Shippax Newsletter– week 12
MANXMAN has proved its value in its first two years of operation
MANXMAN © John Bryant
A total of 630,279 passengers travelled with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company's ferries in 2024. This is the highest figure since 2007 and 1.2% more than in 2023. Revenue from passenger tickets increased by 6.8%, while passengers also spent more onboard.
Grenaa open for new ferry operator to Sweden after Stena exit - but only for one year
STENA NAUTICA © Søren Lund Hviid
On 30 April, Stena Line will sail its final crossing with STENA NAUTICA on its route between Halmstad in Sweden and Grenaa in Denmark. The company has operated the route since 2020, when the Swedish port of call was moved from Varberg to Halmstad, but unsatisfactory traffic figures have led Stena Line to a withdrawal from Grenaa.
Only 1.5 months left until the 2026 Shippax Ferry Conference
There are only 1.5 months left until the 2026 Shippax Ferry Conference, and few seats remain. Secure yours now before we sell out.
Timetable, speakers and exhibitors/sponsors list has been updated.
- ~500 delegates, +240 companies
- Two days of programme with industry expert speakers
- Intimate, approachable and efficient networking
- A proper exhibition area
- Value-for-money. All events, meals and cabins included
- A guaranteed both educational and enjoyable event!
WHERE? GNV’S RHAPSODY
ROUTE? Genoa - Olbia and return
WHEN? 5-7 May 2026
REGISTER NOW
We still have a few sponsorships and exhibition stands left to maximise your company's exposure!
These sponsorships are left:
-Lunch, 6th of May
-Dinner drink, 6th of May
-Breakfast, 7th of May
Extra night on board RHAPSODY before the conference (4–5 May, 2026)
For those of you arriving the day before the conference starts, we offer the possibility to stay on board RHAPSODY also between 4–5 May, 2026, in the same cabin you will occupy during the conference (5-7 May).
This option provides a cost- and time-efficient alternative to a hotel stay for guests arriving in Genoa the day before the conference begins. It is also an excellent opportunity for exhibitors and/or sponsors to set up their exhibition tables at a relaxed pace.
This extra night is booked through the regular registration page Registration online 2026 | Shippax Ferry Conference
THEME
"OPTIMISING OPERATIONS, ENHANCING EXPERIENCES"
MAIN PROGRAMME SESSIONS
Moderators
Frederik Erdmann - Moderator and contributing correspondent Shippax
Alan Lam - Co-moderator and correspondent and analyst Shippax
RoPax executives panel debate 1
Matteo Catani - CEO GNV
Christophe Mathieu - CEO Brittany Ferries
Pierre Mattei - CEO and Owner of Corsica Ferries group
Étienne Melliani - CEO La Méridionale
Kasper Moos - CEO P&O Ferries
Marcus Risberg - CEO Viking Line
More TBA
RoPax executives panel debate 2
Götz Becker - Managing Director FRS
Carlos Santos - Managing Director Porto Santo Line
Brian Thomson - Managing Director Isle of Man Steam Packet Company
More TBA
RoRo executives panel debate
Mohamed Badawy - Chairman UME Shipping
Elvir Dzanic - CEO Wallenius SOL
Euan Lonmon - Director Grendi
Dan Mikkola - Managing director Godby Shipping
More TBA
Keynote speakers
Tobias Billström - Former Swedish minister for foreign affairs, migration, deputy speaker of parliament, entrepreneur and advisor
Thomas P. Illes - Maritime business consultant and university lecturer
Bruce Peter - Professor of Design History at the Glasgow School of Art
More TBA
New ships & projects
Robert Clifford - Chairman Incat
Frederik Gerhardt - Lead Naval Architect RISE (Research Institutes of Sweden)
Nikias Ioannidis - Business Development LMG Marin
Victor Laravoire - Project Execution Director LMG Marin
Kristian Lind - Chief Technical Officer OSK Design
Ivana Melillo - Energy Efficiency Director GNV
Juan Pablo Molina - Corporate Technical Director Balearia
Roberto Prever - CEO NAOS Ship and Boat design
Per Westling - Managing Director Stena RoRo
Zhou Zhiyong - Vice President Shanghai Merchant Ship Design & Research Institute (SDARI)
Ferry industry performance and megatrends
Frederik Erdmann – Moderator and correspondent for Shippax
