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Tag: IMAGE CARDS | Ferry Shipping News

Dec 20
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 50, 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

On 9 December 2024, EVIA STAR resumed her regular Rafina–Marmari service, fully refurbished and showcasing her new livery. The ship was sold to the newly established Olympian Ferries last June, along with her fleetmate PANORAMA. She has been serving this route since June 2001 under the ownership of Marmari Shipping.

Photo: Spyros Roussos

On 16 December 2024, ANEK Lines’ HELLENIC SPIRIT arrived at Elefsis Shipyards (ONEX Group) for her scheduled major overhaul. The vessel ceased operations on the Patras–Igoumenitsa–Ancona route on 15 December to prepare for an extensive refit.

The upgrade will include a complete engine overhaul, installation of scrubbers, and a transformation of her livery to that of Superfast Ferries. The ship will also be renamed SUPERFAST IV and is expected to resume service on the Adriatic route by February 2025.

Photo: ANEK Lines

STENA EUROPA, freshly repainted in the colours of Africa Morocco Link, has started the operations between Algeciras and Tanger Med.

Watch the stunning video made by Voyagair / Christos Chatzaras.

Besiktas Shipyard started a partnership with Corsica Linea. The first retrofit project, including bulbous bow modification has been successfully completed for RoPax PASCAL PAOLI.

Source: Besiktas Shipyard on Linkedin

Ferry ticket distribution company Liknoss started a partnership with Blu Navy Traghetti, the company that operates between Piombino and Portoferraio.

Source: Liknoss on Linkedin

DFDS’ GALATA SEAWAYS called for the first time at the Greek port of Patras. It will be a weekly call on the RoRo route between Sète (France) and Yalova (Türkiye).

Dec 13
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

On 29 November 2024, ANEK Lines’ large cruise ferry EL. VENIZELOS returned to the Piraeus–Chania (Crete) route, replacing the RoPax KISSAMOS, which was reassigned to the Piraeus–Heraklion route. The vessel was refreshed and now sports the new ANEK Lines livery.

Photo © Charalambos Symeonidis

Poland celebrated the launch and float-out of the RoPax ferry NB102 at the Remontowa Shipyard o Tuesday 10 December.
During the ceremony, the names of both Unity Line vessels were announced:

  • NB101 will be named JANTAR UNITY
  • NB102 will be named BURSZTYN UNITY

The first ferry is expected to start in October 2025 on Świnoujście – Trelleborg.

Photos © Bartosz Bagiński

The LEVANTE JET has returned following a complete refurbishment and has been rebranded from FRS red to DFDS blue. The high-speed craft is now back in service on the Ceuta-Algeciras route.

Astilleros Armón delivered the high-speed hybrid monohull vessel ALESSANDRO MORACE, fifth vessel in the award-winning series. Indeed, the first vessel has been awarded high-speed ferry of the year 2024 at our Ferry Shipping Summit.

The previously delivered vessels are VITTORIO MORACE, CRISTINA M, GENNARO C. and FERDINANDO MORACE. Next will be DANIELA MORACE, the sixth vessel.

Photo: VITTORIO MORACE, Liberty Lines

The Port of Calais continues its modernisation with the completion of its new control tower, fully funded by the Région Hauts-de-France. Situated between the two docks, the 38-metre-high tower offers a stunning vantage point for managing maritime traffic.

Next on the agenda: electrification to welcome the latest generation of ferries.

Photo: Mike Louagie

Dec 06
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 49 | No Comments

On 3 December 2024, Levante Ferries’ RoPax SMYRNA DI LEVANTE made her maiden arrival at Zakynthos, becoming the largest ferry ever to visit the port. She is set to operate on the Kyllini-Zakynthos-Poros (Kefalonia) route next summer, marking a major expansion for the company and enhancing transport links in the region. Levante Ferries aims to make Zakynthos an even more appealing destination for Mediterranean travellers.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Since 27 November 2024, Fast Ferries’ EKATERINI P. has been undergoing her annual refit at Perama dry dock. This year, she will receive another major upgrade, further enhancing her reputation as a valuable asset in the Greek ferry market. Re-engined in 2023 with modern MAK-Caterpillar 8M32C engines (7,200 kW) and equipped with CPP, she will now be fitted with new stabilisers. Built in Japan in 1990, EKATERINI P. will return to the Rafina-Andros-Tinos-Mykonos route fully upgraded.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

SAINT-MALO, Brittany Ferries’ first hybrid vessel powered by LNG and electricity, docked in the port of Santander, Monday, 2 December 2024.

