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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
Fast Ferries’ ADAMANDIOS KORAIS is being prepared to return to service on her daily Alexandroupolis–Samothraki route. She joined the Fast Ferries fleet in November 2024, following the company’s acquisition of Zante Ferries’ ships. The vessel has been undergoing a full renovation and upgrade for the past three months and is expected to return to service within February. In the meantime, her fleet mate EKATERINI P. has been operating in her place on the route. Additionally, Fast Ferries will run two weekly sailings on the Lavrion–Agios Efstratios–Lemnos–Samothraki route until 10 May 2025.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
On 14 February 2025, the legendary SUPERSTAR of Seajets returned to daily service on the Volos–Skiathos–Skopelos–Alonissos route after her three-month annual refit and maintenance. The Belgian-built ship had ceased sailings last November. Built in Belgium in 1974, she has a carrying capacity of 1,480 passengers and 240 cars and can sail at 21 knots.
Photo: Charalambos Symeonidis
WALLENIUS SOL expands its fleet of carriers with 100 new 40-foot cassettes, featuring significant enhancements based on insights from previous models. These improvements represent a step forward in both design and functionality.
The big difference from earlier models is the reinforced design, specifically addressing areas that previously experienced the most wear and tear.
Source and read more: Wallenius SOL
POL MARIS has been renamed FRANCESCO NULLO. The RoRo vessel will return to service on the Pendik–Trieste route for DFDS. She has been drydocked at the Park Shipyard (Besiktas Group) in Turkey.
Source: Polish Ocean Lines on Linkedin
On 30 January 2025, Ventouris Ferries’ RIGEL V left the Perama repair zone for Durrës, Albania. She was purchased in December 2023 and arrived in Greece on 4 February 2024. Following an extensive refit and upgrade, she was transformed into a luxurious RoPax ferry. The ship entered service on the Bari–Durrës route on 4 February 2025.
Built in Japan in 1992, RIGEL V has a carrying capacity of 1,030 passengers (450 beds) and 500 cars and can operate at a speed of 22 knots.
Photo: Ventouris Ferries
It is reported that on 13 February 2025, the RoRo THALASSITIS (ex-JAN ŚNIADECKI) of Ainaftis Shipping will enter service on the Piraeus–North and Eastern Aegean route, replacing RoRo PELAGITIS for the transportation of dangerous cargoes and goods.
The ship was purchased in February 2024 from Unity Line and converted into a RoRo vessel. She has a carrying capacity of 1,116 lane metres (102 trucks) and operates at a service speed of 17 knots.
Photo: Dimitris Mendakis
5 February – SILJA SERENADE is back on the Helsinki–Stockholm route, fresher and better than ever! After major maintenance at Remontowa shipyard, the ship boasts upgraded automation, propulsion, and safety systems, plus a fresh coat of paint. Onboard, refreshed interiors, new flooring, and spa renovations enhance the passenger experience.
Photo: Marko Stampehl
RoRo vessel LISTA is being chartered by Smyril Line and began to operate on the route between Rotterdam, Tórshavn, and Þorlákshöfn on Monday, January 27.
The legendary SUPERSTAR of Seajets is currently undergoing her annual maintenance and dry docking at Spanopoulos Group facilities in Salamina. As part of her annual refit, she will also receive her new livery.
The reliable vessel ceased operations on the Volos-Sporades route last November and is expected to resume service on 10 February.
Built in Belgium in 1974, SUPERSTAR continues to be a trusted presence in the fleet.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
On the 24th of January, the RoRo vessel HAWAIKINUI 2 for the Polynesian Navigation Company (SNP, Société de navigation polynésienne), has been christened and launched at the Bodewes Foxhol location.
The vessel will take over from the actual vessel HAWAIKINUI, on the route between Tahiti, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a and Bora Bora.
Photo: Royal Bodewes