Alan Lam - Co-moderator and correspondent and analyst Shippax
New technologies and inspirations
ABB - Speaker TBA
Diego Caride - Business Development Director, Marine Division, Ingeteam
Giorgio Caviglia - Global Business Development Manager GF Piping Systems
Magne Ekerum - Chief Design Officer Seat Innovation
Manos Giakoumelis - Chief Technology Officer Liknoss
Tony Jinvresse - Business Development Manager for Marine & Offshore VID FIREKILL
Konstantina Katachana - Product Manager Liknoss
Alex Rubio - Group Product Manager Quvia
Markus Tompuri - Account Director, Ferry (Global), Safety Solutions, NAPA
Oier Urrutia Madariaga - Key Account Manager Ingeteam
Wärtsilä - Speaker TBA
Zelim - Speaker TBA
Rules & Regulations Debate
Roger Barrett James - Executive Vice President & General Counsel Unifire
Johan Roos - Director of Regulatory Affairs, Interferry
Tiina Tuurnala - CEO of the Finnish Shipowners' Association
More TBA
Designers' Talking Table
Thomas P. Illes - Maritime business consultant and university lecturer
Emelie Posniak Hansen - Architect and Sales Manager for Interior at OSK Design
Bruce Peter - Professor of Design History at the Glasgow School of Art
More TBA
Interferry update
Mike Corrigan - CEO Interferry
More TBA
Shippax Awards
Frederik Erdmann, Alan Lam
Danish Royals visit Incat to view Europe’s largest electric ferries
Incat Tasmania welcomed Their Majesties The King and Queen of Denmark to the Hobart shipyard, where they viewed construction of the world's most advanced battery-electric ferries. Their Majesties were joined by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the official visit, which showcased Incat's leadership in sustainable shipbuilding and highlighted the construction of three large battery-electric ferries for Danish operator Molslinjen.
CMAL takes ownership of Ardrossan Harbour
Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL) completed the purchase of Ardrossan Harbour on behalf of the Scottish Government. The acquisition from Peel Ports Group includes the full harbour area, the Arran and Irish berths, linkspans, car park and marshalling area, part of the land currently used by the boatyard, and the approach road. CMAL, owned by The Scottish Government, is buying Ardrossan harbour to speed up its long-planned upgrade for sailings to Brodick on Arran.
Remontowa delivers electric ferry BJARKØY to Torghatten
On 18 March, Stocznia Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A delivered the electrically powered BJARKØY to Torghatten Nord AS. Construction of the vessel began in May 2024. BJARKØY is equipped with two azimuth thrusters fitted with vertically mounted electric motors, powered by batteries with a total capacity of approximately 2.3 MWh.
Continued FuelEU Maritime pooling with Viking Line and Wallenius SOL
Gasum continues its strategic pooling partnerships with Viking Line and Wallenius SOL in 2026. By operating their vessels on bio-LNG, Viking Line and Wallenius SOL are generating compliance units for Gasum's FuelEU Maritime pool. Both companies sail dualfuel vessels that can use LNG or bio-LNG interchangeably as fuel.
Construction of BURSZTYN UNITY moving forward
BURSZTYN UNITY © Remontowa
Construction of BURSZTYN UNITY, sister ship to JANTAR UNITY, at Gdansk's Remontowa Shipyard is entering its final phase, with delivery to Unity Line expected in the last quarter of 2026.
JANTAR UNITY has been operating Baltic routes for over two months following its entry into service in January 2026, work on BURSZTYN UNITY has accelerated markedly in recent weeks.
Candela and Canopy Power partner to deliver floating solar charging for electric ferries in asia-pacific
Candela has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based renewable energy firm Canopy Power to deploy floating solar-powered charging stations for electric vessels in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The collaboration integrates Candela's efficient P-12 hydrofoil ferries with Canopy Power's microgrids featuring Ocean Sun's patented floating solar technology, creating a fully fossil-free "sun-to-sea" ecosystem for remote island communities and coastal tourism.
