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Tag: 2025 | Ferry Shipping News

Apr 18
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 16 | No Comments

Cemre Shipyard proudly marks a new milestone with the delivery of NB1091 HINNØY, Norway’s largest zero-emission ferry, now en route to her new home in the north. Built for Torghatten Nord and designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company, this innovative double-ended ferry is set to operate on the Bognes–Lødingen route, offering a record-breaking one-hour crossing powered entirely by electricity.

HINNØY features an advanced battery-electric propulsion system, supported by shore charging infrastructure, and is equipped with two separate propulsion configurations—ensuring both high flexibility and reliability in even the most demanding Arctic conditions.

Classed by DNV and flying the Norwegian flag, she can carry up to 399 passengers and 120 cars, combining energy efficiency with passenger comfort and operational safety.

HAWAIKINUI 2, under construction for the Société de Navigation Polynésienne – SNP, is out at sea for trials. The photo shows the vessel leaving the Royal Bodewes Shipyard in Hoogezand, the Netherlands, under tow.

Once delivered, the cargo-ferry will operate in the Îles Sous-le-Vent, or Leeward Islands. They are a group of islands in the Society Islands archipelago of French Polynesia, located in the South Pacific. They lie to the west of the Windward Islands (which include Tahiti) and are known for their stunning lagoons, lush mountains, and traditional Polynesian culture.

Vessel type: RoRo

Passengers: 12

LOA: 86.98m

Capacity: 2,000 DWT

Propulsion: 1 x CPP shaft line

Service Speed: 12 knots

Route: Iles sous le Vent

Photos courtesy Mark Prummel. More of his photos: https://markprummel.nl/ship/hawaikinui-ii-1015612/

Apr 11
3

DFDS March Volumes

By | 2025 Newsletter week 15 | No Comments

March 2025 volume numbers are compared to 2024 impacted by the Easter holiday period falling in April this year compared to March in 2024. In general, this increases freight volumes and decreases passenger volumes compared to March 2024.

Ferry – freight:

  • Total volumes in March 2025 of 3.8m lane metres were 4.1% above 2024 and up 3.6% adjusted for route changes. For Q1 2025, the growth rates were -0.2% and -0.5%, respectively.
  • North Sea volumes were above 2024 as most routes carried higher volumes.
  • Mediterranean volumes were below 2024 due to increased ferry competition in the corridor between Türkiye and Italy.
  • Channel and Baltic Sea volumes were both above 2024 driven mainly by the Easter timing difference.
  • Strait of Gibraltar volumes were also above 2024 driven by general market growth and the Easter impact.
  • For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total transported freight lane metres increased 5.9% to 41.5m from 39.2m in 2024-23. The increase was 2.0% adjusted for route changes.

Ferry – passenger:

  • The number of passengers in March 2025 was 46.3% below 2024 and down 29.5% adjusted for route changes. For Q1 2025, the growth rates were -27.4% and -12.1%, respectively.
  • The adjusted monthly decrease was driven by mainly the Easter timing difference.
  • The number of cars was 38.9% below 2024 and down 30.8% adjusted for route changes.
  • For the last twelve months 2025-24, the total number of passengers increased 26.9% to 6.3m compared to 5.0m for 2024-23. The increase was 2.3% adjusted for route changes.
Apr 11
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 15 | No Comments

Baleària will begin operating the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route in the second week of May. The shipping company, which will launch tickets next week, will initially operate four daily services from each port, with departures gradually increasing as the summer season progresses, from early morning until late evening. Last December, Baleària was awarded this new route, which expands its presence in the Strait of Gibraltar and represents its fourth service between Spain and Morocco.

