Tag: IMAGE CARDS | Ferry Shipping News

THE BALTIC WHALE Christened

Scandlines celebrated the naming ceremony of the battery-powered THE BALTIC WHALE (formerly FUTURA) on 7 January. Godmother is Lykke Friis, Director of the Think Tank Europa.

Photo Scandlines

RoPax Cabo Star Sold in Greece

According to reliable information, RoRo CABO STAR (ex FINNFOREST, ANTARES, built 1988) of Bridgemans Trinidad LP has been sold to Greek interests. Delivery is expected after 12 January.

The vessel is currently operating on the Port of Spain (Trinidad) – Scarborough (Tobago) route. She has been deployed there since July 2017 under a renewed one-year charter agreement with the island nation’s Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT).

Built in Gdańsk, Poland, in 1988 for Fincarriers, CABO STAR has capacity for 130 passengers and 2,500 lane metres, equivalent to approximately 130 trailers.

Photo: Bridgemans Services Group

Damen Advances BC Ferries Island Class Programme with Launch of Ninth Vessel

Damen has launched ISLAND CLASS 9 at its Galati yard, marking the latest milestone in the BC Ferries newbuild programme. The vessel is part of a four-ship order based on the Damen 8117 (E3) electric-ready design, with ISLAND CLASS 10 also progressing following its block assembly in October. Upon delivery, the hybrids will be prepared for future full-electric operation and will serve the Gabriola Island and Quadra Island routes.

EUROCHAMPION JET 2 (Ex SKANE JET) Arrived in Greece

On 23 November 2025, the high-speed vessel EUROCHAMPION JET 2 (ex SKANE JET) arrived at the Port of Piraeus. SEAJETS purchased her from FRS last October, and she is expected to join the Hellenic Coastal Shipping network.

EUROCHAMPION JET 2 is one of the world’s fastest car-carrying passenger vessels and holds the eastbound record for the fastest transatlantic crossing. Built by Incat (Australia) in 1998, she can carry 900 passengers and 240 cars, operating at 41 knots (maximum 48 knots).

Photo: Anastasios Anastasiou

GOLDEN CARRIER Chartered to GNV

On 22 November 2025, GOLDEN CARRIER (ex WOLIN), operated by A-Ships Management, departed Perama for Italy. The RoPax vessel has been chartered to GNV for a short period, as the Italian operator aims to strengthen its presence on the highly demanded Naples–Palermo passenger and freight route with a third ship.

Purchased last March from Polish operator Unity Line and built in Norway in 1986, GOLDEN CARRIER has capacity for 370 passengers and 1,770 lane metres, with a service speed of 18 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

VENIZELOS Returns to Greece

On 26 November 2025, the large ferry EL. VENIZELOS returned to Greece, heading to Elefsis Shipyards (ONEX). The vessel had been on a bareboat charter to Algerie Ferries since May 2025, operating on the Alicante–Oran route.

According to available information, the vessel’s arrival in Elefsina is related to technical and operational requirements. It remains unclear whether she will be deployed again on a Greek domestic line or chartered abroad. The ferry will undergo inspections, maintenance, and possible upgrades in preparation for her next assignment.

Photo: Voyager – Christos Chatzaras

Contract Signed for New Fully Electric Ferry

Torghatten Nord has signed a contract for a new NSD 60CFE Gen 2 fully electric ferry, designed by Norwegian Ship Design. The vessel will be built at Özata Shipyard in Istanbul, where the steel-cutting ceremony also took place this week. It is the yard’s third Torghatten ferry using NSD design.

Corsica Ferries Acquires STENA VISION

Corsica Sardinia Ferries has indeed purchased the RoPax STENA VISION from Stena Line and will be renamed MEGA SERENA. The ferry was built in 1987

Stena Line Names STENA FUTURA at Belfast Harbour

Over 200 guests attended the official naming ceremony of Stena Line’s newest vessel, STENA FUTURA, at Belfast Harbour. The event marked a major step in the company’s 30-year partnership with the port and in its wider push towards sustainable shipping.

The 147-metre STENA FUTURA is the first of two next-generation “NewMax” freight vessels designed for the Belfast–Heysham route. The ship is methanol-ready and fitted with hybrid propulsion, battery capability and shore-power connections. Stena Line expects these technologies to support its target of a 30% CO₂ reduction by 2030.

