Työvene and Torghatten AB have signed a contract for building 2pcs Plug-in Battery-Hybrid passenger vessels.
The vessels will operate on the route between Koster islands and Strömstad on the west coast of Sweden.
The designer of the vessels is Multi Maritime AS.
The total contract value is over 20 million euros.
Source: Summa Defence
Mega Battery Park by Lion Storage Strengthens North Sea Port’s Role as an Energy Hub
Lion Storage is set to construct one of Europe’s largest battery parks, named Mufasa, in Vlissingen within the North Sea Port area. Scheduled to be operational in the first half of 2027, this Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will feature 372 Tesla battery packs, offering a storage capacity of 1,400 MWh and a power capacity of 350 MW—sufficient to supply over 200,000 households.
The €350 million project, backed by Macquarie Capital, TINC, and six banks, aims to balance renewable energy supply and demand, reinforcing North Sea Port’s role as a sustainable energy hub. Eneco will oversee the daily operations of the facility.
Read more: North Sea Port
The port in Normandie, which deserves the UK ports of Portsmouth and Poole, and the Channel Islands, saw an increase in ferry passengers.
Source: Ports de Saint-Malo-Cancale on Linkedin
The Grimaldi Group is further strengthening its global presence by extending its maritime network to India. Starting this month, the company will introduce a regular service with two monthly departures from Europe to the Indian subcontinent, reinforcing its footprint in the Asian market.
The new route includes strategic port calls in Northern Europe and the Iberian Peninsula, following this itinerary: Southampton – Antwerp – Bremerhaven – Setubal/Vigo – Mumbai. After reaching India, the vessels will continue their journey to the Far East, calling at ports in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China. Additionally, a monthly connection will be established between India and major ports in the Persian Gulf, including Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.
Source: Grimaldi Group
Bornholmslinjen and Rønne Havn will jointly carry out ferry simulations to test approach and departure conditions under previously untested weather scenarios.
The decision follows a meeting last Friday between Bornholmslinjen, Rønne Havn, and the Danish Ministry of Social Security and Emergency Preparedness (Safe Waters office) to address reports of incidents at the redeveloped port. All parties were satisfied with the discussions and the focus on operational safety.
“These incidents have been addressed, and we’re now ensuring safe navigation during construction. Previous simulations didn’t include current vessels or all weather conditions, so this initiative is essential,” said Molslinjen CEO Kristian Durhuus.
Rønne Havn’s COO, Thomas Bay Jensen, welcomed the cooperation, highlighting the constructive dialogue and authorities’ recognition of their coordination efforts.
Source: ViaRitzau
Benoît Rochet Appointed CEO of Haropa Port
It’s now official: Benoît Rochet has been appointed CEO of Haropa Port, the Grand Fluvio-Maritime Port of the Seine Valley. His appointment decree has been signed and published in the Journal Officiel, and he will assume his role by the end of the week.
Previously CEO of SEPD, the company managing the ports of Boulogne-Calais, Rochet succeeds Stéphane Raison at the helm of this key player in maritime and inland trade. His tenure begins at a crucial time for Haropa Port, as it navigates major challenges in development and modernisation, reinforcing its strategic role in France and Europe’s transport and logistics sector.
On 27 February 2025, PENELOPE A (ex-HORSA, 1972) of Agoudimos Lines was removed from her 12-year anchorage in Elefsis Bay and sent for scrapping at the Aliaga yard in Turkey. The former Sealink ferry was purchased in February 1992 and operated on the Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos route until 2013, when her operator went bankrupt. Since June 2014, she had been laid up in Elefsis Bay.
PENELOPE A was the last of three legendary sisters—APOLLO EXPRESS (ex-SENLAC) and AGIOS GEORGIOS (ex-HENGIST)—that played a key role in Greek coastal shipping, significantly contributing to its development.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
Stena Line has marked a key milestone with the launch of STENA CONNECTA at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, the first of two hybrid RoRo vessels for the Belfast–Heysham route. The methanol-ready ship, equipped with battery propulsion and rotor sails, is set to enter service in early 2026, supporting Stena Line’s goal to cut CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.
