Apr 10
Love3

Boreal Orders 20 Electric Hydrofoil Vessels from Candela

By 2026 Newsletter week 15

Norwegian operator Boreal AS has ordered 20 Candela P-12 electric hydrofoil vessels, marking the largest electric high-speed passenger fleet announced to date.

  • The vessels are designed for Norway’s fjord network, where high-speed ferries (“hurtigbåtar”) are essential for daily transport.
  • The Candela P-12 delivers 25 knots and ~40 nm range, enabling electric operation on routes traditionally served by diesel fast ferries.
  • Deliveries:
    • First units in 2027
    • Fleet rollout continues through 2028–2030

Technology & Operations

  • Hydrofoils lift the vessel above water, reducing drag and cutting energy use by ~80%.
  • Charging time ~1 hour using standard DC fast chargers—no need for heavy port infrastructure.
  • Low noise levels (~64 dB) and active ride control improve passenger comfort and reduce seasickness.

Strategic Significance

  • Addresses a key challenge: electrifying high-speed coastal transport.
  • Supports higher frequency and faster journeys in fjord regions.
  • Reinforces Norway’s role as a front-runner in maritime electrification.
Apr 10
Love3

Echandia To Supply Battery System for GOTLAND HORIZON X

By 2026 Newsletter week 15
  • Sweden’s Echandia will deliver a 780 kWh battery system for GOTLAND HORIZON X, a new hybrid high-speed catamaran for Gotlandsbolaget.
  • The vessel, to be built by Austal Limited, is scheduled for delivery in mid-2028.
  • Capacity: 1,500 passengers and 400 cars; service speed 29 knots (Visby–Nynäshamn in just over 3 hours).
  • The battery system is designed for a 20-year lifespan, supporting hybrid functions such as peak shaving and load levelling.
Apr 10
Love3

Seajets’ RoRo CABO at Perama Drydock

By 2026 Newsletter week 15

Seajets’ latest acquisition, CABO (ex CABO STAR, ANTARES, FINNFOREST), entered PIRAEUS III dry dock in the Perama repair zone on 30 March 2026.

The vessel is undergoing maintenance and preparations for her introduction into Hellenic coastal shipping. She is expected to remain in dry dock until 15 April.

Seajets acquired the vessel from Bridgemans Services Group (Canada) in January 2026.

Built in Gdansk (Poland) in 1988 for Fincarriers, CABO has a capacity of:

  • 130 passengers
  • 2,500 lane metres (approx. 130 trailers)

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Apr 10
Love3

HSC TERA JET 3 Arrives in Greece

By 2026 Newsletter week 15

On 7 April 2026, Seajets’ HSC TERA JET 3 (ex NATCHAN WORLD) arrived at the port of Piraeus and proceeded to Spanopoulos facilities.

The vessel was sold in January 2026 and delivered after 15 February.

HSC TERA JET 3 is a sister ship to HSC TERA JET 2 (ex NATCHAN RERA, 2007), which was also acquired by Seajets in January 2024.

Built in Tasmania (Australia) by Incat in 2008, the vessel has a capacity of:

  • 800 passengers
  • 355 cars

Service speed is 40 knots.

Photo: Petros Psarras

Apr 10
Love3

Finnlines Marks Two Years Malmö–Świnoujście Route with 200,000 Passengers

By 2026 Newsletter week 15

Since launching the Malmö–Świnoujście route on 10 April 2024, Finnlines has transported over 200,000 passengers and drivers.

To mark the two-year milestone, the company will add an extra Saturday evening departure from Malmö on 18 and 25 April, offering two departures on those dates.

Finnlines reports steadily growing demand for the route, which connects southern Sweden and the Copenhagen area with northern Poland and onward access to Germany.

War Impact: Fuel Prices Affect Baltic Operations, Disrupt Corsican Traffic

  • Baltic: Rising fuel prices linked to the Iran war are forcing operators to adapt. Viking Line is reducing speed on Helsinki–Stockholm services from 13 April, with earlier departures and later arrivals to optimise fuel consumption. Tallink Silja has also adjusted schedules on the same route from 1 April.
  • Corsica: Corsican ports were blocked by fishermen from 7 April due to fuel price increases, halting all ferry traffic. The blockade was lifted on 9 April ahead of the holiday period.
Apr 10
Love3

RINA and Hanwha Sign Agreement to Promote Battery-Hybrid Propulsion

By 2026 Newsletter week 15

RINA and Hanwha Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote advanced battery-hybrid propulsion systems in the maritime sector, with a focus on RoRo ferries.

The collaboration aims to accelerate the shift to low-emission vessels by deploying innovative technologies. These enable the transition from conventional internal combustion systems to hybrid battery solutions, both for newbuilds and retrofits.

Key roles:

  • Hanwha Power Systems will act as lead integrator, overseeing ship design and system interface development.
  • It will combine:
    • Hanwha Aerospace’s marine Energy Storage System (ESS)
    • Hanwha Engine’s propulsion technologies
  • The goal is to deliver an advanced battery-hybrid propulsion vessel.
  • Hanwha Aerospace will enhance safety and reliability by applying aerospace energy technologies to marine ESS.
  • Hanwha Engine will use its expertise in medium-speed engines to optimise propulsion, improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
  • RINA will:
    • Verify regulatory compliance and technical integrity
    • Provide classification and statutory certification
    • Support market analysis in the ferry segment, drawing on its sector experience
Apr 10
Love3

Peep Jalakas Takes Over as CEO of Tallink Grupp

By 2026 Newsletter week 15
  • Peep Jalakas has officially assumed the role of CEO of AS Tallink Grupp.
  • His appointment was confirmed in February for a three-year term.
  • Outgoing CEO Paavo Nõgene will remain on the Management Board until 22 May.
  • Jalakas highlighted rising fuel prices as a key challenge, noting ongoing optimisation measures to safeguard service sustainability.
Apr 10
Love3

France Delays Biometric Border Controls (EES)

By 2026 Newsletter week 15

France has acknowledged technical issues with the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and is preparing to delay its implementation. (Source: Le Marin)

  • During meetings on 31 March at the Ministry of the Interior, authorities indicated that the biometric border control system will be postponed to September–October.
  • The system, intended for both ports and airports, is designed to register non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen area.
  • The delay follows recognition of a “bug” in the biometric control process, raising operational concerns.
  • Although not yet officially announced, the postponement was communicated to industry stakeholders in aviation and maritime sectors.
Apr 03
Love3

Strait Link Sets Course under New Owner

By 2026 Newsletter week 14

Strait Link Shipping Pty Ltd has confirmed completion of its sale to Igneo Infrastructure Partners. The agreement to acquire Strait Link was first announced on 19 December 2025 [press release]

Strait Link provides a vital link between Tasmania and mainland Australia.

Further details on operational or strategic changes have not yet been disclosed.

In Europe Igneo Infrastructure Partners own Scandlines.

 

Source: https://straitlink.com.au/strait-link-sets-course-under-new-owner/