Apr 06
3

FINANCE

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

AS Tallink Grupp: Outlook Optimistic After Though Q1

Q1, 2025

-12% passengers (970,359)

-32% cargo units (57,830)

-11% passenger vehicles (135,829)

  • Q1 passenger numbers reflect the state of the economies in Tallink’s core markets with low consumer confidence.
  • Four vessels were out of service.
  • A large-scale dry-docking had an impact on passenger numbers.
  • A significant factor was also the timing of Easter, which fell in March last year and resulted in tens of thousands more passengers during the same period.
Apr 06
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 14 | No Comments

On Friday 28 March, Brittany Ferries marked a significant milestone with the blessing and official naming of its second hybrid vessel, GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE. The ceremony was led by Monseigneur Dominique Lebrun, Archbishop of Rouen, and the ship was named in line with maritime tradition by British sailor Miranda Merron, who had the honour of serving as godmother.

Powered by a hybrid LNG-electric propulsion system, the French-flagged ship is a cornerstone of Brittany Ferries’ commitment to greener cross-Channel transport.

Since April 2nd, all EU citizens travelling to the United Kingdom will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. The new requirement forms part of the UK’s broader border control reforms post-Brexit.

The ETA is mandatory for visa-exempt travellers, including those from the EU, and must be applied for online prior to travel. It grants permission to enter the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes and is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period.

More than just the beginning of a new ship, the steel-cutting ceremony marks the proud restart of shipbuilding in Flensburg. Following the bankruptcy, the yard is once again beginning construction—this time on a new RoRo vessel.

The contracted RoRo vessel with a length of 210 metres and a width of 29.30 metres is scheduled for delivery to SeaRoad in Q3, 2026.

It will have 3,722 lane metres available for freight units, plus capacity for 101 cars (= 4,227 lane metres in total). A special requirement for the vessel is the capability to transport heavy cargo with a unit weight of up to 100 tonnes.

Source: FSG on Linkedin

Mar 30
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 13 | No Comments

CLdN has taken delivery of CHAUMINE, the first of two next-generation RoRo vessels built by HD Hyundai Mipo Co., Ltd.

At 234 metres long and boasting a capacity of 8,000 lane metres, CHAUMINE features an IMO Tier III-compliant hybrid propulsion system. With 11MW main engines and 6MW shaft generators, the vessel can optimise propulsion or power onboard systems as needed – a step forward in operational flexibility and energy efficiency.

Sister ship LEONINE is scheduled for delivery in the first half of 2025. Both vessels are set to operate on CLdN’s Northwest Europe routes, responding to growing freight demand between the continent and the UK, particularly Scotland and North East England.

Built with the future in mind, the vessels can be modified to run on alternative low-emission fuels, fuel cells, or batteries.

Photo CLdN

P&O Ferries NORBANK left Zeebrugge on March 25th, bound for a new career in the Gulf within DP World.

Photo: Tibo Deprest

Mar 21
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 12 | No Comments

Shipbrokers Ferrando & Massone announced the sale of the high-speed catamaran FARES 1. Built by Austal in 2002, this vessel boasts a capacity of 450 passengers and 45 cars, with a service speed of 33 knots.

Originally operating in the Red Sea, FARES 1 has now been acquired by a Turkish operator and will soon embark on a new chapter, connecting southern Turkey with Cyprus and Lebanon. This transition marks a shift from its long-standing operations in Saudi Arabia to a new role in the Mediterranean.

After a three-week break due to planned dry-docking, the Tallink Silja Line’s passenger vessel BALTIC PRINCESS is back in regular traffic on the company’s Turku–Stockholm route since Wednesday, 19 March 2025,  boasting with completely renewed main passenger areas for even more passenger comfort.

Photo: BLRT Turku Ship Repair Yard, Karl Kõrgma

Mar 16
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 11 | No Comments

Since 2 March, Small Cyclades Lines’ ferry EXPRESS SKOPELITIS has been undergoing her annual maintenance and refit at Panagiotakis Shipyards (Ambelakia, Salamis). This legendary ferry has been serving the Small Cyclades barren line (Naxos–Amorgos–Donousa–Koufonisi–Schoinoussa–Iraklia) since 1986, performing six weekly sailings year-round.

