Jan 10
2

GNV Rumoured to Launch New RoPax Line Between France and Algeria

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MSC-controlled ferry operator GNV has not commented on market rumours, but multiple sources suggest the company is preparing to inaugurate a new RoPax line connecting the port of Sète in southern France with Algeria.

The French publication Le Marin reported this week that GNV recently secured the necessary authorisations in France. However, this development has sparked concerns among labour unions about increased competition, which could impact existing operators such as Algérie Ferries and Corsica Linea.

Jan 10
2

Fanølinjen Back on Track

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In both 2022 and 2023, the number of cars transported by Fanølinjen decreased, but that pattern now appears to have been broken. This is largely the result of good cooperation with Fanø municipality throughout 2024. Also passengers and freight numbers have increased.

  • +12% cars (from 410,656 in the year 2023 to 460,450 in last year)
  • +2.4% pax (from 1,868,784 to 1,914,308)
  • +5% truck (from 8,796 to 9,240)

Fanølinjen, part of Molslinjen, is a Danish ferry line between Esbjerg and the island of Fanø.

Jan 10
2

More Freight for Langelandslinjen Ferries because of Fixed Link Construction

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For freight, 2024 was a record year for Langelandslinjen. Many of the trucks were carrying materials for the construction of the Fehmarnbelt connection.

+12% trucks (from 28,716 to 33,795)

-1% pax (from 536,803 to 531,511)

-1% cars (from 218,505 to 216,009)

Langelandslinjen, part of Molslinjen, is a ferry line between Spodsbjerg and Tårs (Denmark).

The distance to Rødby from Tårs is 42km.

Jan 10
3

Bornholmlinjen Passes the Two Million Pax Mark

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For the first time Bornholm Line’s ferries had more than two million travellers to and from the Danish Island: 2,005,564 passengers took the return trip on one of the three routes to Bornholm in 2024.

Throughout 2025, EXPRESS 5 will sail side by side with EXPRESS 1. The latter will be rebuilt to be more identical to EXPRESS 5 (with a larger shop).

Bornholmlinjen, part of Molslinjen, connects the Danish Island of Bornholm with Ystad (Sw), Köge (Dk) and Sassnitz (Ge).

Jan 10
2

Enhancing Connectivity: Gasay Ferry Terminal and Mallaig-Lochboisdale Vessel Development Projects

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CMAL published updates on two major projects as part of their public engagement efforts:

Gasay Ferry Terminal Development: This includes updates on the design and development of ferry terminal options for Gasay, with a focus on providing a robust business case for Transport Scotland’s approval. The project evaluates different terminal options (e.g., “Do Nothing,” “Do Minimum,” and “Do Something”) and includes economic assessments, wave modelling, and dynamic mooring analyses.

Mallaig – Lochboisdale New Vessel (MLNV) Project: This involves designing a replacement for the ageing ferry LORD OF THE ISLES. The new vessel aims to incorporate community feedback, improve accessibility, and adopt greener technologies, such as diesel-electric hybrid propulsion. The project also discusses associated shore power infrastructure and port studies.

Both projects emphasise public and stakeholder engagement, economic evaluation, and alignment with Transport Scotland’s investment objectives.

The document (PDF) can be read and downloaded here: https://www.cmassets.co.uk/presentation-materials-mallaig-lochboisdale-new-vessel/

Jan 10
2

Ardrossan Harbour Project Stalls as GLEN SANNOX Launches from Troon

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Kevin Hobbs, CMAL’s chief executive, told MSPs that funding talks with Ardrossan Harbour’s private owner remain “in the middle of nowhere.”

Ferry GLEN SANNOX, launching next week, will operate temporarily from Troon with three daily return crossings due to longer journey times. Ardrossan will see no CalMac sailings until the CALEDONIAN ISLES returns from repairs in March.

Approved in 2018, the Ardrossan Harbour Project was paused in 2023 over rising costs. Existing facilities are unsuitable for safely berthing larger vessels, delaying progress further.

Source: BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3wegzddy3xo

Jan 10
2

Port of Valencia Implements its Own 5G Connection Network

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  • This 5G network project is emerging as a key tool for the Port of Valencia to advance in its digital transformation.
  • The infrastructure will make it possible to work without cables or ties to external operators, with more than 25,000 connected devices: phones, vehicles, surveillance cameras, environmental sensors, security services and drones, among others.
  • The initiative has a budget of nearly six million euros, co-financed by the Connecting Europe Facility of the European Executive Agency for Climate, Infrastructure and Environment.
  • Will operate independently of the criteria of a mobile operator.
Jan 10
1

IMAGE CARDS

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Fred Olsen Express’ newest ship, BARLOVENTO EXPRESS, began operations on Sunday, 29 December 2024, connecting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria with Morro Jable in Fuerteventura. This high-speed ferry, which has a capacity of 866 passengers, 271 vehicles, and dedicated spaces for pets, brings the fleet total to 13 vessels.

Photo: Fred. Olsen EXpress

Tallink Silja Oy has signed a contract with Slaapschepen Public BV, an organisation nominated by Centraal Orgaan opvang asielzoekers (COA), to continue chartering the company’s vessel SILJA EUROPA to the Netherlands for six months starting from 1 January 2025 (with an option to extend the contract for an additional 7 + 6 + 6 months).