After departing its shipyard on 21 October, it sailed the seas of China, crossed the Indian Ocean, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and entered the Atlantic before reaching its first destination, Santander.

Photo: Brittany Ferries

Source: Port of Trelleborg

CMAL has announced an upcoming face-to-face drop-in session for the Mallaig–Lochboisdale New Vessel project on 11 December. This engagement will provide an update on the progress of the project, which aims to replace the LORD OF THE ISLES.

More information about the event can be found here.

MAN Energy Solutions has reached a significant milestone in the development of its ME-LGIA dual-fuel engine, with full-scale testing of a two-stroke engine running on ammonia now underway. This marks an important step towards advancing sustainable fuel technology at its Research Centre Copenhagen (RCC).

Read more here.

Austal Philippines has completed the delivery of OCEAN MASTER, a 32-metre aluminium catamaran, to Rottnest Fast Ferries (Australia) in less than a year. Designed by Incat Crowther, the vessel was handed over following successful sea trials in November 2024.

Photo: Austal

The keel-laying ceremony for GNV AURORA, the fourth of four new RoPax ships ordered by the MSC Group, took place, with delivery expected in 2026.

Photo: GNV

Welcome to ECO SALERNO! With a dedicated LinkedIn post, the Grimaldi Group announced the delivery of ECO SALERNO, the 13th vessel in the Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) series. “Handed over on 3 December by Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, ECO SALERNO joins a pioneering fleet of hybrid ro-ro vessels, further reinforcing Grimaldi’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the shipping industry,” the Naples-based company shared.

Like its twelve sister ships, ECO SALERNO has a length of 238 metres, a beam of 34 metres, a gross tonnage of 67,311 tonnes, and a service speed of 20.8 knots. Flying the Italian flag, the vessel can transport 7,800 linear metres of rolling freight, equivalent to about 500 trailers.

GNV, part of the MSC Group, celebrated the arrival of its newly built GNV POLARIS at the Port of Naples. This marks the first of four new ro-pax ships ordered from Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), China. After departing on 30 October, GNV POLARIS sailed 14,000 miles across two oceans to the Mediterranean.

Set to begin service on 7 January, it will operate on the Genoa-Palermo route. The vessel boasts a gross tonnage of 46,000, a length of 218 metres, a width of 29.6 metres, and a top speed of 25 knots. With 239 cabins, it can accommodate 1,500 passengers and 3,100 linear metres of freight.

Equipped for cold ironing and featuring exhaust gas cleaning systems, SCR, and heat recycling technologies, the ship meets IMO Tier III and EEDI Phase II standards, promoting cleaner air and quieter operations.

Photo: GNV

Dec 02
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Since 22 November 2024, Golden Star Ferries’ ANDROS KING (ex-VOLCAN DE TABURIENTE) has been undergoing dry docking at Perama (Piraeus III dry dock). The ship is currently undergoing an extensive refit and conversion before entering service in Hellenic Coastal Shipping. She is expected to join the company’s fleet for the summer season of 2025. The ferry was purchased in July 2024 and delivered in September.

It is anticipated that she will operate on the Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos route. One of the youngest ferries in the Hellenic ferry fleet, she was built in Spain in 2006. ANDROS KING has a carrying capacity of 1,500 passengers and 310 cars (1,200 lane metres) and can sail at a speed of 22.5 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

On 3 November 2024, Seajets’ SUPERSTAR arrived at the Spanopoulos yards for her scheduled annual maintenance. The ferry serves the Agios Konstantinos–Sporades Islands route (Skiathos–Skopelos–Alonissos), where she has become very popular.

