Shippax News Bulletin – 20
- In association with Interferry
Dear Subscriber,
Please find below the headlines of the news added to the Shippax website during week 20.
Photo above: Following an overhaul in Brest, Irish Ferries’ 2,060-lanemetre and 2,200-passenger capacity ISLE OF INISHMORE arrived at Fayard in Odense last weekend. The 1997-built double-deck drive-through ro-pax ferry will now be adapted for its debut on the Dover-Calais route this summer. (Photo: Peter Therkildsen)
Have a nice weekend!
PRE-SUMMER SALE 50%
Grasp this exceptional opportunity to secure the issues of Shippax Guide, Shippax Designs and Shippax Market you lack for an amazing 50% discount (plus postage).
When ordering online, https://www.shippax.com/en/webshop.aspx, please state "PRE-SUMMER SALE" in the message box for the discount.
Prices will be deducted manually.
The offer is valid between 19-23 May, 2021, with the latest issues only valid for new subscriptions.
BC Ferries’ third Island Class on its way to Canada
The third in a series of six Island Class ferries built by Damen Shipyards for BC Ferries has provisionally been named ISLAND 3 for its delivery voyage to British Columbia. © BC Ferries
BC Ferries’ yet unnamed third Island Class double-ender has left Damen Shipyards in Galatz for the Canadian west coast – a voyage of approximately 60 days. Provisionally named ISLAND 3, the 47-vehicle and 400-person capacity hybrid diesel-electric vessel is making the 10,700-nautical-mile voyage under its own power, having left its builder's place in the early morning of 19 May. ISLAND 3 will refuel in Tenerife, Canary Islands and in Balboa, Panama after transiting the Panama Canal.
SILJA EUROPA to serve as police floatel during upcoming G7 summit
SILJA EUROPA has been chartered as a police accommodation ship for the G7 summit in Cornwall, UK. © Kai Ortel
The 1,194-passenger cabin Helsinki-Tallinn ro-pax cruise ferry SILJA EUROPA will temporarily leave the Baltic Sea for the UK to serve as a police accommodation ship during the 11-13 June G7 summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall.
STENA ESTRID to return to Holyhead-Dublin route
The last sailing of STENA ESTRID to Rosslare will be the 15:00 departure from Cherbourg on 23 May – STENA HORIZON’s first departure from Rosslare to Cherbourg will be the 21:00 sailing on 25 May. © Marc Ottini
The 2019-built E-Flexer Class STENA ESTRID will return to the Holyhead-Dublin route on 24 May, replacing the smaller-capacity Visentini Class STENA HORIZON which will return to the Rosslare-Cherbourg route, served by STENA ESTRID since early February.
CMI Jinling Weihai Shipyard delivers CÔTE D’OPALE six weeks ahead of schedule
CÔTE D'OPALE is ready to leave Weihai, China for the Dover Strait. © Stena RoRo
China Merchants’ shipyard in Weihai has delivered CÔTE D’OPALE, the fifth Stena E-Flexer which has been long-term bareboat chartered by DFDS for operation on the 22-nautical-mile Dover-Calais route – the shortest route to be served by a ‘one-size-fits-all’ E-Flexer.
Keel laid of FINNECO II
About two weeks after the float-out of FINNECO I, Nanjing Jinling Shipyard laid the keel of FINNECO II. © Finnlines
Finnlines’ EUR 500 million newbuilding programme continues unabated with the keel laying ceremony of FINNECO II, the second in a three-ship GG5G series adapted for Finnlines service, having taken place at China Merchants’ Nanjing Jinling Shipyard on 12 May.
Financials
Lower revenues for Fjord1 in Q1
The 2021 Q1 financial results for Fjord1 show that revenues fell with 8% to NOK 691 million due to the phasing out of one ferry contract and lower catering revenues, while EBITDA grew by 2% due to lower operating costs.
Press Releases
These press release news are published “as is”, i.e. this is how we get it from the senders. If you want to have your relevant news published, please send it to news@shippax.se
Keel-laying milestone for UECC’s third LNG battery hybrid PCTC
© UECC
Construction of the third (AUTO AQUA) in a series of ground-breaking newbuild LNG battery hybrid PCTCs for United European Car Carriers (UECC) reached a significant milestone this week with keel-laying at a Chinese yard.
The ceremony at Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard saw the laying of the keel for the hull designated H2665 as part of an ambitious newbuild programme in which UECC is taking the lead in sustainable shipping by developing the first-ever vessels to run on hybrid propulsion power fuelled by LNG.
Norway: SCHOTTEL propels first fully electric ferry SANDØY for Brevik Fergeselskap
SANDØY is the first fully electric ferry for the Norwegian operator Brevik Fergeselskap and is equipped with two SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers © Brevik Fergeselskap
German propulsion expert SCHOTTEL has delivered main propulsion units for a 42-metre ferry to Netherlands-based Holland Shipyards Group. The recently launched SANDØY is the first fully electric ferry for the Norwegian operator Brevik Fergeselskap and is equipped with two SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers. It will operate within the waters of Eidangerfjorden, southeastern Norway, and will connect Brevik with Sandøya and Bjørkøya.
