AxFerries has unveiled plans to convert the archipelago ferry ALFÅGELN into a fully electric, emission-free vessel.
The project includes lengthening and widening the ship to maintain vehicle capacity, modernising the bridge and passenger areas, and adding new manoeuvring systems. The conversion aims to demonstrate the potential for zero-emission operations on short routes in the Åland archipelago and could serve as a pilot for further electrification across the fleet.
The ferry MOBY OTTA has been sold for about €5 million to Hoiyu International Group Ltd of China and has already been delivered in Livorno. Renamed ELPIS (Greek for the spirit of hope), she now flies the St. Kitts & Nevis flag.
Once in Asia, she will serve as a floating hotel and casino in Malaysia, like MOBY ZAZA. Built in 1976 by Flenderwerke in Lübeck and refurbished in 1998, the 184m vessel joined Onorato Armatori in 2006 after service with DFDS as PRINCESS OF SCANDINAVIA.
Sister ship MOBY DREA was sold earlier to Med Fuel of Messina for refurbishment and asbestos removal.
Source: Euronext
KiwiRail has agreed to sell its retired Interislander ferry ARATERE to a buyer who will deliver the vessel to a specialist recycling shipyard in India. The ferry made its final Cook Strait crossing in August, marking the end of 26 years of service. ARATERE was retired to enable the redevelopment of Picton port in preparation for two new Cook Strait ferries due to arrive in 2029.
Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy said the vessel was unsuitable for most ferry operators due to its age and the need for “significant” modification or specialist port infrastructure. “Therefore, we have pursued a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible recycling option,” he said.
KiwiRail carried out due diligence and physical inspections of the shipyard and worked closely with New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) throughout the process. The buyer will crew the ship for its final voyage to India, subject to EPA review.
HSC GOLDEN PRINCESS will be launched on the Cyclades route on 17 October. GOLDEN STAR FERRIES’ vessel (ex-GOTLANDIA II) will serve the Rafina–Tinos–Mykonos–Paros line, replacing her fleet mate HSC SUPEREXPRESS until 20 October. Currently at the port of Rafina, she was built in Italy in 2006. The ship can carry 900 passengers and 160 cars, sailing at 32 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
DFDS reported September freight volumes of 3.5m lane metres, up 0.8% year-on-year but 1.2% lower when adjusted for route changes.
For the last twelve months (2025–24), total freight volumes rose 2.3% to 41.7m lane metres (up 1.2% when adjusted for route changes).
Passenger numbers, however, were weaker. In September, 392k passengers represented a 7.4% drop year-on-year (adjusted), with lower Channel traffic outweighing growth in the Baltic. Car volumes fell 5.7%, and total passenger numbers for the past year declined 14.5% to 5.5m (or 0.4% growth adjusted for route changes).
Fincantieri has launched the new RoPax ferry COSTANZA I DI SICILIA at its Palermo shipyard. Delivery is planned for summer 2026.
The launch ceremony was attended by Renato Schifani, President of the Sicilian Region, and Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and General Manager of Fincantieri.
Folgiero underlined Palermo’s strategic role within the Fincantieri network, highlighting plans to relaunch the yard as part of the Group’s new industrial plan.
WALLENIUS SOL has started using Liquefied Biogas (LBG) in its BALTIC ENABLER and BOTNIA ENABLER multi-fuel vessels, following a new agreement with energy company Gasum.
Rebecca Tagaeus, Sustainability Officer at WALLENIUS SOL, said the move is proof that the company’s Climate Roadmap is delivering tangible results and supporting customers’ climate goals.
Gasum’s Jacob Granqvist called pooling “a brilliant and easy opportunity” for maritime actors to join forces in reducing emissions.
The newly delivered GNV POLARIS will soon head back to the Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China to increase passenger capacity ahead of next summer.
The first in a planned series of eight RoPax units, POLARIS will gain 132 additional cabins — bringing the total from 239 to 371 — aligning her design with GNV ORION and the upcoming GNV VIRGO, expected before year-end.
A spokesperson confirmed to Ferry Shipping News that the decision stems from a design variation planned for all new vessels. The company prioritised getting POLARIS into service quickly, with the refit scheduled to begin early next year. The ship will return to Italy in time for the 2026 summer season.
After an initial import call in Marseille on 2 October, the new UGR – United Global RoRo service is still awaiting launch as the Turkish authorities have yet to issue an operating permit. According to French media “Le Marin”, the two RoRo vessels remain idle — POL STELLA in Marseille and ABU SAMRAH at anchor off Istanbul.
