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Tag: 2024 | Ferry Shipping News

May 17
3

FACTS, FIGURES AND MORE

By | 2025 Newsletter week 20 | No Comments

Scandlines Sharpened its Competitiveness in 2024

 Revenue: EUR 465 million, stable compared to previous year (466 million)

  • EBITDA: 181 million (↗ from 179 million)
  • EBIT: 149 million (↗ from 145 million)
  • Profit before tax: EUR 125 million (↗ or 122 million in 2023)
  • Investments: EUR 42 million, including major progress towards our zero direct emissions ambition
  • Revenue BorderShops ↘ (EUR 88 million against EUR 97 million) as currency developments reduced the incentive for Swedish customers to make use of the group’s shopping travel offering.
  • Sustainability: Construction of a zero direct emissions freight ferry is on track for commissioning in 2025; preparations for the conversion of two ferries to plug-in hybrid operations have advanced.
  • 4 million pax
  • 6 million cars
  • 693k trucks

Outlook

  • Continued focus on strengthening ferry operations, port infrastructure, and BorderShops in Puttgarden and Rostock.
  • Efficiency improvements, including automation and targeted commercial efforts, to enhance capacity utilisation and competitiveness.
  • Anticipated growth in leisure traffic and a return to freight volume increases from 2025 onwards.
  • Ongoing investments in green technology, highlighted by the upcoming deployment of a zero direct emission freight ferry.
  • Stable financial outlook supported by operational efficiency, with a long-term commitment to fair competition post-Fehmarn Belt fixed link.
Apr 11
3

2024: A Strong Year for Color Group

By | 2025 Newsletter week 15 | No Comments

Color Group – the parent company of Color Line – delivered results in 2024 on par with its record-breaking 2023, despite ongoing inflation and geopolitical uncertainty.

Highlights from 2024:

  • EBITDA reached NOK 1.4 billion, only marginally lower than in 2023
  • Operating profit (EBIT) came in at NOK 808 million, compared to NOK 819 million in 2023
  • Carried 3.7 million passengers and 160,000 freight units
  • Nearly 4,700 sailings across four international routes and five ships
  • Maintained robust performance despite weaker Norwegian currency and softer freight markets

 “We delivered results in line with 2023 – the best year in the company’s history. This proves the strength of our product portfolio and our ability to adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics,” says CEO Trond Kleivdal.

Accelerating the Green Transition:

2024 marked the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS)

Color Line is actively preparing for future requirements:

  • Route optimisation and energy efficiency initiatives
  • Increased use of biofuel and silicone-based hull coatings
  • Deployment of digital support systems for optimised sailing
  • Continued exploration of zero-emission fuels and hybrid technology
  • For the first time, Color Line reports according to the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – a key step towards transparency and alignment with 2030 and 2050 climate targets.

Strong Financial Position:

Net interest-bearing debt (excl. hybrid bond): NOK 3.6 billion, down from NOK 3.75 billion

Available liquidity at year-end: NOK 1.7 billion

Outlook

Looking ahead to 2025: Despite an intensive docking programme to meet new environmental standards, Color Line expects another solid year of operations in 2025.

https://live.euronext.com/en/products/equities/company-news/2025-04-08-color-group-annual-report-2024

Mar 21
3

Gotlandsbolaget: A Year of Growth and Strategic Expansion in 2024

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

Gotlandsbolaget has reported strong results for 2024, marking a year of strategic expansion and financial stability. Total revenue reached SEK 2.62 billion, up from SEK 2.37 billion in 2023, reflecting the company’s continued growth. The adjusted operating profit increased to SEK 218 million, driven by a solid performance in Gotland traffic.

A major milestone was the acquisition of the Oslo-Copenhagen route from DFDS, which expanded Gotlandsbolaget’s footprint in the passenger shipping sector. The transition included the integration of around 800 employees and the addition of the cruise ferries NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN (ex PEARL SEAWAYS and CROWN SEAWAYS). The rebranding of the route to Go Nordic Cruiseline is set for 2025.

Sustainability remains at the core of Gotlandsbolaget’s strategy. In 2024, the company announced an investment in a biogas plant, securing volumes of fossil-free fuel for the Gotland traffic. Additionally, Gotlandsbolaget ordered the Gotland Horizon X, a next-generation high-speed catamaran designed for future carbon-neutral operations.