The vessel was named by its Godmother, Dr Madeleine Olsson Ericksson, a member of the Olsson family who own Stena Line. Among the guests were the Deputy Lieutenant of the Borough of Belfast, Dr Philip McGarry, the First Minister Michelle O’Neill, the Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, and Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

The ceremony also celebrated 30 years of Stena Line operations in Belfast, marking three decades since the company moved its services to the city in 1995.

Photo Scott Mackey

STENA SAGA as SAGA X

Bridgemans Floatel, a division of Bridgemans Services Group announced the successful completion and Canadian arrival of SAGA X, the company’s second Canadian floatel. The ferry is the former STENA SAGA.

Over the past four months alongside, every cabin, common area, and system on board has been rebuilt and upgraded.

The vessel now features shore power connectivity, industrial heat pumps eliminating diesel use while alongside, a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant, advanced water-making and filtration systems, and a comprehensive waste management plan to reduce waste and maximize recycling.

Source: Bridgemans

According to a recent decision by the Governor of the Hellenic Public Ports Authority, the ferry LEXA (ex ALEXANDRA L, AQUA MARIA, MYRTIDIOTISSA, ANEMOS, KURUSHIMA MARU, FERRY MUROTO) must be removed from Neos Molos in the Drapetsona/Keratsini area.

The decision cites environmental and safety concerns, as well as the protection of other ships operating in the port. LEXA has been laid up at Keratsini since June 2019 and was never reactivated. She is expected to be sold for scrap.

Built in Japan in 1975, she was sold to Nomicos Lines in 1989 and subsequently operated within Hellenic coastal shipping. She has a capacity for 1,200 passengers and 175 cars, with a service speed of 18 knots.

Photo: Dimitris Mendakis

HSC FAIRWEATHER Sold to Seajets

HSC FAIRWEATHER, recently sold to Seajets, is on her way to Greece from Ibiza. The vessel has been renamed SPEEDLINK JET and now flies the Cypriot flag.

Originally built in 2004 by Derecktor Shipyards in Bridgeport (Connecticut) for the Alaska Marine Highway System, she was sold in March 2021 to Servicios y Concesiones Marítimas Ibicencas (Trasmapi) for service between Alcudia (Mallorca) and Ciutadella (Menorca).

The fast ferry has capacity for 400 passengers and 65 cars, and a service speed of 32 knots.

Photo: Vessels Tracker

MOBY ZAZA Is Now a Cruise Ship

The former MOBY ZAZA returns to service as WORLD LEGACY, a ‘party ship’ offering short cruises and overnight stays from Singapore starting 18 December.

She was built in 1982 as OLAU BRITANNIA for Olau Line, who used her on Sheerness—Vlissingen service.

More information on her new career: https://worldcruises.com.sg/press-release/

Samsølinjen’s upcoming electric ferry TYRFING has begun its long journey home from the Cemre Shipyard near Istanbul, Turkey. It is the last of Molslinjen’s two new electric ferries, built for Alslinjen and Samsølinjen, to be completed and prepared for delivery to Denmark.

TYRFING will first sail to Svendborg, where it will be docked for final preparations, inspection, and approval by the Danish authorities. The crew will be trained, and all systems and power connections will undergo testing before the ferry enters service on 1 December 2025.

KiwiRail has agreed to sell its retired Interislander ferry ARATERE to a buyer who will deliver the vessel to a specialist recycling shipyard in India. The ferry made its final Cook Strait crossing in August, marking the end of 26 years of service. ARATERE was retired to enable the redevelopment of Picton port in preparation for two new Cook Strait ferries due to arrive in 2029.

Interislander executive general manager Duncan Roy said the vessel was unsuitable for most ferry operators due to its age and the need for “significant” modification or specialist port infrastructure. “Therefore, we have pursued a safe, efficient and environmentally responsible recycling option,” he said.

KiwiRail carried out due diligence and physical inspections of the shipyard and worked closely with New Zealand’s Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) throughout the process. The buyer will crew the ship for its final voyage to India, subject to EPA review.

HSC GOLDEN PRINCESS will be launched on the Cyclades route on 17 October. GOLDEN STAR FERRIES’ vessel (ex-GOTLANDIA II) will serve the Rafina–Tinos–Mykonos–Paros line, replacing her fleet mate HSC SUPEREXPRESS until 20 October. Currently at the port of Rafina, she was built in Italy in 2006. The ship can carry 900 passengers and 160 cars, sailing at 32 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Bluebridge have sold STRAIT FERONIA. She has been renamed PAN LILY and her new owners are Pan Shipping Co from Egypt.  She will join her sister, PELAGOS EXPRESS on the Red Sea.

