May 7, 2020
On April 30, 2020, Saos Ferries STAVROS was introduced on the Rhodes – Symi – Halki – Tilos – Nisyros – Kos line, plus 3 trips a week on the Rhodes – Kastelorizo run. The small vessel served for many years the Alexandroupolis – Samothraki run. However, in August 2019 she and her smaller running mate SAONISSOS halted service unexpectedly, due to serious engine failures- causing a serious problem on the Samothraki line in the middle of the summer season. The ship was eventually repaired, renamed and started hopefully a new career at another part of Greece.
- Stena Line’s new STENA ESTRID is being taken off the Holyhead to Dublin route for repairs after suffering engine problems. On May, 3 she arrived at the layover berth at Loch Ryan Port where she will undergo maintenance for up to 6 weeks. Relief vessel STENA NORDICA picked up the schedule.
- On the ferry between Kalundborg and Ballen (DK), Samsølinjen has reduced the number of passengers by half. This is done in order to create the necessary distance between the passengers. In a campaign, the ferry operator asks local passengers to book a seat in advance, instead of the usual showing up.
- P&O Ferries have sent their ferries PRIDE OF BURGUNDY and PRIDE OF CANTERBURY for lay-up in the port of Leith, Edinburgh.
- Consultant firm PwC has been called in to advise on UK taxpayer support of P&O Ferries.
- Former Brittany Ferries BAIE DE SEINE has been returned to DFDS and sails as SIRENA SEAWAYS on Klaipeda – Karlshamn.
- On April 30, 2020 Ventouris Ferries’ RIGEL VII was finally introduced on the Bari – Durres line. The new flagship of the Cypriot based ferry operator has first completed successfully her sea trials -on the Saronic Gulf- and then sailed to Albania (Durres). She was purchased from Japan in December 2018.