Silverstream Technologies secures two Finnlines newbuild ro-pax orders for Silverstream® System
Clean technology company Silverstream Technologies has announced that it has secured an order from Finnlines to install its air lubrication technology, the Silverstream® System, on two environmentally friendly newbuild ro-pax vessels, the first of which is starting to be built this summer at China Merchants Nanjing Jinling Shipyard (Weihai).
Baleària presents the fast ferry ELEANOR ROOSEVELT, a symbol of the company's commitment to eco-efficiency and innovation.
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT © Baleària
Baleària's pioneering fast ferry ELEANOR ROOSEVELT was officially unveiled this week in the ports of Palma, Ibiza and Dénia, where this sustainable and innovative catamaran has been operating since 1 May. Officials and representatives of different stakeholder groups from the shipping company in these regions were able to visit the world's first fast ferry with dual natural gas engines. The three events, which were carried out with the recommended safety measures, included group visits to the company's new ship.
Green light for Interferry conference following COVID review
Interferry directors have given the green light for the global trade association’s 2021 annual conference to go ahead as planned in Santander, Spain, this October. Delegate registration will open on June 1.
The decision came at a virtual board meeting after detailed consideration of current and forecast advances in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome was fully supported by Interferry chairman and president Christophe Mathieu, the CEO of event host Brittany Ferries.
Liknoss partners with Welcome Pickups for ground transportation services for travellers
With this new partnership Liknoss adds to its digital platform a new transportation service with global presence in over 31 countries and 62 destinations.
Travel agencies and ferry companies that have access to the Liknoss technology platform will be able to offer personalized transportation services to and from airports and ports after the new partnership with the Greek start-up Welcome Pickups.
Oliver Design completes design and interior outfitting of two ferries
Oliver Design, a Spanish firm specializing in naval design and architecture, has recently completed two major projects in the cruise sector: design and interior outfitting of TEREVAU PITI and ELEANOR ROOSEVELT. These two ferries will operate in destinations as distant as the Mediterranean Sea and Polynesia.
Seasoned hospitality and fine dining expert Philipp Reutener joins Swan Hellenic as Hotel Director
Swan Hellenic announced that internationally-experienced hospitality and fine dining expert Philipp Reutener has joined the iconic company as Hotel Director of the first of its three new cultural expedition cruise ships, the five-star SH MINERVA which will be embarking on its fully-booked maiden cruise toward the end of the year.
Ticknovate is appointed by Solent Cruises to manage its ticketing processes
Ticknovate, the advanced ticketing platform, has been appointed by Solent Cruises to manage its complex ticketing processes and increase revenue opportunities as it prepares for the reopening of its UK cruises.
Ticknovate is a software-as-a-service ticketing solution built for tours, ferries, transportation, attractions, and entry events.
Fincantieri and Comau together for innovation of production processes with robotics
Fincantieri and Comau, two Italian excellences and world leaders in their respective reference markets, signed a letter of intent to develop prototypes of robotized steel welding solutions and the resulting construction of series of machines, to be implemented at first in Fincantieri shipyards.
Zinus with record delivery to 10 new Portuguese electric passenger ferries
ABB AS recently awarded Zinus a contract for the delivery of 20 SWC100 charging connections. These will be installed on 10 new all-electric passenger ferries entering service on the Tagus River in Lisbon. The ferries are built by the Astillero Gondán shipyard for the ferry company Transtejo S.A., and ABB has been selected as the total integrator of electric power supply and the vessel and propulsion automation for the ferries.
Stena Line opens for foot passengers on Halmstad-Grenå
Since Friday 14 May, Swedes can travel to Denmark again without special reasons. This was seen directly in the booking figures for Stena Line, which has now decided to reopen for foot passengers on the line between Halmstad and Grenå, starting in early June.
Viking Line: Granted exemption from the application of loan terms
With reference to Viking Line Abp’s Business Review for the period January 1–March 31, 2021, published on April 30, 2021, it is hereby announced that Viking Line has been granted an exemption in writing from the application of the covenant terms in a loan of EUR 74.6 M until December 31, 2022. The credit has therefore now been reclassified as long-term.
Lindblad Expeditions Reactivates Two Additional Ships & Adds Departures in Alaska To Meet Demand
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic has announced plans to add additional voyages for the 2021 season in Alaska this summer. Due to robust demand for their Alaska programming, Lindblad will reactivate its two remaining U.S.-flagged vessels – and has added an additional 13 departures. The 62-guest sister ships, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA BIRD and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SEA LION will explore Alaska on a series of Wild Escape departures starting June 25, 2021 and continuing through August.
