Untitled | Page 8 | Ferry Shipping News

Oct 31

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MSC to Sell Back Its 49% in Moby After Action by Italy’s Antitrust Authority

By sandra | 2025 Newsletter week 44 | No Comments

Gianluigi Aponte’s Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has been forced to divest its 49% stake in Moby, the ferry company owned by the Onorato family operating between Italy and the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily.

Italy’s Antitrust Authority announced on 24 October [in Italian] that it has accepted and made binding the commitments offered by MSC’s Shipping Agencies Services (SAS), Moby, and Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), setting the terms of the divestment.

Under the settlement with the Competition Authority, SAS — a sub-holding of MSC — will transfer its 49% shareholding in Moby, free of charge, to Onorato Armatori, and will relinquish its pledge on the remaining 51%. The companies have also agreed to provide compensation to consumers who purchased tickets on Moby ferries.

It is also a setback for Moby, which has been ordered to repay the loan granted by Aponte’s group. The company announced a financial restructuring plan that includes the sale of assets. The proceeds will be used to repay the loan, while maintaining operations through charter-back agreements on some of the sold assets. If the proceeds are insufficient to cover the debt, the remaining amount will be transferred to independent third parties on terms safeguarding Moby’s financial stability.

The divestment is considered a win for the Grimaldi Group, which had challenged MSC’s investment in Moby on competition grounds.

Oct 31

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Gotlandsbolaget One of the Investors Behind Brommaflyg

By sandra | 2025 Newsletter week 44 | No Comments

Gotlandsbolaget is among the investors behind the newly launched Brommaflyg, created to secure long-term air connections between Gotland and the Swedish mainland.

The airline resumes the Visby–Bromma route, historically vital in linking the island to Stockholm and the rest of Sweden.

The initiative complements ferry traffic and strengthens Gotland’s accessibility for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Gotlandsbolaget’s CEO Björn Nilsson said: “We are proud to contribute to securing an important part of Gotland’s transport infrastructure. The flight offer complements the ferry traffic and strengthens Gotland’s attractiveness.”

Gotlandsbolaget and Destination Gotland will continue to focus on ferry operations but view the investment as a natural extension of their long-term commitment to Gotland’s development.

Brommaflyg was founded by entrepreneur Henrik Svensson (SwedProd Graphics) together with Gotlandsbolaget, Johan Gate and Patrik Rees (Tofta Intressenter AB), ICA retailer Paul “Dino” Larsson, and entrepreneurs Kent Hansson and Sakarias Ronquist.

The first flight took off on 26 October 2025, with 46 departures planned per week.

Oct 31

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Spirit of Tasmania V Begins Voyage Home to Australia

By sandra | 2025 Newsletter week 44 | No Comments

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V, the second new RoPax built by Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), has departed Finland for her home port of Devonport, Tasmania.

The ship and her crew started their voyage today via Europe, marking the symbolic conclusion of the largest-ever export contract between Finland and Australia.
Both newbuilds — SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV and SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V — were officially delivered to TT-Line Company Pty Ltd in June.
Captain Bob Moss, also in command of the earlier delivery voyage of SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV, praised the “powerful and manoeuvrable” design of the new vessels.
The ferries will operate between Geelong and Devonport across the Bass Strait, replacing their 1990s-built predecessors. They offer higher capacity for passengers, vehicles, and freight.
The project created over 3,500 direct person-years of employment.
RMC CEO Mika Nieminen highlighted the company’s expertise in demanding navigation conditions and noted ongoing projects, including the Finnish Navy’s Squadron 2020 corvettes and preparations for U.S. icebreaker deliveries.
RMC continues to explore future opportunities in icebreaking and electrification of RoPax vessels, both for newbuilds and modernisation projects.

Photo Elmeri Elo / Rauma Marine Constructions

Oct 31

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ABP Invests in Port of Troon to Support Reliable Lifeline Ferry Service to the Isle of Arran

By sandra | 2025 Newsletter week 44 | No Comments

Associated British Ports (ABP), has completed a £200,000 upgrade to the East Pier Linkspan at the Port of Troon, ensuring continued support for a reliable lifeline ferry service to the Isle of Arran (Scotland).

Press release

Photo: Airborne Lens

Oct 31

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Aviation and Shipping Sectors Call for Ambitious EU Investment Plan

By sandra | 2025 Newsletter week 44 | No Comments

Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) have jointly called on the European Commission to ensure bold action in the upcoming Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP).
The organisations urge the EU and national governments to:
- Reinvest ETS revenues into the decarbonisation of shipping and aviation.
- Boost European clean fuel production and close the price gap.
- Grant priority access to clean fuels for both sectors.
- Simplify access to the EU Innovation Fund.
They stress that aviation and shipping are hard-to-abate sectors crucial to Europe’s competitiveness, energy security, and independence.
Accelerating the availability and affordability of clean fuels is seen as essential to maintaining Europe’s global leadership.

