Tag: IMAGE CARDS | Page 2 | Ferry Shipping News

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

On January 20, 2025, the ARI (formerly GNV ARIES) left the Perama repair zone under tow after being sold for scrap in Aliaga, Turkey. The vessel, which arrived in Greece on October 26, 2024, had been laid up at Perama for preparatory works.

The former North Sea Ferries vessel served in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean for an impressive 38 years.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

At Fitur, Baleària introduced the first green corridor between Spain and Morocco, operated by two 100% electric, zero-emission fast ferries. These sister ships will connect Tarifa and Tangier, offering a fully electric, zero-emission journey. Baleària’s president, Adolfo Utor, described the project as “pioneering and technologically advanced,” emphasising its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Last December, Baleària won a 15-year contract from the Port Authority of Algeciras Bay (APBA) to manage the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route. The award prioritised technical and environmental criteria, making it the first intercontinental green line. Utor highlighted the initiative as a model of sustainable, modern mobility aligned with Baleària’s values.

The launch event drew about 300 attendees, including key figures like José Antonio Santano, Spain’s Secretary of State for Transport and Sustainable Mobility; Arturo Bernal, Andalusian Minister of Tourism and Foreign Affairs; Gerardo Landaluce, APBA President; and Moroccan Ambassador to Spain, Karima Benyaich.

Gotlandsbolaget has revealed a new livery for ex-DFDS ferries, now named NORDIC CROWN and NORDIC PEARL. The ships will sport a red, white, and aqua-green scheme inspired by sea tones between Copenhagen and Oslo. The DFDS Maltese cross on the chimney is replaced by Gotlandsbolaget’s “G”. PEARL, currently in dry dock for upgrades including repainting, will return to Copenhagen on January 24th, with CROWN to follow in March.

RoRo GIUSEPPE LUCCHESI has changed name into STENA SHIPPER, and flies the Danish flag.

Photo: Wikimedia