ÎLE ROUGE Underway to Canada

By 2026 Newsletter week 35

Marine Atlantic’s chartered RoPax vessel ÎLE ROUGE departed the Perama repair zone on 20 August following an extensive refit and conversion in Greece.

After calling at Malta, the vessel passed Gibraltar on 25 August and continued across the Atlantic. She is expected to arrive in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, in early September.

The former A NEPITA was built by HDW in Germany in 2002 and previously operated as SUPERFAST X, SEAFRANCE MOLIÈRE, DIEPPE SEAWAYS and STENA SUPERFAST X.

Marine Atlantic says the vessel will accommodate approximately 921 people and offer 150 passenger cabins, including 48 pet-friendly cabins. Following arrival, she will undergo familiarisation, crewing and Canadian-flagging procedures before entering service between North Sydney and Port aux Basques.

Photo: Ben Ayre

Île Rouge Completes Successful Sea Trials Ahead Of Departure For Canada

By 2026 Newsletter week 30

On 16 and 17 July, ÎLE ROUGE (ex A NEPITA, SUPERFAST X, SEAFRANCE MOLIÈRE, DIEPPE SEAWAYS, STENA SUPERFAST X) successfully completed two days of sea trials in the Saronic Gulf following conversion and modification work at the Perama repair zone.

VDN Ippocampos managed the conversion project. The ship arrived in Greece in February 2026 for ramp and bow visor modifications ahead of a five-year charter to Canadian operator Marine Atlantic for service between North Sydney and Port aux Basques.

Built by HDW in Germany in 2002, ÎLE ROUGE has capacity for 1,200 passengers and 1,920 lane metres. Her service speed is 27 knots.

Photo: Ben Ayre