Built in Belgium in 1974, the ferry has been part of the Greek ferry scene since 1992. SUPERSTAR has a carrying capacity of 1,700 passengers and 250 cars and sails at a speed of 20 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Malin Collin is appointed as new CEO of the Port of Trelleborg. She replaces current CEO Jörgen Nilsson, who has chosen to move on to new challenges.

Source: Port of Trelleborg

HADAG Seetouristik und Fährdienst AG has put its latest green-energy hybrid passenger ferry into operation.

The 33-metre-long ferry has a capacity of up to 250 passengers and will be used on HADAG’s routes in the Port of Hamburg and on the Elbe. Its name “Finkenwerder” derives from the name of a Hamburg city district.

The ferry’s paintwork, developed by COSCO SHIPPING Europe, brings the message of friendship between the shipping company and the city of Hamburg to the local people for at least the next three years.

Photo: Hafen Hamburg Marketing, Mahdi Ahmad

The arrival of OLYMPOS SEAWAYS at Damietta’s Pan Marine RoRo Terminal marks the start of a new direct freight ferry service between Egypt and Italy, operated by DFDS in partnership with Pan Marine Group. Connecting Damietta and Trieste, the service offers weekly departures and a swift 68-hour transit, ideal for perishable goods like fresh produce and textiles from Egypt, and dairy, agricultural, and industrial goods from Europe. A dedicated terminal in Damietta ensures efficient operations, enhancing trade links and boosting maritime connectivity between Egypt and Europe.

Photo source: Pan Marine Group

Following the issues affecting the ferry GIRAGLIA and the resulting suspension of maritime continuity between Sardinia (Santa Teresa di Gallura) and Corsica (Bonifacio), Moby, along with the relevant stakeholders, has implemented a temporary solution. The ship MOBY ZAZA has been deployed to cover a similar route, though now connecting the ports of Golfo Aranci and Porto Vecchio.

While passenger capacity (1,450) and cargo capacity (530 cars) have increased, the transit time has significantly extended from 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Kenneth Gustavsson becomes the new CEO of Gotland Alandia Cruises, which operates the cruise ship BIRKA GOTLAND. The ship, which entered service with new owners in March this year, cruises between Stockholm, Åland, Gotland and a number of other Baltic Sea destinations.

The ferry companies Viking Line and Gotlandsbolaget have jointly formed the new company Gotland Alandia Cruises in February 2024.

Source: MyNewsDesk

Nov 22
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 47 | No Comments

Özata Shipyard kicked off the NB101 project, the first of two double-ended electric/hybrid ferries with a capacity of 60 vehicles, designed by The Norwegian Ship Design Company for Torghatten Nord.

Photo source: Özata Shipyard on Linkedin

GLEN SANNOX, the first of two dual fuel ferries being built by the Port Glasgow shipyard, has been formally handed over to Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL).

Launched into the Clyde in November 2017, she is the first vessel in the UK to have a dual-fuel propulsion system which can use both MGO or LNG.

Nov 14
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 45 | No Comments

On 3 November 2024, the HSC MAX arrived at the Port of Piraeus from Denmark. The ship was sold by Molslinjen to Seajets last May and was delivered to the Greek-Cypriot ferry operator last week. She was sent to Ambelakia Salaminas for future conversion before entering service in the Hellenic Coastal Shipping. The HSC MAX was built in Australia in 1998 by Incat. She has a carrying capacity of 900 passengers and 240 cars, and can operate at speeds exceeding 40 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

On November 1st, Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania laid the keel for the first two of four fully electric ferries for BC Ferries. The keel laying ceremony marked an important milestone in the third phase of construction of the Island Class Ferries, which will bring the total number of Damen vessels in the BC Ferries fleet to ten.

During the recent second phase of the programme, Damen delivered four hybrid diesel-electric ferries. These reduced emissions vessels were intended to pave the way to the development of fully electric vessels.

