Aug 10
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Portsmouth Launches UK’s First Multi-Berth Shore Power System

By 2026 Newsletter week 32

Portsmouth International Port has commissioned the UK’s first multi-berth, multi-user, multi-frequency shore power system, enabling ferries and cruise ships to switch off their engines while alongside.

During the final testing phase, Brittany Ferries’ hybrid-electric ST MALO and GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE became the first ferries to connect to the system. Cruise ships AIDAsol and AMERA also participated in the commissioning process.

The £24.4 million project, funded by £19.8 million from the UK Department for Transport and £4.6 million from Portsmouth City Council, will eventually allow up to three vessels to connect simultaneously. The port expects this capability to become operational later this year.

From 2027, the shore power installation is expected to reduce emissions by around 20,000 tonnes of CO₂e, supporting Portsmouth’s ambition to become the UK’s first zero-emission port by 2050.

Despite the milestone, Portsmouth International Port says electricity costs remain a challenge and is calling on the UK Government to make shore power more economically attractive for ports and shipping companies.

Pictured from left to right: Mike Sellers, Director of Portsmouth International Port; Christophe Mathieu, Chief Executive at Brittany Ferries; and Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council. Image credit: Portsmouth International Port

https://portsmouth-port.co.uk/news/its-electrifying-portsmouth-international-ports-shore-power-system-goes-live/

Aug 10
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Corsica Ferry Traffic Up 14.4% in May

By 2026 Newsletter week 32

Ferry traffic to and from Corsica continued to grow in May 2026. A total of 363,400 ferry passengers travelled on the island’s maritime routes, an increase of 14.4% compared with May 2025. At the same time, 141,700 tourist vehicles were carried, up 13.5%, while maritime freight reached 174,400 tonnes, a modest 1.4% increase.

Corsica Ferries remained the dominant operator with 66% of all ferry passengers (around 240,000), followed by Corsica Linea with 14% (50,000). Moby Lines accounted for 10%, La Méridionale 6%, and Ichnusa Lines 5%.

Bastia was by far the busiest ferry port, handling 186,000 passengers (51%), ahead of Ajaccio with 85,000 (24%). L’Île-Rousse handled 29,000 (8%), Bonifacio 37,000 (10%), while Porto-Vecchio and Propriano accounted for the remainder. France represented 65% of ferry passenger traffic, with Italy accounting for the other 35%.

Photo: Matt Davies

Aug 10
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GNV Launches New Italy–Algeria Route

By 2026 Newsletter week 32

GNV, part of the MSC Group, will launch a new direct ferry service between Civitavecchia and Annaba on 8 August.

Vessel: GNV CRISTAL

The new route complements GNV’s existing services between Sète–Algiers and Sète–Bejaia, further strengthening the company’s presence in the Algerian market.

Aug 10
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Cook Strait Ferry Infrastructure Programme Reaches Key Milestones

By 2026 Newsletter week 32

The Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme reached several key milestones in July, with infrastructure works advancing in both Wellington and Picton and major commercial agreements now in place to support the next phase of the project.

Ferry Holdings, CentrePort, Port Marlborough and KiwiRail have finalised the infrastructure scope, progressed detailed design and signed the agreements required to deliver the port infrastructure for the new rail-enabled ferries, which remain on track to enter service in 2029.

At Picton, Port Marlborough and Ferry Holdings are investing in a new wharf, linkspan, vehicle access bridge and passenger walkway, replacing ageing infrastructure while ensuring ferry services continue during construction.

At Wellington’s Kaiwharawhara terminal, CentrePort and Ferry Holdings are upgrading and reconfiguring existing facilities, with a strong focus on reusing existing infrastructure where possible.

Early construction works are now underway at both ports, with main construction due to begin later this month. A common rail- and road-capable linkspan design has been selected for both terminals, while procurement continues for major marine works, including berth piling in Picton and the Wellington wharf extension.

The combined upgrades will provide the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of Cook Strait ferries and strengthen the resilience of the link between New Zealand’s North and South Islands.

https://www.ferryholdings.co.nz/infrastructure-programme-progresses-as-delivery-milestones-reached/

Aug 03
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Irish Ferries Parent ICG Agrees €1.2 Billion Management Buyout

By 2026 Newsletter week 31

Irish Continental Group (ICG), the parent company of Irish Ferries, has agreed to a recommended management buyout valuing the company at approximately €1.2 billion.

A consortium led by CEO Eamonn Rothwell and three other senior executives has offered €8.00 per share in cash, a 28.2% premium to ICG’s closing share price on 24 July.