She is one of the most important vessels in the Greek ferry scene, having continuously served this route for nearly four decades. Built in Greece in 1986, EXPRESS SKOPELITIS has a carrying capacity of 340 passengers and 12 cars and operates at a service speed of 12.5 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

During a public meeting in Jersey DFDS has revealed some renderings of its new ferries.
As reported by local media Bailiwick Express, DFDS is balancing fleet renewal with its pricing strategy, ensuring both competitiveness and service improvements.
These new vessels could significantly enhance connectivity for passengers and freight alike.

Mar 08
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 10 | No Comments

Baleària and Axpo Iberia have taken a major step in maritime decarbonisation by supplying bioLNG to RUSADIR and MARGARITA SALAS from Enagás terminals in Huelva and Barcelona. These pioneering operations prove the viability of green corridors between European ports and beyond. A milestone in sustainable shipping, powered by certified bioLNG.

TT Line’s SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV will return to Hobart after failed charter attempts in Scotland, with its sister ship SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V now considered for lease, according to Transport Minister Eric Abetz. The second RMC newbuild begins sea trials next month, but neither ship can enter service until early 2027 when the new East Devonport terminal is ready.

Source: DCN

Mar 02
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2025 Newsletter week 07 | No Comments

On 27 February 2025, PENELOPE A (ex-HORSA, 1972) of Agoudimos Lines was removed from her 12-year anchorage in Elefsis Bay and sent for scrapping at the Aliaga yard in Turkey. The former Sealink ferry was purchased in February 1992 and operated on the Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos route until 2013, when her operator went bankrupt. Since June 2014, she had been laid up in Elefsis Bay.

PENELOPE A was the last of three legendary sisters—APOLLO EXPRESS (ex-SENLAC) and AGIOS GEORGIOS (ex-HENGIST)—that played a key role in Greek coastal shipping, significantly contributing to its development.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Stena Line has marked a key milestone with the launch of STENA CONNECTA at China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, the first of two hybrid RoRo vessels for the Belfast–Heysham route. The methanol-ready ship, equipped with battery propulsion and rotor sails, is set to enter service in early 2026, supporting Stena Line’s goal to cut CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.

Source: Stena Line

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has secured a 12-month charter for its freight vessel ARROW, which will operate in the Channel Islands with DFDS. Expected to primarily serve the Jersey–Portsmouth route, ARROW will begin port trials and pilotage training before entering service following the 24th March charter commencement. The vessel was acquired by IOMSPC in September 2022 to ensure compliance with the Sea Services Agreement ahead of MANXMAN’s arrival in mid-2023.

Source: Isle of Man Steam Packet Company on Linkedin

The Red Ensign is now flying on TARIFA JET, marking its addition to the UK Ship Register ahead of deployment on the Jersey routes. DFDS Vice President Gemma Griffin highlights the company’s proud history with the UK flag and its commitment to creating new employment and training opportunities. TARIFA JET will begin service on the Jersey–Saint-Malo route on 28th March, with LEVANTE JET to follow on the Jersey–Poole route from 17th April.

Source: DFDS Global on Facebook

Viking Glory turns three in early March and at the same time will celebrate serving three million passengers. For Finns, Viking Line’s flagship offers modern slow cruise experiences, while Swedish passengers see the vessel as a luxury party boat.

Viking Glory launched a new era on the Turku–Stockholm route on March 1, 2022.

Source: Viking Line

French Mediterranean Port of Sète and VIIA are expanding the rail motorway service to Calais. A new platform, equipped with Modalohr technology, will significantly increase the number of trains running between the two ports—meaning fewer lorries on the road.

Will the new SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV, laid up in Leith, be used to house Ukrainian refugees in Scotland, while it awaits its berth being completed in Devonport. According to Australian media talks are ongoing. Premier Jeremy Rockliff said negotiations were underway as to the leasing arrangements of the ship and “when there is an outcome, we will release the details of that outcome”.

Photo: Matt Sudders