SILJA EUROPA has been chartered to the Netherlands since August 2022 to provide temporary accommodation for asylum seekers.

Photo: Tallink Silja – Marko Stampehl

ANEK Lines’ pair of ferries, KRITI I (ex-New Suzuran, 1979) and KRITI II (ex-New Yukari, 1979), have been laid up in Elefsis Bay as of October 7, 2024, and November 2, 2024, respectively. This marks the probable conclusion of their remarkable service careers within the Greek ferry scene.

After 28 years of distinguished service in Hellenic coastal shipping, reports suggest that the two ships may soon be sold for scrap.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

After 12 years of lay-up in Elefsis Bay, PENELOPE A (ex-HORSA, 1972) of Agoudimos Lines has been sold for scrap. This legendary former Sealink vessel was purchased in February 1992 and deployed on the Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos route in the summer of that same year.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

FRS expands its presence on the Rhine by taking over the historic Loreley Ferry Line, a connection with over 500 years of history between Sankt Goar and Sankt Goarshausen. This marks the second acquisition in the region within a short period, further solidifying FRS’s commitment to the Rhine and the Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage area.

LEONINE, the second of two G9 RoRo vessels for CLdN, has been launched at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard. The 234-metre ship boasts advanced engines, 6 MW shaft generators, and future-proof flexibility, cutting CO2 emissions by 40% compared to CELINE and DELPHINE while maintaining the same cargo capacity.

Photo: CLdN

The conversion of RoRo CABO STAR (ex EUROCARGO SAVONA) into a RoPax is well underway at Astilleros de Santander, a first collaboration with Baja Ferries.

The project involves constructing a new accommodation block, accommodating up to 399 passengers in double cabins and seats. Prefabricated steel blocks are being lifted onboard, paving the way for interior retrofitting, including saloons and common areas.

Photo: Astilleros de Santander

Gondan Shipyards launched its 500th newbuild. It is a ferry, with a capacity of 540 passengers, and the eighth in the series built for TTSL – Transtejo Soflusa.

Photo Astilleros Gondan

La Méridionale found a buyer for PELAGOS, in Egypt. The vessel will leave the fleet in spring.

Buyers unknown.

Photo: Jean-Pierre Fabre

Dec 20
2

Port of Holyhead Closed until Mid-January after Storm Darragh Damage

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The Port of Holyhead has suffered significant damage during Storm Darragh (6 and 7 December) after two separate berthing incidents.

Originally set to reopen on 20 December, Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 will now remain closed until 15 January 2025 at the earliest, prioritising safety. Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have announced significant contingency measures to mitigate disruption in this very busy period:

Stena Line:

  • Chartered BEN MY CHREE (Isle of Man Steam Packet) to operate a Dublin–Heysham freight route (from 17 Dec), adding 850 lane metres of freight capacity.
  • Additional Dublin–Birkenhead sailings on STENA ESTRID for car passengers with existing bookings.
  • Stena Line has also deployed STENA ADVENTURER to operate between Dublin and Fishguard.
  • Introduced a 12-hour rule for trailers and unaccompanied vehicles, limiting acceptance to 12 hours before departure for confirmed bookings only.

Irish Ferries:

  • Increased capacity on Rosslare–Pembroke with the redeployment of JAMES JOYCE.
  • ISLE OF INNISFREE on Dublin-Fishguard.
  • Added sailings on the Dublin–Cherbourg corridor, with ULYSSES successfully undertaking its first crossing to France, boosting freight capacity.

CLdN:

  • Implemented a similar 12-hour rule at key terminals including Dublin T4, Liverpool, and Heysham.

As one of the key gateways between the UK and Ireland, Holyhead plays a critical role for freight and passenger transport. Stena Line and Irish Ferries move two million passengers per year and some 1,200 freight units per day.

Photo: Philphos – Commons Wikimedia

Freighlink published a comprehensive overview of the changes on Linkedin. Click on the photo below to access the post.

Dec 20
2

MSC Enters Direct Competition with DFDS and Grimaldi on Türkiye –Trieste Link

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MSC has officially entered the Türkiye –Trieste maritime link market, directly competing with Grimaldi and DFDS.

  • Route: every Saturday: Gebze, Türkiye → Trieste, Italy
  • Transit Time: 4 days to Trieste; 9 days for the return journey to Türkiye
  • Target Cargo: Industrial goods, commercial freight, and automotive cargo
  • 45ft HCPW containers

In a recent statement, the Geneva-based global carrier announced the introduction of 45ft HCPW (high-cube palletwide) containers on its short sea route connecting the Gebze region in Türkiye to Trieste in Northern Italy.

“This door-to-door transportation solution offers customers a very competitively priced option for larger shipments. This strategically designed service addresses the growing demand for reliable and efficient freight solutions while facilitating the shift from traditional trucks and RoRo vessels to larger-capacity containerised transport,” MSC stated.

Departing weekly from Gebze every Saturday, the service ensures a transit time of just four days to Trieste. Customers benefit from enhanced capacity, competitive pricing, and the convenience of working with a global logistics operator. This solution is further supported by MSC’s own inland transportation provider, MEDLOG, in both Türkiye and Italy.