The independent board has unanimously recommended the offer, saying it delivers compelling value for shareholders. Rothwell said private ownership would better support ICG’s long-term development in an increasingly competitive and uncertain market.

The transaction remains subject to shareholder, regulatory and Irish High Court approval. Completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Aug 03
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Finnlines Reports Stronger H1 Results Despite Volatile Market

By 2026 Newsletter week 31
  • Revenue increased to EUR 412.4 million (H1 2025: EUR 351.9 million).
  • EBIT rose to EUR 55.8 million (EUR 39.9 million).
  • EBT improved to EUR 51.2 million (EUR 33.8 million).
  • Transport volumes included:
  • 409,000 cargo units
  • 42,000 cars (excluding passengers’ cars)
  • 595,000 tonnes of non-unitised freight
  • 431,000 passengers and professional drivers

Finnlines says its investments in energy-efficient vessels, operational optimisation and the ability to use a diverse range of energy sources strengthened its resilience.

The company highlighted the impact of higher energy prices, geopolitical tensions and the 100% implementation of the EU ETS on operating costs during the first half of 2026.

CEO Thomas Doepel said the company’s strong financial position and long-term investment strategy helped deliver a solid performance despite a volatile operating environment.

Source: Finnlines, Financial Review January–June 2026.

https://www.finnlines.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/financial-review-q2_2026-eng.pdf

Aug 03
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Nordic Ferry Infrastructure Reports Stable 2025 Performance

By 2026 Newsletter week 31
  • Revenue remained stable at NOK 8.96 billion.
  • Adjusted EBITDA increased to NOK 2.79 billion from NOK 2.77 billion, with the adjusted EBITDA margin improving to 31.1% (30.9%).
  • The Group carried a record 26.7 million passengers, up 4.6% compared with 2024.
  • NFI operates 94 vessels on 54 routes across Norway, Denmark and Sweden, employing around 3,300 people.
  • During 2025, the Group delivered four new electric ferries and ordered three fully electric high-speed catamarans for the Kattegat route, described as the world’s largest high-speed ferry electrification project.
  • Other highlights included a 100% retention of existing concession contracts, the award of the Sandnessjøen–Herøy–Dønna contract in Norway, and DKK 180 million in public funding for the decarbonisation of the Kattegat route.

Click on the cover to access the PDF

Aug 03
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WALLENIUS SOL Acquires Two RoRo Vessels from Wagenborg

By 2026 Newsletter week 31
  • WALLENIUS SOL has acquired the RoRo vessels BALTICBORG and BOTHNIABORG from Royal Wagenborg, together with a long-term Contract of Affreightment (CoA) with Smurfit Westrock‘s kraftliner mill in Piteå, Sweden.
  • The acquisition expands WALLENIUS SOL’s fleet and strengthens its year-round RoRo services between the Bay of Bothnia and Northern Europe, including operations during the winter ice season.
  • Smurfit Westrock’s existing transport contract with Wagenborg will transfer to WALLENIUS SOL, ensuring continuity of service while the cargo flow will gradually be integrated into the company’s RoRo network and future newbuild programme.
  • The sale supports Wagenborg’s strategy to focus on its core ice-class general cargo shipping activities. The company has operated the vessels on the Smurfit Westrock service since 2004.
  • WALLENIUS SOL has already committed more than EUR 250 million to fleet investments and aims to operate on 100% renewable fuels by 2035.
Aug 03
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KiwiRail Secures 30-Year Contract for New Cook Strait Ferries

By 2026 Newsletter week 31

The New Zealand Government has confirmed that KiwiRail will operate the two new rail-enabled Cook Strait ferries, KUPE and COOK, for the next 30 years.

KiwiRail has operated the Interislander service for more than 60 years. CEO Peter Reidy said the decision reflects the company’s operational experience and strong recent performance. The operating arrangement will be reviewed after 10 years, in 2039.

Source: https://www.kiwirail.co.nz/media/kiwirail-welcomes-confirmation-it-will-operate-the-new-cook-strait-ferries/

Aug 03
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Baleària Expands Canary Islands Logistics Business

By 2026 Newsletter week 31

Baleària Canarias has acquired Transportes Intercanarios SA from the Armas family, strengthening its integrated maritime and land transport operations in the Canary Islands.

Founded in 1976, Transportes Intercanarios is a leading logistics company in the archipelago, providing freight transport and port services across Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. The company employs around 60 people and operates a fleet of more than 500 vehicles and cargo units, including tractor units, semi-trailers, port machinery and refrigerated containers.

Baleària said the acquisition will allow it to better integrate its maritime and land transport activities, improving efficiency and service for customers in the Canary Islands.