Jun 20
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Finnlines Refreshes Star-Class Vessels Ahead of Summer 2025

By 2025 Newsletter week 25

Finnlines has completed a major refurbishment of its Star-class freight-passenger vessels FINNSTAR, FINNLADY, and FINNMAID, operating between Helsinki and Travemünde. The upgrades focus on passenger comfort, with newly renovated cafés, lounges, and exterior terraces offering a modern, relaxed atmosphere.

The Vista Lounge now features soft seating and sea-view sofas, while the Café & Terrace area has been updated with new furniture, sheltered teak decking, and a refreshed menu. Interiors have been redesigned with soft blues and natural wood finishes for a calm, seaside feel.

Looking ahead, Finnlines will introduce three new Hansa Superstar-class vessels on the Finland–Germany route between 2028 and 2029. The current Star-class ships will be redeployed elsewhere in the network.

Jun 20
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Brine-Based System Tackles EV Fires on RoPax Ships

By 2025 Newsletter week 25

KNUD E. HANSEN and Skansi Offshore have developed a new brine-based firefighting system, now operational aboard NORRÖNA on the world’s longest RoPax route. The low-tech, environmentally friendly solution injects cold brine directly into electric vehicles during a fire, cooling battery cells and suppressing thermal runaway from within.

The system successfully extinguished a full-scale EV fire during tests in under one hour and will be installed on two new RoRo vessels. It can be retrofitted with minimal modification.

More at knudehansen.com

(Brine is a mixture of water and a high concentration of salt)

Jun 20
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Ekeri Achieves Carbon-Neutral Trailer Transport via Wasaline

By 2025 Newsletter week 25

Trailer manufacturer Ekeri and shipping company Wasaline have completed their first fully carbon-neutral trailer transport from Vaasa, Finland to southern Sweden. The achievement combines Wasaline’s emission-free ferry service with intermodal rail transport via Umeå, offering a sustainable logistics chain from port to destination.

All Ekeri trailers shipped with Wasaline now use battery-powered freight capacity, further reducing emissions. “Intermodal transport is the future of efficient, sustainable freight,” says Tony Ehrs, Freight Director at Wasaline.

Green logistics capacity remains available.
www.wasaline.com

Jun 20
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RINA Acquires Finland-Based Foreship

By 2025 Newsletter week 25

RINA, the multinational engineering consultancy, inspection, and certification group based in Genoa (Italy), has announced the acquisition of the entire share capital of Foreship from Vaaka Partners and the company’s management team. Foreship is a Finnish company specialising in naval architecture and marine engineering.

The acquisition marks a further expansion of RINA’s global marine engineering consultancy offering and strengthens its presence in Northern Europe.

Foreship, which reported revenues of EUR 15.2 million in 2024, is headquartered in Helsinki and employs over 90 professionals across eight offices worldwide, including in the USA, UK, and Estonia. The company is best known for its high-profile work in cruise ship design, energy-efficient vessel innovations, and sustainable marine technologies. Its distinctive expertise in naval architecture offers strong synergies with RINA Consulting and creates opportunities to grow market share, particularly in complex retrofits, new fuel integrations, and digital transformation.

Photo: From left to right: Petrus Blomqvist, Partner at Vaaka; Lauri Haavisto, CEO of Foreship; Markus Aarnio, Chief Naval Architect at Foreship; Carlo Luzzatto, CEO of RINA.

Jun 20
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Saint-Malo Ferry Terminal Works Underway

By 2025 Newsletter week 25
  • Construction of the new maritime station at Saint-Malo (Terminal du Naye) started in late April.
  • Site preparation is ongoing, including network relocation and service moves.
  • Demolition work will begin shortly.
  • The current terminal remains operational throughout summer and during the full construction period.
  • A temporary car park will open in September 2025 to maintain user access.
Jun 20
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Brittany Ferries Reinstates Winter Poole–Cherbourg Service

By 2025 Newsletter week 25
  • Brittany Ferries will operate a daily passenger and freight service between Poole and Cherbourg from 14 December 2025 to 29 March 2026.
  • The route will be served by COMMODORE CLIPPER during the winter period.
  • From 29 March 2026, BARFLEUR will resume service on the route.

Key Points:

  • Confirms Brittany Ferries’ long-term commitment to the Port of Poole.
  • Supports resilient year-round UK–France maritime connectivity.
  • Aims to bolster the regional economy and maintain vital cross-Channel links.

New Rail-Ferry Freight Link:

  • Poole to become UK hub for Brittany Ferries’ new Bayonne–Cherbourg–Poole freight corridor.
  • First rail-connected trailers expected this month.

Source: Poole Harbour Commissioners

Jun 20
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Third PΕΝΕΝ Strike on Adriatic Routes Declared Illegal

By 2025 Newsletter week 25

On 18 June 2025, the Piraeus Single-Member Court of First Instance declared the latest strike by the Greek seafarers’ union PΕΝΕΝ illegal. The industrial action targeted ATTICA GROUP’s Adriatic services under the Superfast brand and follows two previous strikes that were also ruled unlawful, along with a separate strike by the Patras Labour Centre.

ATTICA GROUP, which employs Greek crews, stated it is suffering significant damage due to what it described as PΕΝΕΝ’s “systematic illegal behaviour.” The company announced it will seek civil and criminal liability against the union, its leadership, and members. Efforts are being made to assist hundreds of affected passengers.

Jun 20
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ICS Leadership Changes Confirmed

By 2025 Newsletter week 25

The ICS Board has nominated John Denholm CBE to succeed Emanuele Grimaldi as Chairman in June 2026.

  • Thomas Kazakos officially takes over from Guy Platten as Secretary General.
  • Three new Vice Chairs: Dr Gaby Bornheim (Germany), Carl-Johan Hagman (Japan), and Claes Berglund (Sweden).
  • Malta joins ICS as a Full Member.
  • Key issues discussed: GHG measures, protectionism, supply chain security, and seafarer welfare.

Read full ICS press release

Jun 20
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Philippe Louis-Dreyfus Has Passed Away

By 2025 Newsletter week 25

FSN is saddened to report the passing of Philippe Louis-Dreyfus, a prominent and influential figure in the global maritime industry. Former President of Louis Dreyfus Armateurs and past Chairman of BIMCO, he was widely respected for his leadership, vision, and lifelong commitment to shipping.

Jun 20
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New Danish Ferry Campaign Promotes Kindness On Board

By 2025 Newsletter week 25

In Denmark, a new campaign called “Tal pænt – vi er alle i samme båd” (“Speak nicely – we’re all in the same boat”) has been launched to encourage mutual respect between ferry passengers and crew. Backed by several ferry operators and unions, the initiative aims to reduce verbal abuse on board – especially during the busy summer months – by promoting kindness and better communication at sea and in terminals.