Mar 02
Love3

DFDS Secures New Six-Year Contract with Danish Defence for Military Transport

By 2025 Newsletter week 09

DFDS has secured a new six-year contract with the Danish Defence to provide up to eight freight ferries for the transport of military equipment amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

The contract, which expands the scope of the current agreement, will commence in 2026. Under its terms, the RoRo vessels will be made available to the Danish Defence at short notice when required.

The agreement has been signed with the Joint Movement and Transportation Organization (JMTO) and the ARK Project (ARK), replacing the existing contract established in 2020.

Photo: Mike Louagie

Mar 02
Love3

Red Funnel and Artemis Technologies to Launch UK’s First Zero-Emission, High-Speed Ferry

By 2025 Newsletter week 09

Red Funnel Ferries and Artemis Technologies have advanced their partnership to deliver the UK’s first zero-emission, high-speed passenger ferry. The Artemis EF-24 Passenger ferry, set to operate between Southampton and West Cowes by late 2025, will utilize electric hydrofoil technology to “fly” above the water, reducing drag and enhancing passenger comfort. This innovative vessel is projected to cut up to 3,700 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, with potential savings increasing to approximately 4,150 tonnes when powered by renewable energy sources. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards sustainable maritime transport in the region.

Source: Red Funnel

Mar 02
Love3

L’Aures, Yet Another New Ferry Company for Algeria

By 2025 Newsletter week 09

SANTA CRUZ, the former MOBY CORSE is preparing to set sail again between Algeria and the European Continent under the new company name L’Aures.

The name L’Aures likely comes from the Aurès Mountains, a mountain range in northeastern Algeria. This range is historically and culturally significant as it is home to the Chaoui Berber people and played a crucial role in Algeria’s fight for independence.

Recently, the SANTA CRUZ was spotted in Genoa sporting a new livery, as photographed by our colleagues at Shipping Italy. The new company has also launched a website, which is currently under construction, and a Facebook page to provide updates and information to prospective passengers.

Mar 02
Love3

Saronic Ferries: A New Identity for a New Era

By 2025 Newsletter week 09

Saronic Ferries is refreshing its corporate identity with new colours and a redesigned logo, inspired by the landscapes of the Saronic Islands. The update, created by G Design Studio, reflects the company’s focus on innovation and sustainability.

In 2025, Saronic Ferries will introduce its sixth car-passenger ferry and is also planning Greece’s first fully electric ship.

The company operates five modern vessels, connecting Piraeus with Aegina, Agistri, Methana, and Poros year-round. With 60 years of experience, it continues to invest in fleet and service improvements to enhance the passenger experience.

Photo: Saronic Ferries

Mar 02
Love3

Ports

By 2025 Newsletter week 09

Mega Battery Park by Lion Storage Strengthens North Sea Port’s Role as an Energy Hub

Lion Storage is set to construct one of Europe’s largest battery parks, named Mufasa, in Vlissingen within the North Sea Port area. Scheduled to be operational in the first half of 2027, this Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will feature 372 Tesla battery packs, offering a storage capacity of 1,400 MWh and a power capacity of 350 MW—sufficient to supply over 200,000 households.

The €350 million project, backed by Macquarie Capital, TINC, and six banks, aims to balance renewable energy supply and demand, reinforcing North Sea Port’s role as a sustainable energy hub. Eneco will oversee the daily operations of the facility.

Read more: North Sea Port

Mar 02
Love3

Grimaldi Group Expands Its Maritime Network to India

By 2025 Newsletter week 09

The Grimaldi Group is further strengthening its global presence by extending its maritime network to India. Starting this month, the company will introduce a regular service with two monthly departures from Europe to the Indian subcontinent, reinforcing its footprint in the Asian market.

The new route includes strategic port calls in Northern Europe and the Iberian Peninsula, following this itinerary: Southampton – Antwerp – Bremerhaven – Setubal/Vigo – Mumbai. After reaching India, the vessels will continue their journey to the Far East, calling at ports in Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and China. Additionally, a monthly connection will be established between India and major ports in the Persian Gulf, including Oman, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

Source: Grimaldi Group

Mar 02
Love3

Bornholmslinjen and Rønne Havn to Conduct New Ferry Simulations

By 2025 Newsletter week 09

Bornholmslinjen and Rønne Havn will jointly carry out ferry simulations to test approach and departure conditions under previously untested weather scenarios.

The decision follows a meeting last Friday between Bornholmslinjen, Rønne Havn, and the Danish Ministry of Social Security and Emergency Preparedness (Safe Waters office) to address reports of incidents at the redeveloped port. All parties were satisfied with the discussions and the focus on operational safety.

“These incidents have been addressed, and we’re now ensuring safe navigation during construction. Previous simulations didn’t include current vessels or all weather conditions, so this initiative is essential,” said Molslinjen CEO Kristian Durhuus.

Rønne Havn’s COO, Thomas Bay Jensen, welcomed the cooperation, highlighting the constructive dialogue and authorities’ recognition of their coordination efforts.

Source: ViaRitzau

Mar 02
Love3

People

By 2025 Newsletter week 09

Benoît Rochet Appointed CEO of Haropa Port

It’s now official: Benoît Rochet has been appointed CEO of Haropa Port, the Grand Fluvio-Maritime Port of the Seine Valley. His appointment decree has been signed and published in the Journal Officiel, and he will assume his role by the end of the week.

Previously CEO of SEPD, the company managing the ports of Boulogne-Calais, Rochet succeeds Stéphane Raison at the helm of this key player in maritime and inland trade. His tenure begins at a crucial time for Haropa Port, as it navigates major challenges in development and modernisation, reinforcing its strategic role in France and Europe’s transport and logistics sector.