Tag

EES

Jun 19
Love3

First Construction Phase Completed At Turku Ferry Terminal

By 2026 Newsletter week 25

The first construction contract of the Ferry Terminal Turku project has been completed with the handover of the new S1 pier to the Port of Turku. The facility is scheduled to enter service in March 2027.

Designed to meet the requirements of modern passenger ferry operations, the new pier is 250 metres long and 25 metres wide. Its foundations include steel piles reaching depths of up to 50 metres, making it one of the largest structures of its kind in the Baltic Sea.

The S1 pier is the first completed element of the wider terminal redevelopment project. Work is now progressing on the S2 pier, which involves the refurbishment of the existing berth area and began in spring 2026.

Jun 19
Love3

Interferry Warns Of Summer Border Chaos Under EES

By 2026 Newsletter week 25

Interferry is urging EU authorities and member states to adopt a more pragmatic approach to implementing the Entry/Exit System (EES), warning that severe disruption could hit European ports during the summer peak season.

Following congestion during the May bank holidays, the association says many ports remain inadequately prepared for the new border procedures. Ferry operators face particular challenges because they handle a mix of foot passengers, cars, coaches and freight traffic.

Interferry is calling for greater flexibility, improved passenger communication and faster deployment of reliable systems. It also suggests that EU authorities should consider suspending the rules until all member states are fully prepared.

Read the full article here

Apr 10
Love3

France Delays Biometric Border Controls (EES)

By 2026 Newsletter week 15

France has acknowledged technical issues with the rollout of the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) and is preparing to delay its implementation. (Source: Le Marin)

  • During meetings on 31 March at the Ministry of the Interior, authorities indicated that the biometric border control system will be postponed to September–October.
  • The system, intended for both ports and airports, is designed to register non-EU travellers entering and leaving the Schengen area.
  • The delay follows recognition of a “bug” in the biometric control process, raising operational concerns.
  • Although not yet officially announced, the postponement was communicated to industry stakeholders in aviation and maritime sectors.
Mar 27
Love3

France Warns of Port Disruption Risk from EES Rollout

By 2026 Newsletter week 13
  • French ports and shipowners warn EES system not operational ahead of 10 April launch
  • Risk of congestion, delays, and degraded passenger experience during peak season
  • System seen as poorly adapted to ferry flows, especially passengers travelling with vehicles

Armateurs de France and the Union des Ports de France call for urgent talks with authorities to avoid disruption at port border crossings.

Source: Open letter (in French)