to unintended consequences — notably for services to Corsica and routes to and from the UK.

The Senate vote is not final. The Finance Bill still has to pass through the rest of the parliamentary process until at least mid-December. We will then see whether the tax is approved — or dropped along the way.

Dec 05
3

Viking Line Supports Baltic Sea Protection

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Viking Line is supporting three organisations working to protect the Baltic Sea: the John Nurminen Foundation, the University of Helsinki’s Tvärminne Zoological Station, and the Baltic Sea Action Group.

The donation comes from proceeds of plastic bag sales on board and complements the company’s long-term environmental efforts, including a major increase in biogas use this year.

Full story: Viking Line

Dec 05
4

Andros King Is Being Prepared to Join Coastal Shipping in March 2026

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On 4 December 2025, ANDROS KING (ex VOLCAN DE TABURIENTE) of Golden Star Ferries left her dry dock at Perama (Piraeus II), where part of her extensive refit has been carried out.

Over the past 20 days, she has had her propeller shafts and bow thrusters installed, while the old antifouling coatings were removed and replaced with fresh paint. Her hull was also treated with silicone paint, and significant work on her interior is ongoing.

ANDROS KING is expected to enter service in March 2026. Built in Spain in 2006, she has capacity for 1,500 passengers and 1,200 lane metres.

Photo: Tasos Papanastasiou