While the transition of the Oslo-Copenhagen route incurred start-up costs, the company remains financially solid, with an equity ratio of 82%. Investments in fleet modernisation and environmental sustainability will position Gotlandsbolaget for continued success in the coming years.

Source: Gotlandsbolaget

Mar 16
3

Attica Group Reports Strong 2024 Results Following ANEK Integration

By | 2025 Newsletter week 11 | No Comments

Attica Group has successfully completed its first full year following the merger with ANEK, marking a transformative period that has positioned the company among the world’s largest passenger and freight ferry operators. The results for 2024 highlight substantial revenue growth, continued investment in fleet renewal and digital transformation, as well as a strategic expansion into complementary sectors.

Financial Highlights

  • Revenue Surge: Attica Group recorded a 27% increase in revenue, reaching €747.8 million (compared to €588.3 million in 2023), driven primarily by the integration of ANEK.
  • EBITDA Performance: EBITDA stood at €96.3 million, or €101.5 million including fuel hedging impact (€126.4 million in 2023).
  • Net Profit: Despite strong financial performance, net profits amounted to €17.5 million, significantly impacted by one-off merger-related costs (€28.2 million) associated with the ANEK integration.
  • Major Investments: A total of €162 million was allocated for fleet expansion, digitalisation, and sustainability initiatives.

Fleet and Operational Expansion

Following the merger, Attica Group now operates a fleet of 42 vessels under the Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and ANEK Lines brands. This includes:

  • 27 conventional RoPax vessels
  • 13 high-speed ferries
  • 2 RoRo freight vessels

Key transactions in 2024 include:

  • Acquisition of new E-Flexer vessels, under long-term charter with an option to purchase.
  • Purchase of Highspeed 3 (formerly THUNDER), KISSAMOS, and KYDON, expanding the high-speed and RoPax fleet.
  • Sale of KRITI II for recycling in line with European and Greek environmental regulations.

Traffic Growth & Market Position

The group’s transportation volumes increased significantly across all segments:

  • 29 million passengers (+12.3% vs. 2023)
  • 3 million private vehicles (+25%)
  • 530,000 freight units (+26.2%)
  • 18,185 sailings (+6.3%)

This growth was evident in both the Greek domestic network (Cyclades, Dodecanese, Crete, North Aegean, Saronic, and Sporades) and international routes connecting Greece and Italy (Ancona, Bari, and Venice).

Investing in the Future

Attica Group continues to drive sustainable growth through investment in:

  • Green transition: Installation of scrubbers and energy-efficient systems to optimise fleet operations.
  • Digital transformation: Enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency.
  • Hospitality expansion: Acquisition of a second hotel complex in Naxos (€14 million investment), reinforcing the group’s presence in the tourism sector.

Looking ahead, Attica Group aims to further capitalise on the synergies from the ANEK integration, optimise fleet operations, and strengthen its competitive edge through sustainability and digitalisation initiatives.

The full financial statements for 2024 are available on the websites of the Athens Stock Exchange (www.athexgroup.gr) and Attica Group (www.attica-group.com).

Mar 02
3

Finnlines Reports Strong Growth and Green Investments in 2024

By | 2025 Newsletter week 09 | No Comments

Finnlines has published its financial statements and review for the period January–December 2024. The report highlights a solid financial performance, continued fleet expansion, and strategic route developments aimed at strengthening the company’s market position across Europe.

Financial Performance

  • Revenue for 2024 reached EUR 699.3 million, up 3% from EUR 680.7 million in 2023.
  • EBITDA stood at EUR 162.0 million, compared to EUR 166.3 million in 2023.

Cargo and Passenger Growth

  • 782,000 cargo units transported (710,000 in 2023).
  • 85,000 cars carried (excluding passenger vehicles), down from 156,000 in 2023.
  • 23 million tons of freight transported, slightly down from 1.34 million in 2023.
  • Passenger numbers surged to 936,000, a 35% increase from 695,000 in 2023.

Expansion of Routes

  • New freight and passenger line: Malmö (Sweden) – Świnoujście (Poland) launched in April 2024.
  • Strategic UK shift: Freight services moved to London Medway, Sheerness, improving access to south-eastern UK.
  • Growing European network: Now connecting over 20 ports across the continent.

CEO’s Statement

Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines, highlighted the company’s commitment to fleet modernisation and sustainability:

“Leveraging economies of scale and expanding outside Finland, we are creating new growth opportunities. Our planned investment in methanol-powered vessels underscores Finnlines’ dedication to sustainable shipping.”