Interferry Regulatory Report • IMO Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE) 12 Summary
On 9 March 2026, the IMO sub-committee on Ship Systems and Equipment convened for its 12th session (SSE12). To Interferry, the most relevant issue was fires on ro-ro decks, where we were heavily engaged in the comprehensive amendments on fire protection for ro-ro passenger ships, adopted by the IMO in 2024. Following that work, the IMO now puts its focus on fires inside containers and on cargo decks of vehicle carriers. The latter in particular relates to the carriage of electric vehicles on Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTCs).
GSI identified as lead bidder for Northern Isles Freight Flex vessels contract
The lead bidder for a contract to build two new freight flex vessels to serve the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick Route has been identified. Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) intends to award the contract to Guangzhou Shipyard International Co., Ltd (GSI) in China, following a 10-day standstill period.
The 140m long freight flex ferries will replace the HELLIAR and HILDASAY on the service operated by Serco NorthLink Ferries.
Attica Group announces major fleet renewal
MEI ZHU HU will be renamed AERO 4 HIGHSPEED
Attica Group has signed a five-year bareboat charter agreement for the 2021-built RoPax GNV BRIDGE, which will be renamed SUPERFAST V and join the Adriatic routes in May 2026, replacing the 1987-built LEFKA ORI. The Group is also renewing its fast ferry fleet in the Saronic Gulf through the purchase of two modern 270-seat Aero Highspeed catamarans and the en-bloc sale of four older vessels to Seajets.
1980-Built Brodogradiliste RoRo sold for scrapping
VICTORIA © Shippax
The Turkey-based company Clearline Shipping Ltd. has sold the RoRo vessel GUZEL, built in 1980, for scrapping. The 962 lanemetre GUZEL sailed under the name CIRKIN until 2020 and has been linked to several violations of the arms transport embargo to Libya, but in recent years it mainly operated between Turkey and Russia.
Ukraine strikes two Russian rail ferries
During the night between 13 and 14 March, the Ukrainian military attacked the RoRo rail ferry connection across the Kerch Strait between the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula and mainland Russia. The rail ferry service supplements the railway line on the bridge across the Kerch Strait, which has been attacked several times by Ukraine, although it has not yet been destroyed.
BLUE LUMINOUS was renamed NATCHAN NEO, and NATCHAN WORLD left Japan for Greece
NATCHAN NEO © Yoshiho Ikeda
BLUE LUMINOUS, which plied between Hakodate and Aomori from 2020 to August 2025 under Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry, was sold to High-speed Marine Transport and renamed NATCHAN NEO in autumn of 2025. She will be used as a transport ship by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Meanwhile, NATCHAN WORLD, which has been used by the JSDF under High-speed Marine Transport was sold to Seajets, and renamed TERA JET 3.
Damen unveils first Waterbus 2907 Electric
Damen Shipyards Group has completed construction of the first Waterbus 2907 Electric. The fully electric vessel is designed to provide sustainable public transport in urban areas, operating with extremely low levels of wash and zero emissions. The shipbuilder has introduced the vessel at a special event at Damen Shiprepair Amsterdam.
NGO urges for immediately removal of EU approvals for shipbreaking in Aliaga
In an open letter the European Commission, the NGO Shipbreaking Platform urge the commission to take immediate action to remove the EU approval of ship recycling facilities in Aliaga, Turkey, under Article 23 of the EU Ship Recycling Regulation, until changes are made to align the sector with existing EU and national environmental laws, occupational health and safety standards and labour rights.
Læsø Municipality has initially declined an offer from Molslinjen
© Søren Lund Hviid
Læsøfærgen - the municipally owned ferry company on the Danish Kattegat island of Læsø - has for now chosen not to accept Molslinjen's offer to operate the island's ferry service with a newly built fully electric ferry.