Source: Stena Line
The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has secured a 12-month charter for its freight vessel ARROW, which will operate in the Channel Islands with DFDS. Expected to primarily serve the Jersey–Portsmouth route, ARROW will begin port trials and pilotage training before entering service following the 24th March charter commencement. The vessel was acquired by IOMSPC in September 2022 to ensure compliance with the Sea Services Agreement ahead of MANXMAN’s arrival in mid-2023.
Source: Isle of Man Steam Packet Company on Linkedin
The Red Ensign is now flying on TARIFA JET, marking its addition to the UK Ship Register ahead of deployment on the Jersey routes. DFDS Vice President Gemma Griffin highlights the company’s proud history with the UK flag and its commitment to creating new employment and training opportunities. TARIFA JET will begin service on the Jersey–Saint-Malo route on 28th March, with LEVANTE JET to follow on the Jersey–Poole route from 17th April.
Source: DFDS Global on Facebook
Viking Glory turns three in early March and at the same time will celebrate serving three million passengers. For Finns, Viking Line’s flagship offers modern slow cruise experiences, while Swedish passengers see the vessel as a luxury party boat.
Viking Glory launched a new era on the Turku–Stockholm route on March 1, 2022.
Source: Viking Line
French Mediterranean Port of Sète and VIIA are expanding the rail motorway service to Calais. A new platform, equipped with Modalohr technology, will significantly increase the number of trains running between the two ports—meaning fewer lorries on the road.
Will the new SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV, laid up in Leith, be used to house Ukrainian refugees in Scotland, while it awaits its berth being completed in Devonport. According to Australian media talks are ongoing. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said negotiations were underway as to the leasing arrangements of the ship and “when there is an outcome, we will release the details of that outcome”.
Photo: Matt Sudders
Austal Australasia has secured a contract worth approximately A$270 million to design and construct a groundbreaking 130-metre, hydrogen-ready high-speed RoPax catamaran for Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden. Part of the ‘Horizon X’ programme, this will be the largest vessel ever built by Austal and the first high-speed craft to feature a combined cycle propulsion system integrating gas and steam turbines.
Designed for sustainability and efficiency, the Horizon X catamaran will carry up to 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles while being capable of operating on multiple fuel types, including hydrogen. The vessel will be constructed at Austal’s Philippine shipyard using lightweight green aluminium, further reducing emissions. Delivery is scheduled for mid-2028.
This innovative project represents a major step towards climate-neutral ferry operations, setting new standards for speed, fuel efficiency, and environmental responsibility.
From the end of February, CLdN is increasing the number of sailings and the amount of freight it can carry on its Zeebrugge-Teesport route.
How?
CLdN is making two key changes to improve the service:
1. Adding one more round-trip sailing per week.
2. Deploying larger RoRo vessels on the route.
These improvements are made possible because CLdN is adding two brand-new, very large RoRo ships to its fleet later this year. (CHAUMINE Q2, LEONINE Q3)
Why?
Customer demand for this service is growing. More businesses need a direct and reliable way to transport freight between North East England, Scotland, and Europe.
What’s the Impact?
This expansion will strengthen CLdN’s position as a key player in unaccompanied freight shipping across the North Sea. With larger and more efficient vessels, CLdN can transport goods with lower CO2 emissions than any of its competitors, making the service both practical and environmentally friendly.
Wagenborg Passagiersdiensten has signed a construction contract with Next Generation Shipyards for a new fast ferry to serve the Ameland–Holwert route. This multi-million-euro investment marks a significant step in improving the island’s accessibility.
Designed for 75 passengers, the new vessel will enhance capacity, efficiency, and sustainability. With an 80 cm draft and advanced waterjets, it will ensure reliable operations even at lower water levels. The ferry’s highly efficient propulsion system, compliant with the latest emission standards, will reduce CO₂ emissions per crossing by over 50% compared to the current Fostaborg, and by nearly 70% per passenger. The vessel is also future-proof, prepared for biodiesel and easy conversion to full electric propulsion.
Built by NG Shipyards in collaboration with Northern Dutch subcontractors, the project will provide a direct boost to the regional economy. The ferry will also feature modern navigation systems, enhanced manoeuvrability, increased luggage space, USB-C charging ports, and improved accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility.
Delivery is expected by the end of 2025, with the vessel entering service in early 2026.