Now, with availability of renewable shore power to charge the vessels, the four fully electric vessels will be able to conduct their services with zero emissions. As such, the ferries are making an important contribution to BC Ferries’ goal to reduce emissions by 10,000 tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030.

Source: Damen

Brittany Ferries’ RoPax NORMANDIE will sail on the Marseille – Tangier Med route for La Méridionale in summer 2025.

Oct 04
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 40 | No Comments

The Finnish Ambassador to Poland, Päivi Laine, visited Finnlines’ office in Świnoujście on 27 September 2024, accompanied by Finnlines’ executives. The visit follows the successful launch of a new Malmö-Świnoujście route, which has seen positive growth in its first six months. This route responds to increased market demand and strengthens connections between Sweden and Poland, contributing to the company’s presence in the region.

Source: Finnlines

On 30 September, Fred. Olsen Express’s new RoRo vessel, Bahía Cargo, arrived in the Canary Islands. It will undergo maintenance and complete necessary administrative procedures before joining the fleet in November. This vessel is the second of its kind acquired by the company, complementing the service started by the Bentayga Cargo in May. The Bahía Cargo will enhance the supply routes between Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, and Puerto del Rosario.

 

Source: Fred. Olsen Express

Sep 27
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IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai) has successfully completed sea trials for SAINT-MALO, the new E-Flexer RoPax commissioned by Stena RoRo and set to be operated by Brittany Ferries as from February 2025 between Saint-Malo and Portsmouth. 

She will replace the BRETAGNE. 

The Spanish company Repsol has begun supplying liquefied biomethane (bioLNG) to Brittany Ferries’ SALAMANCA and SANTOÑA vessels, which are powered by LNG, with a test delivery of 60 tonnes in Santander. The use of bioLNG can reduce CO2-equivalent emissions by nearly 100% compared to conventional LNG, without requiring any engine modifications or affecting ship performance. This bioLNG, produced from waste from agro-food industries, agriculture, households, and sewage sludge, comes from Spain’s first bioLNG plant in As Somozas, Galicia. 

Source: Brittany Ferries 

The electric ferry AURORA is undergoing a complete transformation while at the Landskrona shipyard, including a repaint, the addition of the Öresundslinjen logo, and a full renovation of all passenger areas. Technical systems are also being updated, with the ferry set to resume its Helsingborg-Helsingør route on 2 October 2024.  

Kristian Durhuus, CEO of Molslinjen, anticipates welcoming guests aboard the “new” ferry, particularly to the restaurant, Opus Wine & Dine, offering à la carte dishes and a carefully curated wine list, following the success of TYCHO BRAHe’s revamped dining experience earlier this year. 

Source: Via Ritzau / Molslinjen 

As of 1 November 2024, Anders Tenfält will be Stena Line’s new Chief Investment Officer of Stena Line portfolio companies and part of the group management team. 

In his new role at Stena Line, he will lead the development of Stena Line’s portfolio companies (Stena Line Travel Group, Sembo, R&F Travel Retail, Baltreiss Agency, Best Travel, Voigt Travel, CustomsLink, Freightlink and Anglesey Freeport).   

Source: Stena Line 

RoPax GOTHICA, former STENA GOTHICA, actually in the Port of Klaipeda, is being rebranded. We were told that the vessel got the logo of UKR Ferry on its funnel.  

Polferries’ RoPax CRACOVIA is finally on its way to Algeria, where she will be used by the new company, Nouris Elbahr Ferries. 

Sep 20
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 38 | No Comments

The Armas Trasmediterránea Group is adding RoPax vessel AL ANDALUS to its Canary Islands routes.  As of October 1, AL ANDALUS will sail between Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 

 The former NORD PAS-DE-CALAIS has a capacity for 1,275 lane metres of cargo, 215 passengers and 150 vehicles. 

