FRS Rhine Ferries continues its expansion on the Middle Rhine. The company has acquired the long-established ferry operator Schnaas GmbH, which has connected Lorch and Niederheimbach since 1892.
This marks FRS’s third acquisition in the region in just over a year, following the takeovers of the Ingelheim–Oestrich-Winkel route (December 2024) and the St. Goar–St. Goarshausen connection (January 2025).
Source: FRS Rheinfähren
Norwegian Electric Systems has been chosen to provide two onshore charging stations to the Fjord 1 Krakhella-Rysjedalsvika ferry crossing in the Sognefjord, enabling electric ferry operation on the West coast of Norway.
It was already announced during the Ferry Shipping Summit in Malmö. Now the good news becomes reality: Björn Boström joins the Ferry Shipping Summit team as Business Development Manager.
After 17 years as CEO of the Port of Ystad, Björn decided it was time to step down and to use his expertise in new roles, as a consultant, interim manager, or board member.
Björn has more than 40 years of experience in ferry shipping, with companies such as Saga Line, DFDS, Lion Ferry and others.
His broad experience in ferry and port operations, as well as intergovernmental organisations, will strengthen our team of professionals.
Bo-Lennart Thorbjörnsson, CEO of Ferry Shipping Summit, welcomes Björn:
“We are looking forward to working together and are grateful for his knowledge and network, which will benefit the Summit and our weekly Ferry Shipping News.”
Travel volumes to and from Gotland increased in 2025, confirming a broadly positive development across passenger, visitor, and freight segments.
Key figures (2025 vs 2024):
Destination Gotland highlights that increased off-peak travel indicates success in extending the season. This benefits both residents and the local visitor economy.
Operational performance:
Tourism indicators:
Improved accessibility continues to support year-round demand. Regular air services to Stockholm Bromma and Arlanda, combined with reliable ferry operations, keep Gotland well connected outside the summer peak.
Photo Destination Gotland
Norwest Ship Management AS has signed the purchase agreement for the RoRo vessel MN PELICAN, acquired from Compagnie Maritime Nantaise – MN.
Key facts:
Operational background
Norwest Ship Management AS is a Norwegian ship owning and management company who owns 10 vessels and have management on further two, based in Avaldsnes. Carrying project cargo, aluminium, frozen cargoes, fish feed and building materials. Trading areas are in Northern Europe.
CLdN has announced the launch of a new weekly LoLo container service linking Rotterdam Distriport with Leixões (Porto), responding to growing customer demand on the route.
Key points
According to CLdN, deploying container vessels alongside RoRo tonnage enhances network resilience while supporting customers’ decarbonisation objectives through improved utilisation and lower emissions intensity.
The Port of Kiel recorded a new all-time high in freight volumes in 2025, according to figures released on Thursday by Seehafen Kiel GmbH.
Total freight throughput reached almost 8 million tonnes for the first time, representing an increase of around 5% year-on-year. Nearly half of this volume was handled at the East Bank Port (Ostuferhafen). Growth was driven primarily by expanding trade with the Baltic states and continued strength in the Swedish paper trade.
Strong Growth on Key Routes
Outlook
Managing Director Dirk Claus remains optimistic, citing strong early booking volumes for 2026 and positive market signals across both freight and passenger segments. The Port of Kiel expects continued growth, supported by infrastructure investment, sustainability initiatives, and robust demand in Baltic and Scandinavian trade lanes.
OSK Design has unveiled its next-generation RoPax concept, developed for CTN – Compagnie Tunisienne de Navigation.
The new vessel is intended to join the Tunisia Ferries fleet, reinforcing maritime links between Tunis, Barcelona, Genoa and Marseille.
Key specifications:
Designed to set a new benchmark
CTN is expected to launch a public tender for the construction of the vessel, opening an important opportunity for shipyards to contribute to the next generation of sustainable Mediterranean ferry operations.
On 16 January, Stocznia Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A., part of Remontowa Holding S.A., signed a contract with Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten Midt AS for the construction of a hybrid-powered passenger and car ferry.
Key details:
Propulsion and energy concept:
The vessel (yard number B622) is being designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company AS and is scheduled for delivery in Q2 2028.
Source: Remontowa