Photo: BlueBridge Cook Strait

Unity Line’s new RoPax, JANTAR UNITY, has started its sea trials on Monday 15 September.

On 17 September 2025, HSC TERA JET 2 (ex NATCHAN RERA) completed her summer service on the Piraeus–Paros–Naxos–Koufonisia–Schinousa route.
She had served the line since 18 July 2025.
Built in Australia in 2008, she carries 1,350 passengers and 270 cars. Service speed: 40 knots.

Photo: Seajets

On 14 September 2025, Africa Morocco Link’s MOROCCO SUN (ex LE RIF, GALLOWAY PRINCESS) ceased service on the Algeciras–Tanger Med route.
She moved to Tanger Ville, where AML markings were removed.
AML acquired her from Detroit World Logistics Maritime in 2016. She entered service in August 2019.
The ship is part of the well-known “Saints” series. Reports suggest she is either for sale or scrap.
Built in Belfast in 1980, she carries 1,000 passengers and 280 cars. Service speed: 19 knots.

Photo: Africa Morocco Link

Baleària has begun construction of two fully electric catamarans at Astilleros Armón, Gijón. From 2027, they will operate the Tarifa–Tangier City route, creating the first maritime green corridor between Spain and Morocco.

On 8 September 2025, HSC HIGHSPEED 3 (ex-THUNDER) completed her summer service on the Piraeus–Syros–Mykonos–Paros–Ios–Santorini–Heraklion (Crete) route.

Photo: Hellenic Seaways

On 8 September 2025, HSC HIGHSPEED 3 (ex-THUNDER) completed her summer service on the Piraeus–Syros–Mykonos–Paros–Ios–Santorini–Heraklion (Crete) route.

Photo: Hellenic Seaways

Fraser Shipyards has delivered the innovative ice-strengthened RoRo ferry NIIGAAN ENAAZHEK to the Beausoleil First Nation. The double-ended vessel will ensure safe, year-round service between Christian Island and Cedar Point, Ontario, accommodating 150 passengers and 36 vehicles.

Damen Shipyards has launched the second of four new Island Class ferries for BC Ferries at its Galati yard in Romania. Once delivered, it will be the eighth Island Class vessel built for the Canadian operator. The ferries, based on Damen’s 8117 Electric Ferry (E3) design, are fitted with diesel-electric hybrid propulsion and are prepared for future full-electric operation once charging infrastructure is in place.

The ships will serve routes between Nanaimo and Gabriola Island, and Campbell River and Quadra Island. The latest generation has also been adapted to reduce underwater radiated noise, supporting BC Ferries’ Long Term Underwater Management Plan to protect marine life, including the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whale.

Damen is also supplying onshore charging equipment and will continue to support BC Ferries via its local service hub.

A second set of sea trials for ISLE OF ISLAY has been completed by Cemre Marin Endustri in Yalova, Turkey. Held from 16 to 20 July in the Sea of Marmara, the trials included testing of the hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), along with optimisation of the Power and Energy Management Systems. Representatives from CMAL and CalMac were present. Jim Anderson, Director of Vessels at CMAL, said the successful testing marks a major step forward as the vessel enters the final stages of construction. Delivery is scheduled for Q3 2025.

Scandlines’ next-generation freight vessel has just completed a second sea trial in the Sea of Marmara. Built by Cemre Shipyard and supervised by Lloyd’s Register, the ferry was tested under realistic conditions, from blackout scenarios to advanced navigation and automated safety systems — confirming its readiness for service.

The all-electric vessel, due to arrive in the Fehmarnbelt later in 2025, will charge in just 17 minutes at Rødbyhavn thanks to Scandlines’ investment in a 50 kV / 25 MW power cable and intelligent charging tower. A similar setup in Puttgarden will allow 12-minute charging by the end of 2025, enabling fully emission-free operations in both directions. Hybrid-ready and equipped with diesel generators for its delivery voyage, the ferry combines cutting-edge green technology with operational flexibility.

Irish Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports Seán Canney has welcomed the full reopening of the port in Holyhead, Wales, after damage sustained during Storm Darragh in December last year.

Source: www.gov.ie