 Source: Armas Trasmediterránea Group 

Safety and security drills onboard ships are important as something unexpected may take place. Drills train the crew to respond to many incidents, ranging from firefighting to first aid, evacuation and oil spills.
Whenever an opportunity arises, ships’ drill with authorities, such as the Border Guard, police, and fire and rescue department.
Finnlines’ RoPax vessels FINNLADY and FINNSIRIUS trained with Finnish authorities at the end of August. 

 Source: Finnlines on Linkedin 

Corsica Linea marked the commencement of construction for its new LNG-powered vessel, CAPU ROSSU, with a ceremonial first steel cutting at the CMI Jinling shipyard in Weihai, China.  

Set to launch in 2026, this Stena RoRo E-Flexer will support the company’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030, furthering its commitment to environmental sustainability. 

Africa Morocco Link announced the launch of a new RoRo freight service, which started earlier this week. This daily service connects Tanger Med with Algeciras. 

The vessel is the 1989-built Rail RoRo Ferry KAUNAS. 

Source: AML on Linkedin 

Sep 15
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 37 | No Comments

On September 12, 2024, Anek Lines’ RoPax ASTERION II was reassigned to the Piraeus – Heraklion route after successfully serving on the Piraeus – Samos – Dodecanese and Piraeus – Chios – Mytilene routes since June 3, 2024. ASTERION II will replace RoPax ARIADNE, which will return to her previous service in the Adriatic. 

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos 

On September 10, 2024, the HSC HELLENIC HIGHSPEED returned to the Port of Piraeus after completing its summer charter in the Western Mediterranean. The vessel was chartered to Africa Morocco Link (AML) from June 29, 2024, to bolster the Moroccan company’s service on the Algeciras – Tanger Med route. 

 Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos 

Construction of CLdN’s first new G9e vessel is making great progress. The bridge and funnels are now in place so she really starts to look like a CLdN vessel. 

Source: CLdN on Linkedin  

Holmen has declared their option and extended the contract with BALTIC BRIGHT until end 2025. 

Source: Godby Shipping on Linkedin 

Thursday 12 September, the Rauma shipyard celebrated the delivery of the SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV to the Owner, TT-Line Company. 

‘I want to thank our client for their excellent co-operation, which has enabled us to bring this project to its successful completion. I would also like to thank our partners and the classification society. This vessel is a fine example of the strong shipbuilding expertise in Rauma. We have now built the world’s southernmost LNG ferry as well as the world’s northernmost LNG ferry, namely AURORA BOTNIa. We wish SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV all the best on its journeys’, says Mika Nieminen, CEO and President of Rauma Marine Constructions. 

Stena Line has announced that it will withdraw the STENA VISION from its Rosslare-Cherbourg route at the end of October 2024.  

Stena Line has confirmed that they will continue to operate a three-day week service for freight and passenger travel on board the STENA HORIZON and that they will “deploy additional support vessels to the route during periods of peak demand from freight and travel customers”. 

Destination Gotland experienced a slight increase in travel during the summer of 2024, with nearly 940,000 passengers between June and August, up by 2,000 from the previous year. June saw a 10% rise in travellers, while July, despite a 4% decline, remained the busiest month. The campaign “Sommarlov på Gotland” contributed to a surge in family visits. Gotland continues to perform well compared to other Swedish destinations, showing resilience in the travel market. 

Source: Destination Gotland Photo: Olof Segerberg 

As an important step in the green transition, Molslinjen is now investing in a new 132,000 MWh solar park on Djursland, Denmark. The renewable energy from the park will power NERTHUS, the innovative electric ferry on the Alslinjen between Bøjden and Fynshav. The vessel is under construction at Cemre Shipyard. 

Source: Via Ritzau 

Finnlines is set to celebrate the first anniversary of its FINNSIRIUS, operating on the Finland–Åland–Sweden route. The ship, along with its sister vessel, FINNCANOPUS, has significantly boosted passenger numbers and attracted new customer segments, including families and conference groups. Both ships feature cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Special onboard events and promotions will mark the occasion. 

For more details, visit Finnlines.