Shippax Newsletter– week 25
Prevent border chaos — Interferry demands pragmatic EES enforcement ahead of summer peak
Interferry, the global association representing the ferry industry, is urgently calling on European Union authorities and member states to adopt a pragmatic approach to the new Entry/Exit System (EES) rules. Following severe congestion during the May bank holidays, the association warns that without immediate flexibility and better passenger communication, the upcoming high summer season faces widespread disruption.
MOL signs deal to supply bio-LNG fuel for car carriers in Europe
Bio-LNG fuel bunkering vessel supplying the CIELO ACE
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has signed new supply agreements covering Northern Europe and the Mediterranean to expand the use of bio-LNG fuel aboard its LNG-fuelled car carriers. Titan, part of Molgas, will continue supplying bio-LNG in Northwest Europe, while Axpo takes charge of Mediterranean supply, enabling bunkering at the Spanish ports of Malaga and Barcelona. The deal builds on a Western European supply agreement that commenced in March 2025.
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Echandia to supply battery system for Incat's new 78-metre hybrid ferry
Echandia will supply the battery system Echandia Core for a new 78-metre hybrid catamaran being built by Incat Tasmania, Australia. The order marks Echandia's first delivery to Incat, one of the world's leading builders of high-speed aluminium ferries.
The vessel has been designed and built to ensure maximum deployment flexibility whilst significantly reducing OPEX, allowing operators to transition away from fossil fuels in the most practical and cost-effective way. It can carry up to 625 persons and 120 cars at a maximum speed of 28 knots.
Bill introduced for zero-emission ferries in New York
New York lawmakers have introduced the Clean Ferries Bill, which would require publicly funded ferry operators to purchase only zero-emission vessels starting in 2028 and mandate that other public vessels operating in New York State waters be zero-emission by 2032.
The legislation would also direct the state to study the charging infrastructure needed to support electric ferries. Sponsored by Assembly Member Tony Simone and Senator Brian Kavanagh, the bill targets emissions from New York's large passenger ferry sector. Supporters note that NYC Ferry alone emits about 180,000 kilograms of nitrogen oxides annually.
Hibernia Lines charter creates queues of trucks in Estonia
SIRENA SEAWAYS © Frank Lose
Due the three-year charter of the 1.923 lane metres and 717 passengers RoPax SUPERFAST IX to Hibernia Lines, Tallink ended freight operations on the Paldiski–Kapellskär route in May, leaving DFDS as the sole operator. The move has created capacity challenges for freight carriers, as trade with Scandinavia is important for Estonian exports and demand for truck transport to Sweden frequently exceeds available ferry space.
Tersan in Turkey launches final hull in Norled’s record-breaking quartet
Earlier launch of sister, RISVÆR
On 16 June, Tersan Shipyard in Turkey launched the hull of the final vessel in a series of four double-ended ferries being built for Norled. Each ferry has a gross tonnage of 3,405 and a length of 84.5 metres. The four newbuildings, which will be named SØHOLMEN, RISVÆR, KVITVÆR, and SJONA respectively, will be delivered in fully outfitted condition from Tersan Havyard in Norway within the second half of 2026.
GLEN SANNOX assigned role as relief ferry
GLEN SANNOX © Ferguson Marine
Caledonian MacBrayne has decided to use the company's second largest and second-newest ferry, the GLEN SANNOX, built in 2024, exclusively as a relief vessel during this year's busy summer season.
This was reported by The Scotsman. Based in Stornoway, the 7,772 GT ferry, with capacity for 852 passengers and 127 cars, will only be deployed if one of the operator's other vessels in the route network suffers a technical breakdown. GLEN SANNOX was delivered by the British shipyard Ferguson Marine in November 2024, after a delay of six years.
Sallaum Lines orders two next-generation 8,600 CEU car carriers
Sallaum Lines has ordered the two largest vessels in its history, signing a shipbuilding contract with Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (XSI) for 2 + 2 next-generation PCTCs, each with an 8,600 CEU capacity.
