Jun 06
3

Procurement Launched for Northern Isles Freight Flex Vesselsa Trials

By | 2025 Newsletter week 23 | No Comments
  • Procurement begins for two new freight flex vessels on the Aberdeen–Kirkwall–Lerwick route.
  • Vessels to replace HELLIER and HILDASAY, operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries.

Key Features:

  • Increased freight capacity and quicker crossings.
  • Flexible design to accommodate up to 200 passengers during peak periods.

Process:

  • Initial stage: completion of Single Procurement Document Scotland (SPDS).
  • Shipyards will be assessed on financial and technical criteria.
  • Invitation to tender expected in August 2025, with contract award in February 2026.
Jun 06
3

RoPax ISLE OF ISLAY Successfully Completes First Sea Trials

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  • First sea trials for MV ISLE OF ISLAY completed successfully by Cemre Marin Endustri in Yalova, Turkey.
  • Trials took place 22–30 May in the Sea of Marmara, attended by CMAL, CalMac, Lloyd’s Register, and the MCA.

Key Trial Activities:

  • Set-up and testing of propulsion systems, generators, thrusters, stabilisers, and electrical systems.
  • Assessment at full load: speed, stability, manoeuvrability, anchor operations, and endurance.
  • Verified performance of propulsion plant, automation, and navigational systems.

Second set of sea trials later this summer, after battery system installation and harbour acceptance tests for the hybrid system.

Jun 06
3

WENATCHEE Becomes Largest U.S. Hybrid-Electric Ferry

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  • Vigor Shipyard has completed the hybrid-electric conversion of WENATCHEE, marking it as the largest U.S. passenger ferry to undergo electrification.
  • The 202-vehicle, 2,500-passenger Jumbo Mark II-class vessel is set to return to the Seattle–Bainbridge Island route in summer 2025.

Conversion Highlights:

  • Removal of two diesel generators.
  • Installation of two battery rooms housing 864 battery modules weighing 36 tonnes.
  • Upgrades to propulsion control systems, electrical and fiber-optic cabling, and passenger areas.

Environmental Impact:

  • Part of Washington State Ferries’ System Electrification Program, aiming to modernize six existing ferries and build 16 new hybrid-electric vessels by 2040.
  • Once operational with shore charging, the WENATCHEE, along with sister vessels TACOMA and PUYALLUP, is expected to reduce diesel consumption by over 4.7 million gallons annually and cut greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 95%.

Next Steps:

  • Sea trials and crew training are underway.
  • Final approval from the U.S. Coast Guard is anticipated before the vessel re-enters service.

Source: Vigor

Jun 06
3

GNV Officially Launches France–Algeria RoPax Line

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GNV, part of the MSC Group, has officially launched new routes connecting Sète with Algiers and Bejaia.

The company will operate two weekly sailings: Algiers–Sète and Bejaia–Sète.

The RoPax EXCELLENT, recently refurbished, offers halal cuisine, a prayer room, and family-friendly spaces tailored to the Algerian market.

With these additions, GNV strengthens its presence in the Mediterranean and expands its services to the Maghreb, reinforcing its strategic role in international maritime transport.

Jun 06
3

Strategic Review of Öresund Transport Could Impact Future Ferry Links

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  • Swedish and Danish transport organisations welcome a new Swedish government initiative to review future transport needs across the Öresund.
  • Aimed at 2050 planning, the study will evaluate capacity and resilience, with a focus on freight flows and security.
  • The HH fixed link (Helsingborg–Helsingør) will also be assessed as a possible way to ease pressure on existing corridors, including ferry routes.
  • Sweden’s Åkeriföretag and Denmark’s DTL support the inclusion of long vehicle combinations and special transports in the review.
  • Final report due by 28 November 2025.
Jun 06
3

Corsican Passenger and Freight Traffic – 2024 Key Figures

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Passenger Traffic

  • Total maritime passengers (excl. cruise): 4 million (+3.4%)
  • Peak day: 13 August – +370,900 people on the island
  • Seasonality: Maritime travel dominates in July and August

Top Ports by Passenger Traffic

  • BASTIA: 2.13 million (+4.0%) – Corsica’s main ferry port
  • AJACCIO: 910,000 (+6.8%)
  • L’ÎLE-ROUSSE: Stable at 406,000
  • BONIFACIO: Stable at 249,000 (mainly Sardinia)
  • PORTO-VECCHIO: Down 3.7%
  • PROPRIANO: Down 3.9%

