Sep 12
Love3

Norwegian Support for Ferry Link to Eemshaven

By 2025 Newsletter week 37

Norwegian authorities are positive about plans for a new ferry service between Arendal and Eemshaven. Njordic Ferry Lines has presented a business plan that was well received in Norway, where the Eemshaven is seen as an ideal partner. In Groningen, reactions are more cautious. A Dutch delegation, including Groningen Seaports, the Province of Groningen and the Municipality of Het Hogeland, recently visited Arendal, where a non-binding letter of intent was signed. According to Province representative Erik-Jan Bennema, the project is still in an exploratory phase and must be carefully considered. Groningen Seaports confirmed ongoing talks with Njordic Ferry Lines but stressed that discussions remain at an early stage.

Source: Eemsdelta Kringen (in Dutch)

Sep 12
Love3

Corsica Linea CEO Warns Against Low-Cost Airlines Scenario in French Ports

By 2025 Newsletter week 37

The CEO of Corsica Linea, Pierre-Antoine Villanova, warns that French public port infrastructures risk becoming a “springboard” for low-cost operators, similar to what happened in aviation. He argues these players, often under foreign flags, erode value in France and could dominate public facilities. For him, it is a question of sovereignty and support for the French flag shipping industry.

Source: Linkedin (with a link to an article in Le Monde)

Sep 12
Love1

IMAGE CARDS

By 2025 Newsletter week 37

Baleària has begun construction of two fully electric catamarans at Astilleros Armón, Gijón. From 2027, they will operate the Tarifa–Tangier City route, creating the first maritime green corridor between Spain and Morocco.

On 8 September 2025, HSC HIGHSPEED 3 (ex-THUNDER) completed her summer service on the Piraeus–Syros–Mykonos–Paros–Ios–Santorini–Heraklion (Crete) route.

Photo: Hellenic Seaways

On 8 September 2025, HSC HIGHSPEED 3 (ex-THUNDER) completed her summer service on the Piraeus–Syros–Mykonos–Paros–Ios–Santorini–Heraklion (Crete) route.

Photo: Hellenic Seaways

Sep 05
Love3

Highest in 25 Years: Foot Passengers on Öresund Line

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

In August 2025, 372,455 foot passengers travelled on Öresund Line ferries – the highest figure since August 1999, before the opening of the Öresund Bridge.

Molslinjen CEO Kristian Durhuus said passengers have embraced digital ticketing, booking and check-in, driving growth in both foot and car traffic.

The month also saw 125,218 cars (+6.4% vs 2024), the highest August figure since 2019. Total passenger numbers reached 733,374, with 1,254 buses, both also the highest since 2019.

Sep 05
Love3

New Zealand’s Rail Ferries Enter Final Procurement Stage

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

Ferry Holdings has secured the preferred supplier of two new ferries to serve passengers, road and rail for the next 30 years, New Zealand Rail Minister Winston Peters announced.

Ferry Holdings led a closed tender process with six shipyards, and has now signed a letter of intent with the preferred ship builder to start the final stage of technical negotiations.

“The letter of intent is a key milestone in any procurement process as it means the two parties are on the same page for the deal and can now iron out the technical points before signing later this year,” said the Minister.

“The shipbuilder and Ferry Holdings have agreed a fixed price, completion in 2029, and full delivery of our ship specification for 200-metre-long ferries with road and rail decks, room for 1,500 passengers each, and 2,400 lane metres for trucks, cars and 40 rail wagons.

The shipyard will be named once the contracts are signed.

Sep 05
Love3

Orkney Ferry Replacement Programme: Phase 1 Complete and First Images Released for Consultation

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

The outline designs for new ferries serving the Orkney islands of Westray, Eday, Stronsay and Sanday are now available to view and comment on in advance of upcoming public consultation events at the end of the month. (source: Orkney Government)

Phase 1 is for three large (60m) monohull ferries to serve the outer North Isles (Westray, Stronsay, Sanday and Eday) with existing infrastructure, noting that a dedicated smaller vessel is proposed for the islands of North Ronaldsay and Papa Westray.

The work on Phase 1 has seen the development of an outline design as well as extensive simulator testing of that design.

View the General arrangement plan by Knud E. Hansen

Phase 2 of the Ferry Replacement Programmes will see specifications developed for a large vessel for the South Isles, plus two smaller vessels for Papa Westray and North Ronaldsay and Graemsay and North Hoy. Specifications for two medium sized vessels will also be provided for Rousay, Egilsay and Wyre and for Shapinsay, noting a need for increased capacity on those routes.

More information on the Ferry Replacement Programme is available here: Ferry Replacement Programme – Update

Sep 05
Love3

Wallenius Marine and Knud E. Hansen Launch New RoRo Concept at Donsö Shipping Meet

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

Wallenius Marine and Knud E. Hansen have unveiled a new RoRo vessel design at the Donsö Shipping Meet. The concept builds on the award-winning Sleipner PCTC design and operational experience from the vessels FUTURE WAY and WAY FORWARD.

Despite its compact length of 170 metres, the vessel offers 2,720 lane metres of cargo capacity, equal to 181 trailers. A full-width stern ramp and forward-placed engine room enable fast and efficient loading and unloading.

Propulsion comes from a dual-fuel electric drivetrain (LNG/LBG/MGO/biodiesel) combined with Azipods, providing 360° steerable propulsion for improved manoeuvrability in ports.

The design is future-proofed with preparations for wing sails, shore power, batteries and fuel cells, aiming to further reduce energy use and emissions.

Source: Wallenius Marine

Sep 05
Love3

FRS Express des Îles to Add New High-Speed Catamaran in 2025

By 2025 Newsletter week 36

FRS Group and its Caribbean subsidiary FRS Express des Îles will add a new high-speed catamaran, TOPAZE EXPRESS, scheduled to enter service at the end of 2025.

Ferry Shipping News first published this in week 33: ex Scilly Ferries Vessel Heads To Caribbean.

The 42-metre vessel will operate at a maximum speed of 28 knots and accommodate 400 passengers. Capacity is spread across two decks with 280 seats on the main deck, 120 on the upper deck, plus an open-air aft area.

Source: FRS World