Grimaldi takes delivery of car carrier GRANDE SEOUL
In Shanghai, the Grimaldi Group took delivery of the new Pure Car & Truck Carrier (PCTC) GRANDE SEOUL. Built by SWS (Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company Limited) and CSTC (China Shipbuilding Trading Company Limited) – both part of China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC) – the vessel is the Italian group’s ninth ammonia-ready unit, meaning she is prepared for the future use of ammonia as an alternative, zero-carbon fuel.
Echandia launches the next generation of Echandia Ultra
Building on six years of proven ferry operation in Copenhagen, the new battery system strengthens Echandia's offering for demanding high-power marine duty cycles, delivering faster charging, longer service life, and reliability for demanding operations.
TINKER BELL collides with SKÅNE in Trelleborg port
Port of Trelleborg
A technical malfunction aboard TT-Line's ferry TINKER BELL led to a collision with the moored Stena Line vessel SKÅNE in Trelleborg harbor in the afternoon of Wednesday the 11th of March, causing notable damage but no injuries or pollution.
The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. when TINKER BELL, returning from maintenance in Klaipeda, lost steering control while entering the port. It struck the port-side bow of SKÅNE, which had arrived from Rostock and was berthed with about 130 passengers onboard.
Viking Line hit by data breach
Viking Line has confirmed a data breach affecting customer information after a security incident at one of its third-party suppliers. The breach, discovered earlier this week, occurred via a subcontractor handling pre-order services for onboard purchases and reservations.
According to reports from Finnish media including Yle, Iltalehti, and Hufvudstadsbladet, leaked data includes details related to advance bookings and possibly passenger personal information.
DFDS February volumes
In February 2026, DFDS saw RoPax passenger numbers drop 23.3% to 181,000 year-on-year (adjusted for route changes), driven by poor weather and reduced departures across Europe. The 12-month total fell 22.4% to 5.1 million (5.8% adjusted). Freight volumes rose 3.0% to 3.5 million lanemetres (+1.6% adjusted), with growth in most regions. Rolling 12-month freight edged up 0.6% to 41.6 million (-1.3% adjusted).
Port of Turku to build a system that streamlines departures and peak periods
The Port of Turku’s new passenger terminal is taking a digital leap as a modern passenger and traffic management system is being built for the area. Following a competitive tendering process, the Turku-based software company Weasel Software has been selected as the provider and will be responsible for delivering and commissioning the system.
EU maritime strategies include civil-military dual-use of ferries
The European Commission has adopted a comprehensive Industrial Maritime Strategy to drive competitiveness, innovation and technological leadership in Europe's maritime manufacturing and shipping industries. The Strategy sets out a vision and concrete actions to reinforce Europe's industrial sovereignty, not least with a focus on EU shipbuilding and shipping as vital industries for the Union's strategic autonomy.
MIMER continues in the Mediterranean
The 1,032 lanemetre RoRo vessel MIMER completed a five-month time charter to Midline Shipping in December last year. Midline Shipping, a Dubai-based company, entered the Mediterranean RoRo shortsea market in 2025 with a route between Misurata/Benghazi in Libya and Chioggia, near Venice in northern Italy.
MOL Sunflower includes Miyazaki on their Tokyo-Kanda route
A new scheduled RoRo freight service with a stop-over in Miyazaki Port on an existing route connecting Tokyo and Kanda has officially been launched by MOL Sunflower. The shortsea route is operated by the 1,920 lanemetre RoRo MUSASHI MARU and the RoPax SUNFLOWER DAISETSU with a similar freight capacity. SUNFLOWER DAISETSU has a passenger capacity of 154 which is not utilized on the route.
Alfa Laval completes Factory Acceptance Test for FCM Ammonia, confirming commercial readiness for ammonia-fuelled engines
Alfa Laval has successfully completed the certified Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) for FCM Ammonia fuel supply system, class certified by China Classification Society (CCS). The milestone confirms that the fuel supply system has passed all functional and safety verification procedures in accordance with the required standards, demonstrating that it is engineered and tested for safe integration into an ammonia-fuelled two-stroke engine environment.