Traffic by Operator

  • Corsica Ferries: 2.48 million (+0.8%) – 62.2% market share
  • Corsica Linea: 587,000 (+3.2%)
  • Moby Lines: 528,000 (+8.7%)
  • La Méridionale: 258,000 (+14.1%)
  • Ichnusa Lines: 132,000 (+18.5%)

International Traffic

  • Italy accounts for all maritime international traffic – 1.53 million (+7.3%)
  • Mainland France traffic stable at 2.45 million (+1.3%)

Vehicle Traffic

  • Total by ferry: 1.46 million vehicles (+2.4%)
    • From Italy: 526,000 (+7.6%)
    • From France: 933,000 (−0.4%)
  • Tourist vehicles peak in August: 132,000 (for comparison, 260,800 vehicles registered in Corsica)

Freight Traffic

  • Total inbound freight: 1.83 million tonnes (−0.1%)
    • BASTIA: Leading port with 1.2 million tonnes
      • 836,000 tonnes of RoRo cargo
      • 343,000 tonnes of oil products
    • AJACCIO: 575,000 tonnes (including 360,200 tonnes RoRo)
  • RoRo Freight: 1.18 million tonnes (+0.7%)
Jun 06
3

GulenSkyss Orders New Electric Ferry from Fjellstrand for Breistein–Valestrand Route

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GulenSkyss has signed a contract with local shipyard Fjellstrand AS for the construction of a new electric ferry.

The vessel is designed for low energy consumption and environmentally friendly operation, tailored for the Breistein–Valestrand route.

Scheduled to enter service on 29 November 2027, the ferry will have a capacity of 50 cars.

The contract spans 15 years, with GulenSkyss aiming to provide a stable and high-quality transport service throughout the period.

Jun 06
3

Norway’s Coastal Route: Havila Voyages and HAV Group Aim for Growth and Greener Operations

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HAVILA VOYAGES and HAV GROUP have formalised their collaboration to grow operations on the Bergen – Kirkenes – Bergen Coastal Route in the next contract period.

Focus: Lower emissions, higher energy efficiency, and development of next-generation ships.

Key Points:

  • Current fleet can reach carbon neutrality using biogas.
  • Future potential: green hydrogen, carbon capture, and 30% more energy efficiency.
  • New ships will build on the existing design with enhanced technology.
  • Call for stricter environmental requirements from authorities – including minimum year-round carbon neutrality.

Statements:

  • Bent Martini (Havila Voyages): “We’re ready to deliver carbon neutrality from day one with our current fleet.”
  • Gunnar Larsen (HAV Group): “We fully embrace the challenge and look forward to delivering innovative maritime solutions.”

Industry Call:

  • Both CEOs invited Norway’s maritime cluster to collaborate and make the Coastal Route a model for climate-responsible passenger shipping.
May 30
3

TALLINK Charters ROMANTIKA to Algeria’s Madar Maritime

By | 2025 Newsletter week 22 | No Comments
  • AS Tallink Grupp confirms last week’s news
  • It has signed a nine-month charter agreement with Algeria’s state-owned Madar Maritime Company for the cruise ship ROMANTIKA.
  • The charter, starting Saturday 31 May, includes the vessel and technical crew.
  • The deal includes two optional six-month extensions.
  • CEO Paavo Nõgene highlighted the positive financial impact and the company’s adaptability: “Finding charter opportunities for ships not in use shows our flexibility in a changing economic environment.”
May 30
3

Damen Launches Fully Electric-Ready Ferry for BC Ferries

By | 2025 Newsletter week 22 | No Comments

Damen Shipyards Galati has launched a new Island Class ferry for BC Ferries. The vessel, a Damen RoRo 8117 E3, is the first of four new battery-equipped diesel-hybrid ferries. All are designed for full electric operation once terminal charging infrastructure is in place.

This latest ferry—the seventh Damen-built ship for BC Ferries—will serve routes between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island. Each vessel can carry up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers, with recharging during embarkation using renewable energy.

The launch was part of a week of major milestones at Damen. The yard also laid the keel for the ninth vessel and cut steel for the tenth. BC Ferries’ Executive Director of Shipbuilding Ed Hooper attended the events, alongside Canada’s Ambassador to Romania, Gavin Buchan.

In addition to the ships, Damen is supplying the onshore charging systems. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027, with continued support from Damen’s Canadian Service Hub in Victoria.