Jan 16
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HSC ESCHILO Sold by Liberty Lines to Greek Operator Alpha Lines II

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

The 2006-built high-speed craft ESCHILO has been sold by Italian ferry operator Liberty Lines, controlled by the Morace family, to Greek operator Alpha Lines II Shipping Company.

The sale price was not disclosed. Malta Shipbrokers International intermediated the transaction. Built in Italy by Rodriquez Cantieri Navali, ESCHILO is 31.2 metres long, can accommodate up to 220 passengers, and reaches speeds of up to 36 knots powered by two MTU 16V396 TE 74 L engines.

In recent years, the vessel operated on the route between Milazzo, Sicily, and the Aeolian Islands.

Jan 16
Love3

Ex-JANAS Renamed GNV ALTAIR, to Enter Service on France–Algeria Routes

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

The RoPax vessel ex-JANAS, recently sold by Compagnia Italiana di Navigazione (MOBY) to SAS – Shipping Agencies Services (MSC Group), has been renamed GNV ALTAIR and will enter service on the France–Algeria routes from 21 February.

The ship becomes the 27th vessel in GNV’s fleet. Following refit works, the 2002-built ferry, with capacity for 2,700 passengers and 915 lane metres of garage space, will operate on the Sète–Béjaïa and Sète–Algiers routes.

ATHARA and MOBY ALE 2 are also expected to join GNV in the coming weeks, while MOBY AKI and MOBY WONDER will remain in the Vincenzo Onorato-controlled fleet under a long-term charter-back agreement.

Jan 16
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ISLE OF ISLAY Handed Over to CMAL

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited has taken ownership of ISLE OF ISLAY following handover at Turkish yard Cemre Marin Endustri.

The first Islay-class ferry will now sail to Scotland for trials ahead of entering service on the Islay and Jura routes, increasing capacity and fleet resilience.

Jan 16
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MEGA EXPRESS V Becomes “Floatel”

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Bridgemans Services Group expands fleet with the addition of floatel MEGA X, formerly MEGA EXPRESS 5 (Corsica Ferries)

The Bridgemans floatel features 275 cabins and is currently undergoing a comprehensive refit in Naples. The upgrade will incorporate the company’s signature workforce-accommodation amenities, including a fully equipped gym, office spaces, recreation areas, and a large vehicle deck designed for the storage of client-required cargo.

MEGA X is purpose-configured to meet the increasing global demand for early-works workforce accommodation, supporting large-scale industrial LNG and energy construction projects worldwide.

The refit is scheduled for completion in late January, after which the vessel will mobilise to her first project, commencing in the spring.

Rendering: Bridgemans

Photo: Mike Louagie

Jan 16
Love3

Wightlink: More Sailings on Yarmouth–Lymington Route

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Wightlink will significantly expand services on its Yarmouth–Lymington route from April 2026.

Key points:

  • Three-boat operation during traditional high-demand periods.
  • 868 sailings versus the 2025 timetable.
  • Capacity increase of over 8% year-on-year.
  • Peak departures every 40 minutes on Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays.

All three Wight Class ferries on the route will complete full refurbishments by the end of March 2026. This includes upgraded passenger lounges, an enhanced retail offer, and completion of their annual maintenance programmes.

Source: Wightlink

Jan 16
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Stena Line Sets New Freight Record on Belfast Routes

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Stena Line recorded another freight record on its three Belfast routes in 2025.

Volumes increased by 1.0% to almost 600,000 freight units, shipped to Cairnryan, Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Heysham.

The Belfast–Liverpool route led growth, exceeding 270,000 units, while Belfast–Heysham posted its highest volumes in five years.

Further growth is expected with the introduction of STENA CONNECTA in January, joining STENA FUTURA.

Together, the two newbuilds will add 40% freight capacity on the Belfast–Heysham route.

Jan 16
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Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària add BUENAVISTA EXPRESS to Huelva–Canaries route

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària will deploy BUENAVISTA EXPRESS on the Huelva–Canary Islands service, replacing SICILIA from 24 January 2026.

From that date, the route will be operated by MARIE CURIE and BUENAVISTA EXPRESS, ensuring a reliable and efficient service for both passengers and rolling cargo.

BUENAVISTA EXPRESS is the former FORTUNY. The RoPax will make its inaugural sailing on 24 January.

Jan 16
Love3

Torghatten Wins Herøy–Dønna Ferry Contract

By 2026 Newsletter week 03

Torghatten has been awarded the Herøy–Dønna ferry tender by Nordland County Council.

Key facts

  • Contract start: 1 February 2027
  • Duration: 7 years
  • Value: ~NOK 1.6 billion
  • Torghatten’s third-largest gross contract

Fleet

  • 4 main vessels: 70 PBE
  • 1 reserve vessel: 60 PBE

Route network

  • Sandnessjøen – Bjørn (Dønna) – Løkta
  • Søvik – Austbø – Flostad (Herøy) – Brasøy

With 3,180 inhabitants, Herøy and Dønna are Norway’s largest island communities by population.

Local economies depend on reliable ferry services:

  • Dønna: agriculture, fishing, aquaculture, tourism, public sector
  • Herøy: fish farming and fish processing

Source: Torghatten

Photo: Einar Aslaksen