GLEN SANNOX to receive new propellers
CalMac Ferries’ ferry GLEN SANNOX, which is only just under one and a half years old and was delivered with more than six years’ delay from the shipyard Ferguson Marine Engineering, returned to service on 9 March on the Troon–Brodick route after a four-month shipyard stay.
New report points to great potential for electrification of ferries in Europe
T&E, the European umbrella for non-governmental organisations working in the field of transport and the environment, assesses in their newly published report “Full Charge ahead: Investigating the potential to electrify Europe’s ferries” that more than half of EU ferries could be electrified and be cost-competitive with fossil-powered ferries by 2035.
Bio-LNG provided significant emissions reductions for TT-Line
TT-Line has revealed that, working closely with Everllence PrimeServ Germany, its RoPax vessels NILS HOLGERSSON and PETER PAN successfully operated on bio-LNG throughout 2025, achieving significant emissions reductions.
Gotlandsbolaget 2025 financial results
The Group's revenue increased significantly, from SEK 2,622.0 million in 2024 to SEK 3,744.6 million in 2025, while adjusted operating profit for the year was SEK 35.3 million, compared to SEK 218.2 million in 2024.
Brittany Ferries acquires SAINT-MALO and GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE from Stena RoRo
Brittany Ferries has confirmed the acquisition of the two E-Flexer hybrid vessels, SAINT-MALO and GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE. The purchase follows a long-term partnership with Stena RoRo and was supported by the local authorities of Brittany and Normandy, the Caisse des Dépôts, and the Crédit Agricole Group.
February was a record month for Wasaline
Wasaline reports its best February since operations began in 2013. A total of 18,191 passengers travelled with the company during the month, representing an 11 percent increase compared with the same period last year.
CM HONG KONG was the first ship to bunker green methanol in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has taken an important step in maritime decarbonization. On 5 March 2026, the methanol dual fuel CM HONG KONG successfully completed the port’s first green methanol bunkering operation, receiving about 500 tonnes of certified green methanol via a ship-to-ship transfer.
Italy designates three new Motorways of the Seas
Italy’s Sea Modal Shift programme, previously known as Marebonus, has approved three new Italian Motorways of the Sea applications for routes that can contribute to the EU-programme’s goal of shifting freight transport from the road network to sea-based corridors.
THE BALTIC WHALE has now been put into operation
Scandlines has put its new ferry, THE BALTIC WHALE, into operation on the Rødby–Puttgarden route. The ferry marks an important step toward the company’s long-term goal of operating without direct emissions by 2040, while also increasing capacity for freight customers.
Triple ceremony for Fincantieri and Explora Journeys at Sestri Ponente
Fincantieri and Explora Journeys marked three milestones at the Sestri Ponente shipyard. The shipbuilding company and the European luxury ocean travel brand from the MSC Group launched EXPLORA IV, held the coin ceremony for EXPLORA V, and started construction on EXPLORA VI.
Coast guard vessel hit ECKERÖ
A medium sized vessel from the Swedish Coast Guard, KBV 202, hit Eckerö Line’s ferry ECKERÖ at around 10:00 a.m. on 4 March, while the ferry was berthed in Grisslehamn. The allision caused damage to the hull above the waterline of ECKERÖ, forcing the ferry to remain out of service for the rest of the day.
Harsh winter weather delayed Torghatten newbuildings sea trials
The yard number B620/1, TBN: BJARKØY – a hybrid electric ferry built at Remontowa Shipbuilding for the Norwegian shipowner Torghatten Nord, has commenced sea trials. The ferry had been ready to set sail for sea trials since mid-January 2026. However, the start of sea trials was delayed by unfavourable weather conditions and a permanent ice cover on the harbour channel reaching up to 50 cm locally.
New ferry setup on the Lysefjord to be introduced in May
On 15 May, Rødne Fjord Cruise will deploy the 1997-built ferry PETTER DASS, which can carry 299 passengers and 50 cars, on the route between Lauvvik and Lysebotn at the end of the Lysefjord in Norway. This follows the award of a new 10-year contract with the public transport company Kolumbus and the Rogaland County municipality.