Click on the cover to access the PDF

Feb 02
2

2024: Port Boulogne Calais maintains its momentum

By | 2025 Newsletter week 5 | No Comments
  • Tourist traffic was up by 11% in Calais. 7.6 million passengers (+4%) and 1.4 million vehicles. 68,000 coaches (+13%) used the infrastructure last year, i.e. 3 out of 4 coaches on the Dover Strait.
  • Freight traffic remained steady at 1.8 million units, representing a tonnage of almost 40 million tonnes. On the Strait, more than one lorry in two chooses to use the Port of Calais.
  • Commercial terminal activity rose by 5% to 1.3 million tonnes.
  • Rail motorway services set a new record with 46,000 units, up 10%. 1/3 of freight units transported on rail motorways in France are destined for or depart from the Port of Calais.
  • Traffic in new vehicles increased by a factor of 2.5 over 2024, with 25,000 units.
Jan 28
2

Wasaline’s 2024 Performance: Progress and Sustainability Highlights

By | 2025 Newsletter week 04 | No Comments

Key Developments and Achievements

  • Reduction in Carbon Footprint:
    • Total carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 5% in 2024.
    • Increased use of green shore power by 22%, saving 1,800 tons of CO₂.
  • Operational Performance:
    • Cargo volumes increased by 6% in tonnage and 3.2% in length metres.
    • Passenger numbers and vehicles decreased by 9%, while buses saw a 1.3% decline.
    • Revenue dropped by 3.7%, but overall results remained stable.
  • Market Share Gains:
    • Maintained market share in passenger traffic.
    • Passenger vehicle and bus market share increased, with a 50% growth in the bus segment.
  • Intermodal and Carbon-Neutral Transport:
    • Launched intermodal transport from Umeå to southern Sweden and Europe, minimising emissions.
    • Introduced carbon-neutral transport options for passengers and cargo, with climate compensation allocated to biofuel or battery resources.
  • Commitment to Carbon Neutrality:
    • Targeting full carbon neutrality by 2030.
    • Hybrid vessel AURORA BOTNIA uses LNG, biogas, and batteries, operating on electricity in port areas with green shore power.

Outlook

  • Positive booking trends indicate an economic turnaround for both passengers and cargo.
Jan 20
2

2024: Fred. Olsen Express Concluded Its 50th Anniversary with Strong Figures

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Fred. Olsen Express concluded 2024 by celebrating its 50th anniversary in the Canary Islands, transporting:

  • over 3.7 million passenger.
  • more than 1 million vehicles.
  • In total 22,500 trips.

The company also reintroduced the Tenerife-El Hierro route and enhanced its cargo services with two new RoRo vessels connecting Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, and Lanzarote.

These additions contributed to an 18% increase in cargo transport compared to the previous year.

Jan 20
2

2024: A Successful Year for the Armas Trasmediterranea Group

By | 2025 Newsletter week 03 | No Comments

Armas Trasmediterránea Group closes 2024 with

  • 3 million passengers
  • 1 million vehicles
  • 5 million lane metres of cargo
  • 26 connections between the Canary Islands, southern Andalusia and northern Africa.
  • A request to operate a service between Gran Canaria (Puerto de las Nieves, west side, Agaete) and Santa Cruz de Tenerife
  • A green light to operate the Almeria-Melilla and Motril-Melilla OSP contract (3 weekly rotations per route).
Dec 13
2

Stena AB Interim Report First 9 Months 2024

By | 2024 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

Stena AB Revenues

Total revenues increased by SEK 593 million to SEK 41,403 (40,810) million in the nine months ended 30 September 2024. The revenues are higher within all segments except for the Shipping segment compared to the same period last year.

Stena AB Operational EBITDA

The operational EBITDA for the consolidated Stena AB Group decreased by SEK 602 million to SEK 10,300 (10,902) million.

Ferry Operations

Operational EBITDA decreased by SEK 251 million to SEK 3,332 (3,583) million in the nine months ended 30 September 2024 mainly due to higher costs and somewhat softer markets compared to the same period last year.

Freight volumes decreased 1%, car volumes decreased 1% and passenger

volumes decreased 1% compared to last year.

Stena RoRo

Operational EBITDA from chartering out vessels increased by SEK 89 million to SEK 742 (653) million mainly due to the delivery of Ala’suinu in February 2024.

Source: https://stena.com/app/uploads/2024/11/Stena-AB-Group-Q3-2024.pdf