- Spain’s Ministry of Transport has extended Armas Trasmediterránea’s public service contract on the Cádiz–Canary Islands route until 30 June 2026.
- The route connects Cádiz with Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.
- Main vessel: CIUDAD DE VALENCIA (605 pax, 240 vehicles, 2,564 lane metres), supported by VOLCÁN DE TINAMAR.
- Corporate Commercial Director Óscar Martínez calls the extension “an important step” for island-mainland connectivity and trade—especially for exports like bananas.
- The service is part of the operator’s plan to consolidate its Peninsula–Canary Islands operations in Cádiz and improve efficiency and competitiveness.
- Spain’s Ministry of Transport has extended Armas Trasmediterránea’s public service contract on the Cádiz–Canary Islands route until 30 June 2026.
- The route connects Cádiz with Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma.
- Main vessel: CIUDAD DE VALENCIA (605 pax, 240 vehicles, 2,564 lane metres), supported by VOLCÁN DE TINAMAR.
- Corporate Commercial Director Óscar Martínez calls the extension “an important step” for island-mainland connectivity and trade—especially for exports like bananas.
- The service is part of the operator’s plan to consolidate its Peninsula–Canary Islands operations in Cádiz and improve efficiency and competitiveness.
This week, Baleària presented at Tanger City Port the project for the first green corridor between Spain and the Kingdom of Morocco, which will be operated by two 100% electric, zero-emission fast ferries, built in Spain and which will be operational from 2027.
Ships will be built in Spain by Armon, each powered by 16 MW electric propulsion (4× propellers, 11,500 kWh batteries), enabling the 18‑mile crossing emission‑free.
Associated ports in Tarifa and Tánger will be electrified with OPS charging systems (~5–8 MW), recharging vessels in about 40 minutes.
- Stena Line will invest up to £20 million to upgrade Fishguard port with a new linkspan.
- Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion targeted for 2027.
- The new drawbridge will improve vessel access and operational efficiency.
- Stena says the project signals its long-term commitment to the port for the next 30–40 years.
- The Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships entered into force on 26 June 2025.
- It sets global standards for ship recycling to protect human health and the environment.
- Applies to ships ≥500 GT on international voyages and to authorised recycling facilities.
- Requirements include:
- Certified Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM)
- Ship-specific recycling plans
- Authorised and audited recycling yards
- Ratified by key countries including Bangladesh, India, Türkiye, and EU member states.
- The convention aims to raise safety and environmental standards across the global ship recycling sector.
Source: IMO.org
- Elise Caspersen of ZERO warns that Nordland still operates many outdated ferries.
- New contracts are often awarded without emission or vessel age requirements, raising concerns over safety and sustainability.
- ZERO argues that ferry renewal is not just about emissions:
Reliability boosts coastal economic development.
- New vessels improve conditions for crew, aiding recruitment.
- Safe ferries are critical for coastal emergency preparedness.
- The proposed solution:
- Long-term contracts to support investment.
- Early dialogue between counties and suppliers.
- Support schemes to offset the higher cost of zero-emission technology.
- A clear political will for fleet renewal.
(*) ZERO (Miljøstiftelsen ZERO) is a Norwegian environmental foundation focused on cutting greenhouse gas emissions through zero-emission solutions.
ZERO Stands for Zero Emission Resource Organisation
Photo Knut Neerland/ZERO and Source
Rauma Marine Constructions has delivered the second Spirit of Tasmania ferry, marking the completion of one of the largest export projects between Finland and Australia. The vessel, designed for the demanding Bass Strait, offers significantly increased capacity and replaces a 1990s-built predecessor. RMC now shifts its focus toward producing electric ships.
Photo and Source: Rauma Marine Constructions
Stena RoRo has taken delivery of STENA FORETELLER from CMI Weihai Shipyard in China. The vessel is now en route to Europe, where it will replace STENA FORERUNNER, set to undergo a similar transformation.
This spring, Stena RoRo led the extensive conversion of STENA FORETELLER. Operated by Stena Line, the vessel will join the Europort (Rotterdam) – Immingham route in mid-July.
A key upgrade? The addition of a fourth cargo deck, boosting capacity by 30% and increasing lane metres from 3,000 to 4,000. This means significantly improved efficiency and reduced emissions per unit load.
- Echandia has delivered a 3.1 MWh LTO battery system to Molslinjen’s new electric ferry NERTHUS.
- The vessel arrived in Kalundborg this week after a three-week voyage from Cemre Shipyard in Turkey.
- NERTHUS started operations on 16 June between Ballen (Samsø) and Kalundborg.
- It is the first of two electric ferries commissioned by MOLSLINJEN.
Key Features of the Battery System:
- Lithium-titanate oxide (LTO) chemistry
- Service life >12 years
- High charge capability and long lifespan
- Lower operational risk and higher cost-efficiency
NERTHUS strengthens capacity on the busy summer route and supports regional decarbonisation.
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.