Vehicle deck fire on board GOLDEN BRIDGE
On the morning of 6 March at 5:00 a.m., a fire broke out in a truck tractor on the vehicle deck of A-Ships Management’s GOLDEN BRIDGE, currently on a long-term charter to GNV. The 26,526 GT ferry, carrying 169 passengers and 46 crew members, was at the time about 50 nautical miles off Palma de Mallorca, where it was sailing from Barcelona.
SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V is now on its way to Australia
TT-Line Tasmania’s SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V began its voyage down under on 7 March from Leith in Scotland to Tasmania, with its first stop in Gibraltar. SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V is the last of two 48,000 GT RoPax ferries built by Rauma Marine Construction in Finland.
Tersan Havyard signs a contract with Fjord1
Fjord1 has contracted Tersan Havyard to convert three ferries to hybrid electric operation. The project includes the two 2016-built sisters LOSNA and HORNELEN, and the 2001-built NORDFJORD, which will be upgraded to meet new requirements for upcoming connections.
Veteran AF FRANCESCA sent to breakers
Adria Ferries has sold its veteran RoPax ferry AF FRANCESCA for recycling at the shipbreaking yard in Aliaga, Turkey. The 1979-built ship, originally launched as DOMIZIANA for Tirrenia di Navigazione, departed Durres, Albania, on 28 February 2026, on its final voyage.
Brittany Ferries and Islands Unlimited join forces to offer new passenger ferry link between Guernsey and Jersey
Brittany Ferries and Channel Islands-based ferry operator Islands Unlimited have joined forces to operate a new inter-island passenger ferry service between Guernsey and Jersey. The service started in early March.
Gosport Ferry sold to the parent company of Uber Boat by Thames Clipper
The famous Gosport Ferry service, which has provided daily passenger services across Portsmouth Harbour, between Gosport and Portsea for over 100 years, has new owners. The ferry company’s existing owners, the FIH Group (formerly the Falklands Islands Group) has sold the business to the parent company of Uber Boat by Thames Clipper – Collins River Enterprises, for GBP 11.6 million.
Corsica Linea purchase KALLISTE from La Méridionale
Corsica Linea has finalized the purchase of the RoPax ferry KALLISTE from La Méridionale. The vessel, previously at risk of being scrapped in Turkey, will be renamed CAPU DI MARU—after a scenic headland overlooking the Gulf of Ajaccio—and integrated into Corsica Linea’s operations following refit works.
Brittany Ferries strengthens its Cherbourg-Rosslare route in Ireland with charter of NORBAY
Brittany Ferries announces the entry into the fleet of the RoRo vessel NORBAY, which will strengthen the Cherbourg–Rosslare route from March 2026.
New Sorrento Ferry Terminal opened for Searoad Ferries
After 10 years of planning and a AUD 25 million private investment, Searoad Ferries opened its new Sorrento Ferry Terminal on 6 March 2026. Constructed entirely on pylons over Port Phillip Bay, the landmark terminal is one of Australia’s only permanent buildings built fully over water. Designed by F2Architect and delivered by Maben Group, the project reimagines the ferry experience between the Mornington and Bellarine Peninsulas.
Fincantieri delivers NORWEGIAN LUNA in Marghera
Fincantieri and Norwegian Cruise Line celebrated the delivery at the Marghera (Venice) shipyard of NORWEGIAN LUNA, the second ship of the expanded Prima Plus Class that Fincantieri is building for the ship owner.
Most read
Only 1.5 months left until the 2026 Shippax Ferry Conference (Upd.19 Mar)
mar 19 2026
TINKER BELL collides with SKÅNE in Trelleborg port
mar 12 2026
Viking Line hit by data breach
mar 12 2026
THE BALTIC WHALE has now been put into operation
mar 10 2026
Grenaa open for new ferry operator to Sweden after Stena exit - but only for one year
mar 19 2026
Attica Group announces major fleet renewal
mar 17 2026
GSI identified as lead bidder for Northern Isles Freight Flex vessels contract
mar 17 2026
MANXMAN has proved its value in its first two years of operation
mar 19 2026
