Aug 16
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Maritime Industry Voices Concerns at Arendalsuka

By 2025 Newsletter week 33

At the Maritime CleanTech session “High-speed boats – emission cuts and exports, or green bankruptcy?”, Norled’s Rannveig Elisabeth Drengstig delivered a clear message: zero-emission technology is ready, but framework conditions lag behind.

She highlighted high risks for operators, from technological uncertainty and infrastructure gaps to volatile electricity and hydrogen prices – MF HYDRA still relies on hydrogen trucked from Germany. Tender documents and contracts must adapt to support the transition, with better risk distribution, early dialogue, and client cooperation essential for a successful green shift at sea.

Source: Norled on Linkedin

Aug 16
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Scandlines and NABU Open Baltic Sea Info Space Onboard

By 2025 Newsletter week 33

Scandlines and German environmental NGO NABU have opened a new Baltic Sea information space for passengers on ferry DEUTSCHLAND, serving the Puttgarden–Rødby route.

The “Baltic Sea Life” VR exhibition gives travellers insights into the fragile marine ecosystem, including porpoises, seals, and seagrass meadows.

The initiative is part of a long-term partnership focused on zero-emission ferries, reduced underwater noise, and sustainable port operations.

If successful, the concept will be rolled out to other ferries in the fleet.

Aug 16
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Fjord1 Awarded Contract for Bergen–Sogn–Nordfjord Express Boat Routes

By 2025 Newsletter week 33
  • Fjord1 has secured the contract to operate the routes between Bergen, Sogn and Nordfjord.
  • The contract was awarded by Skyss (*) and runs from 1 December 2026 to 1 December 2029, with an option for up to three more years.
  • CEO Geir Bruvik Mjelde called it a milestone in Fjord1’s ambition to grow in Norway’s express boat market.
  • The award creates synergies with existing Bergen operations in both express boats and tourism.
  • Current route structure, schedules and minimum capacity will largely be maintained.
  • Fjord1’s offer scored best on price and achieved a high standard in climate and environmental criteria.

(*) Skyss is the public transport authority for Vestland County, Norway.

Aug 16
Love3

CLdN Chooses Liebherr for Killingholme Crane Investment

By 2025 Newsletter week 33
  • CLdN has ordered five new electric rubber tyred gantry (RTG) cranes from Liebherr Container Cranes Ltd. for its Killingholme terminal, UK.
  • The investment will enhance cargo handling and support growth on North Sea routes to Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.
  • The RTGs will replace part of the diesel-powered reach stacker fleet, boosting efficiency, stacking capacity and lowering emissions.
  • Each crane can lift 41 tonnes under spreader, spans nearly 35 metres, and stacks containers five high (18 metres).
  • Construction is underway at Liebherr’s Killarney, Ireland, plant.
  • Assembly and commissioning are planned for early 2026, with civil works at Killingholme already well advanced.
Aug 16
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French Visitor Numbers Surge on Guernsey Ferry Routes

By 2025 Newsletter week 33
  • Passenger ferry travel to and from Guernsey rose 16% in Q2 2025 compared with the same period last year.
  • Visitors from France increased by 74% year-on-year, more than doubling compared with Q2 2023.
  • Most French visitors (93%) came for leisure, underlining strong demand for short-stay tourism.
  • Total visitor numbers by ferry were 8% higher than in Q2 2023, despite a slight dip from 2024.

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, President of the Committee for Economic Development, said:

“This latest data shows that the previous Committee’s decision to appoint Brittany Ferries has helped strengthen Guernsey’s ties with France, which is visible through the substantial increase in French visitors in Q2. While inter-island connectivity was reduced during this period, we’ve worked to support the reestablishment of a regular inter-island ferry service through Islands Unlimited, which started operating in June – and we look forward to witnessing the number of visitors from our neighbouring Channel Island increase again during Q3. We also continue to engage in discussions with Jersey and DFDS to ensure a reciprocal rotation as we know it’s important for both of our communities – thanks to the strength of our business, cultural, and sporting ties.”

Source: Government Guernsey press release

Aug 16
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Öresundslinjen Nears One Million July Passengers

By 2025 Newsletter week 33
  • Öresundslinjen carried 995,522 passengers between Helsingborg and Helsingør in July 2025, just shy of the one-million mark.
  • A single heavy rain shower was enough to deter some foot passengers, says Molslinjen CEO Kristian Durhuus.
  • Volumes were the highest since July 2022, when 1,034,757 travelled post-pandemic.
  • Both foot passengers and motorists rose by over 9,000 compared with last year. Car numbers reached 158,764, up 4% year-on-year.
  • Onboard restaurants set a record with 21,030 guests, 11% more than July 2024.

Source: ViaRitzau

Aug 08
Love3

Stable Summer Traffic for Destination Gotland

By 2025 Newsletter week 32
  • Passenger numbers on the Gotland–mainland route remained stable this summer, with a slight increase compared to 2024.
  • 674,000 people travelled in June and July, about 2,000 more than last year.
  • June saw a 4.5% increase, while July decreased by 2%.
  • Between January and July, 1,109,600 passengers used the service, up over 2% year-on-year.

“The figures suggest Gotland is growing in attractiveness beyond the peak in July,” said Håkan Johansson, Deputy CEO of Gotlandsbolaget and CEO of Destination Gotland. “It’s positive that travel is spreading more evenly over the season.”

Aug 08
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Delcomar Bought a Modern Dual-Ended Ferry Renamed FRANCO DG

By 2025 Newsletter week 32

The Sardinian ferry operator Delcomar, chaired and controlled by Franco Del Giudice, has completed the purchase of the ferry THEOLOGOS VII.

Built in Greece in 2018, the dual-ended vessel previously flew the Greek flag and was operated by Evia Ferries. In recent years, she was deployed on the Perama–Salamis and Megara–Revythousa routes.

She is currently in Piraeus and en route to Italy, where she is expected before the end of August.

Delcomar told FERRY SHIPPING NEWS that the vessel, to be renamed FRANCO DG, was acquired for around EUR 10 million. This includes structural work and upgrades required to meet Italian safety standards.

The works will take place in an Italian shipyard, likely in Sardinia, and are scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The ferry will enter service in early 2026.

FRANCO DG will debut on the La Maddalena–Palau route, replacing an older vessel that will remain in the fleet.

The 93-metre-long, 17-metre-wide ferry has a gross tonnage of 885 and can accommodate up to 600 passengers.