The order follows the recent delivery of Sallaum Lines' newest LNG dual-fuel ships and marks the next step in an accelerating fleet renewal programme.
The two firm vessels will be the largest ever commissioned by Sallaum Lines. Each ship will measure 199.90 metres in length overall, with a beam of 38 metres and an air draught of 46 metres.
Hibernia Line launches its brexit-bypass route
AKKA © Frank Heine
The new Ireland-based RoPax operator Hibernia Line launched services on 13 June between Cork (Ringaskiddy) in Ireland and Boulogne-sur-Mer in France, located approximately 50 km south of Calais. The inaugural sailings were operated by ST PATRICK from Ringaskiddy and AKKA from Boulogne-sur-Mer.
Hibernia Line now operates a year-round service between the two ports, with six sailings per week in each direction. The crossing takes approximately 22 hours, with departures from Ireland at 21:00 local time and from France at 22:00 local time.
Historic deal secures Sweden–Germany rail ferry services until 2031
SKÅNE, one of two Stena Line rail ferries © Jukka Huotari
Stena Line has signed a historic agreement with the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) that secures the continued operation of rail ferry services between Sweden and Germany. The agreement, the first of its kind, ensures that traffic on the Trelleborg–Rostock route can continue until 31 December 2031.
AML secures MONTE EXPRESS for OPE 2026
MONTE D'ORO © Marc Ottini
Africa Morocco Link (AML) has chartered the ferry MONTE EXPRESS from UME Shipping ahead of OPE 2026. OPE, short for Operación Paso del Estrecho ("Operation Crossing the Strait"), is the annual peak travel season during which North African migrant workers return from Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar to their home countries for summer holidays.
Fincantieri delivers MEIN SCHIFF FLOW: second InTUItion-class cruise ship completed
Fincantieri has delivered MEIN SCHIFF FLOW to TUI Cruises at its Monfalcone shipyard, marking completion of the second next-generation InTUItion-class cruise ship. The 160,000 GT vessel accommodates approximately 4,000 passengers and is designed for LNG dual-fuel operation.
Adria Ferries charters GNV PEGASUS for summer 2026
Adria Ferries has announced that it has reached an agreement with GNV for the charter of the vessel GNV PEGASUS, which will operate on the company's flagship Bari–Durrës route during the 2026 summer season.
The agreement comes as Adria Ferries moves to safeguard capacity and service reliability following the fire incident involving GNV PHOENIX, the vessel that had previously been earmarked for charter operations during the peak summer period.
Swedish Parliament's tonnage tax decision enables Gotlandsbolaget to repatriate Gotland RoPax contract
The Swedish Parliament has approved a revised tonnage tax regime offering international competitiveness, paving the way for Gotlandsbolaget to relocate the Gotland traffic concession agreement with Trafikverket to Swedish jurisdiction from 2027 onwards.
The revised tax framework removes the barrier to repatriating the strategically significant route agreement, which currently extends to 2035. Gotlandsbolaget has now submitted a formal application to Trafikverket requesting the contract relocation to Swedish sovereignty.
Corsica Linea introduces CAPU ROSSU
CAPU ROSSU © Jean-Pierre Fabre
On 11 June, Corsica Linea marked the entry into service of the company's newbuild CAPU ROSSU. The occasion was celebrated with a ceremony on board while the vessel was in Marseille, including, among other things, a Catholic blessing of the ship. A similar ceremony was held the following day in the Corsican port of Ajaccio, after the vessel had completed its first regular crossing.
Wasaline's AURORA BOTNIA receives Stena Line livery update following acquisition
Wasaline has completed a visual update of AURORA BOTNIA following Stena Line's acquisition of the company. The vessel's funnel has been repainted in Stena Line's characteristic red with the S emblem, whilst new design elements including the signature green wave motif have been added to the hull sides, reflecting the new ownership structure and deepened collaboration between the operators.
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