UK ferry industry unveils Ready, Ferry, GO! campaign
After more than a year with limited travel, ferry operators say this is the summer when travellers fall back in love with the journey. A voyage by ferry is the opportunity to rediscover the sense of adventure and joy that holidays can bring, and to relax and kick back in a way that comes only when travelling by water.
For ferry passengers, the journey is always part of the adventure. From the anticipation of arrival and catching first glimpse of your destination to the elation of spotting marine life and the gentle motion of the waves, travelling by water is always a delight. But the journey is just one step of your holiday, a host of great destinations await upon disembarkation. To inspire holidaymakers, Discover Ferries, the UK ferry industry body, has released must-book destinations as it becomes safe to travel again, featuring itineraries brimming with adventure.
Sterling PlanB Signs Exclusive Supply Agreement With NYK For ES Distribution In Japan
NYK Trading Corporation and Sterling PlanB are entering into an exclusive agreement for the sales and distribution of Energy Storage Systems in Japan, bringing new standards of ESS performance and safety to the market.
COSTA LUMINOSA Restarts From Trieste With Cruises In The Adriatic And Greece
Costa Cruises announced that COSTA LUMINOSA set sail again on May 16 from the port of Trieste, becoming the company's second ship in 2021 to resume operations and the first to resume cruises in the Adriatic Sea and Greece. Overall, Costa has a total of four ships scheduled to resume cruises this summer.
Carnival Corporation Brands Resume Cruising in Europe, Caribbean
Seven cruise line brands from Carnival Corporation & plc, have announced plans to resume guest cruise operations this summer, with AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn and P&O Cruises (UK) sailing from global ports in Europe and the Caribbean.
Cavotec has been awarded a contract by Nidec ASI as part of their EUR 12 million deal to provide ShorePower to five cruise liner berths at Malta’s Valletta Grand Harbour. The project is part of a major EU funded initiative by Infrastructure Malta to electrify the entire harbour and reduce harmful portside ship emissions by 90%.
The Estonian state is changing the financing of the construction of a new ferry
In order to develop the ferry connection between the Estonian islands and the mainland, the Estonian state plans to purchase an additional ferry. According to the initial plan, the ship was to be ordered through AS Tallinna Sadam subsidiary TS Laevad OÜ, but now it is planned to order it through the Transport Administration in order to seize the opportunity to use the modernization fund and CO2 trading revenue to finance the shipbuilding.
EU awards nearly € 25 million in funding to ‘green port project’ Rotterdam
An international alliance of 45 companies, knowledge institutes and port authorities, headed by the Port of Rotterdam Authority, has been awarded nearly € 25 million in EU funding. The consortium will be using this grant to execute 10 pilot projects and demonstration projects that focus on sustainable and smart logistics in port operations. In the years ahead, the transport sector is expected to transition to clean power. At this moment it is not clear yet which types it will be adopting exactly, and for which modes of transport.
Port of Southampton announces second Shore Power connection
ABP announces plans to install a second Shore Power connection at the Port of Southampton, continuing its support for sustainable cruising.
Following the announcement that Shore Power is one of the leading environmental features incorporated into the design of the port’s new Horizon cruise terminal, ABP has confirmed that the Mayflower terminal is also set to be equipped with the same ‘plug in’ technology.
Liknoss partners with TUI for Tours & Activities
Liknoss has selected TUI Group as its global Tours & Activities partner. Through this new partnership, travel agencies and ferry companies that are part of the Liknoss partner network will now have access to more than 55,000 curated experiences in over 100 countries.
AIDA Cruises expands its vacation program for summer 2021
Shortly after bookings started for the new AIDA Ahoy tours, which depart from Kiel on May 22, 2021, AIDA Cruises reports a high demand for these cruises.
To meet pent-up demand, AIDA Cruises announces the launch of additional new voyages, which will be bookable from May 26, 2021. Details about the voyages and pricing will be announced shortly.
Viking Line will launch cruises to Österlen this summer
This summer, Viking Line offers Österlen cruises from Stockholm for the first time. Due to prevailing Danish pandemic restrictions, the company is replacing Bornholm with Österlen on two of its previously planned Baltic Sea cruises. The cruises that combine the destinations Ystad and Visby depart on 6 and 20 June.
Most read
Secure your seat and book now! (Upd.8 Jan)
jan 08 2026
VIKING GLORY to make evening voyages from Turku when VIKING GRACE is dry-docked
dec 29 2025
EXPRESS 5 to sail more in 2026
dec 29 2025
Scottish government to nationalise Ardrossan Harbour and carry out major upgrading programme to be able to dock new CalMac ferries
jan 09 2026
Brittany Ferries secure prime 8:15am slot at Port of St Malo
dec 29 2025
Marine Atlantic charters A NEPITA from Stena RoRo
jan 07 2026
Indonesian ferry wrecked in the Sunda Strait
jan 08 2026
Lite Ferries takes delivery of LITE FERRY TWENTY
jan 08 2026
