The Australian-built HSC THUNDER is changing her livery at Spanopoulos Shipyards following her recent sale to Attica Group. The ship was sold by Fast Ferries for EUR 17.75 million on 25 September 2024 and renamed HIGHSPEED 3. She is expected to enhance Attica Group’s presence in Crete. Her capacity is for 1,068 passengers and 210 cars, and she can operate at 36 knots.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
After the recent sales of the ferries MOBY ALE and MOBY VINCENT (55 and 50 years old respectively), another ferry is expected to soon leave the Onorato-controlled fleet. Sources familiar with the matter revealed to FSN that the 1974-built MOBY BABY TWO has just been sold (an MoA was signed) to an undisclosed buyer, and it’s likely to be scrapped after the delivery scheduled for November.
Built by Schichau Seebeckwerft AG shipyard in Bremerhaven half a century ago, MOBY BABY TWO has been part of the Italian ferry company’s fleet since 2000 and was recently deployed on the Piombino-Portoferraio regular link.
Photo MOBY BABY 2: Moby Lines
MOBY ALE and MOBY VINCENT have already reached a dismantling yard in Aliaga, Turkey.
Photo: Saviero Casamento
Not ferry related (yet), but DP World has acquired 47,000 TEUs, marking a major boost in its cargo capacity. The containers, branded and registered to DP World, will enhance availability and flexibility for customers, particularly during peak periods. This acquisition supports the company’s fleet renewal strategy, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.
The new containers will integrate into DP World’s global logistics network across 78 countries and be transported using fuel-efficient methods, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals. This move strengthens DP World’s ability to provide reliable, resilient supply chain solutions.
DFDS is set to launch its previously announced freight service between Damietta, Egypt, and Trieste, Italy. This weekly service will operate with one of the smaller RoRo vessels, such as the OLYMPOS SEAWAYS, which has a capacity of 200 trailers and 3,214 lane metres.
Northbound shipments will primarily consist of perishables, while the southbound route will accommodate a variety of cargo. There is no direct competition from other ferry services, and although container lines operate in the region, their slower speeds make them less competitive.
The service is expected to commence before the end of the year.
CORSICA linea has made a major stride towards maritime decarbonisation by partnering with Spinergie to deploy AI-powered solutions. Since April 2024, the Voyage Optimiser has been assisting captains in making real-time decisions to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This effort is part of a larger strategy to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, backed by a €500 million investment plan.
A crucial aspect of this collaboration is the development of a real-time fleet centre, allowing CORSICA linea to continuously monitor ship performance. This system provides a comprehensive view of fleet energy efficiency, enhancing both operational and environmental outcomes.
By achieving a 4% reduction in fuel consumption per crossing and saving 10,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, CORSICA linea says it is on course to become the most modern and environmentally responsible maritime company in the Mediterranean.
The slogan comes from NCE Maritime CleanTech on Linkedin. What is it about?
The Norwegian government has postponed its plan to implement zero-emission requirements for fast ferries, a decision originally aimed at reducing emissions from these vessels by 2025. This has sparked criticism, with some calling it a “scandal” and “failure,” as the technology is already available. Critics argue the government should accelerate its green transition policies. Officials, however, cite technical and financial challenges, saying immediate implementation would incur high costs. The government’s climate goals are now under scrutiny, with a projected emissions cut of only 26.3% by 2030, far below the target of 55%.
An interesting editorial from Thibaud Teillard in French publication “Le Marin” (Linkedin) discusses the evolving dynamics within the Corsican ferry service sector, with a focus on potential changes involving key players like CMA CGM, La Méridionale, Corsica Linea, and Corsica Ferries.
Here are the key points from the article:
The article explores the potential shift in the Corsican ferry service landscape, with CMA CGM aiming for a stronger foothold through a possible acquisition of Corsica Ferries
On Friday, 11 October, Fjord1 reached a significant milestone as the construction of the autonomous ferries for the Lavik-Oppedal route kicked off with the steel cutting for the first vessel at the Tersan Shipyard. These ferries will be the first in the world to operate entirely independently, without human intervention.
The ferries’ autonomy will handle everything from departure, crossing the fjord, and docking, to fully automated on- and off-boarding operations. All activity will be closely monitored from Fjord1’s new control centre in Florø, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
All ferries are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2026.
Ferry – freight:
Ferry – passenger:
Source: Norled