Oct 31

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Interferry Announces New Board Members and Chairman

By sandra | 2025 Newsletter week 44 | No Comments

Interferry has appointed six new directors to its Board, reflecting the association’s growing global reach. The appointments were approved at the AGM in Sorrento on 6 October.
Götz Becker (FRS) has been appointed Chairman of the Board, while Supapan Pichaironarongsongkram (Chao Phraya Express Boat Co., Ltd.) becomes President for the coming year, succeeding Guido Grimaldi.
New directors (four-year terms):
- Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, Lagos State Waterways Authority – Interferry’s first African Director
- Guido Grimaldi, Grimaldi Group / ALIS
- Morgan Mooney, San Juan Clipper & Fire Island Marine Services
- Mary Ann Pastrana, Archipelago Philippine Ferries
- Katy Taylor, Wightlink (UK)
- Mark Wilson, Bay Ferries / Northumberland Ferries
Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan praised the expanded diversity and expertise on the Board, noting it strengthens the organisation ahead of its 50th Anniversary Conference in Bangkok in 2026.
Outgoing directors Chet Pastrana, Emanuele Grimaldi, and Tim Mooney were thanked for their dedicated service.

Oct 24

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Eckerö Line Reports Growth and Takes Step Towards Electrification

By sandra | 2025 Newsletter week 43 | No Comments

Eckerö Line saw both passenger and freight traffic grow on the Helsinki–Tallinn route during the first nine months of 2025. Passenger numbers increased by over 3%, totalling more than 1.6 million travellers, while the company’s freight market share rose to 46% (up from 38% in 2024).

Around 60% of Eckerö Line’s freight now moves between Vuosaari (Helsinki) and Muuga (Estonia), bypassing city-centre congestion.

The company will take a major step toward electrified operations when RoPax FINLANDIA is fitted with a battery system in January 2026, making it the first hybrid ferry on the Gulf of Finland. The system will reduce annual fuel use by 500–600 tonnes (around 3%) and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

CEO Taru Keronen said the installation marks “the beginning of our journey toward fully electric, sustainable shipping.”

Eckerö Line will also upgrade onboard facilities on FINLANDIA and FINBO CARGO to enhance comfort and customer experience.

Parent company Rederi Ab Eckerö reported €181.1 million in revenue (+5%) and €21.6 million operating profit (+6%) for January–September 2025. The group expanded its network by acquiring the Fjärdvägen route between Naantali and Långnäs, introducing M/S SAILOR under the new Eckerö Link brand to improve capacity and energy efficiency.

Source in Finnish here

Oct 24

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Tallink: Strong Q3, Challenges Reflected in First Nine Months

By sandra | 2025 Newsletter week 43 | No Comments

AS Tallink Grupp reported a net profit of €40.8 million for Q3 2025, driven by a strong summer season and revenue of €233.1 million. Passenger numbers rose 3% year-on-year to 1.77 million.

However, the first nine months reflect economic headwinds, vessel lay-ups, and maintenance periods. Revenue reached €577.3 million (–4.2%), while net profit dropped to €5.1 million (from €45.5 million). EBITDA was €102.5 million, down €47 million. Loan and interest payments totalled €96.2 million.

“The summer brought solid growth in passenger numbers and profitability,” said CEO Paavo Nõgene. “But full-year results still show the impact of the economic climate and geopolitical tensions.”

Maintenance work on BALTIC PRINCESS and SILJA SERENADE reduced volumes on Finland–Sweden routes, and up to four idle vessels also weighed on results. These ships have since been sold or redeployed.

Click on photo to access the Q3 report

Oct 24

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Viking Line: Stronger Q3

By sandra | 2025 Newsletter week 43 | No Comments

Viking Line Abp reported a solid third quarter for 2025, with sales of €152.5 million (€151.5 million in Q3 2024) and operating income of €28.7 million (€29.4 million). Income after taxes rose to €29.3 million, up from €24.9 million.

For January–September 2025, sales reached €368.3 million (€370.6 million), and operating income stood at €17.5 million (€25.2 million). Net profit after taxes was €12.0 million (€12.4 million). Investments totalled €15.4 million, mainly in GABRIELLA and VIKING XPRS.

President and CEO Jan Hanses said the third quarter was “stronger than last year,” noting that better late-summer weather supported travel and onboard sales. “Our expectation of improvement was met, albeit modestly,” he added.

The accumulated result was affected by dockings of GABRIELLA and VIKING XPRS, but Hanses expects a full-year result in line with 2024. He also cited challenges from higher fairway dues, ETS charges, and a strained economic climate reducing consumer spending.

Hanses highlighted continued record-high customer satisfaction and thanked staff, customers, and partners for their commitment. After nearly four decades at the company, he will step down as CEO on 3 November, handing over to Marcus Risberg, and will continue as a board member.

The Board expects pre-tax profits for 2025 to be on par with 2024, in line with earlier forecasts.

Click on Viking Line Investors for the full report

Oct 24

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