Shippax Newsletter– week 3
New ferries for the Malta-Gozo route
MALITA © Christian Costa
The Maltese government has announced a EUR 130 million investment to modernise ferry services between Malta and Gozo, responding to years of criticism over ageing vessels and service disruptions. The plan includes the purchase of two new ferries and the retrofitting of the existing fleet, with full implementation expected by 2029.
A large ferry carrying 250 vehicles will cost around EUR 65 million, while a smaller 75-vehicle vessel will cost EUR 45 million.
Stena Line posts record freight volumes on Belfast routes
2025 was another record year for Stena Line freight volumes on its three Belfast services with growth of 1.0%, increasing volumes to almost 600,000 freight units shipped from Belfast to Cairnryan, Liverpool (Birkenhead) and Heysham.
BEN-MY-CHREE on charter to Stena Line for four months
BEN-MY-CHREE © Isle of Man Steam Packet
Stena Line has chartered the Isle of Man Steam Packet RoPax vessel BEN-MY-CHREE for the first four months of the year to cover the route between Rosslare and Fishguard. Initially, this is while STENA NORDICA is acting as a replacement on the Dublin/Holyhead route.
DFDS December 2025 volumes
DFDS reported December 2025 volumes, showing total freight of 3.0m lane metres, 1.2% above 2024 and 0.4% lower adjusted for route changes. The number of passengers in December 2025 was adjusted for route changes* down 2.7% to 329k vs 2024 and the adjusted full-year growth rate was -4.4%.
Fred. Olsen Cargo Express is reporting disappointing results
BAHIA CARGO © Marc Ottini
Six months after launching its pure RoRo service from La Palma (Gran Canaria) with the RoRo vessels BENTAYGA CARGO, BAHIA CARGO, and BRENAS CARGO, Fred. Olsen Cargo Express is reporting disappointing results. Despite significant investment in second-hand tonnage, load factors remain too low to cover operating costs, with average volumes around 20 units and some sailings recording even lower figures.
Historic passenger record on the Canary Islands
BAJAMAR EXPRESS © Frank Lose
Fred. Olsen Express closed 2025 with a historic record of 4 million passengers transported - the highest figure ever recorded by the company in a single year. Overall, it increased the number of people and vehicles carried by 10% compared with the previous year, surpassing one million vehicles.
Port of Trelleborg to introduce shore power in 2026
ROBIN HOOD in Trelleborg © Søren Lund Hviid
Onshore power facilities are being installed in Port of Trelleborg's berths no. 10 and 11. Some work and connections remain, but in early 2026, TT-Line will be able to connect four of their vessels to onshore electricity in the Port of Trelleborg. The port's two own wind turbines will supply the vessels with fossil-free electricity.
Grimaldi celebrates the arrival of the GRANDE MANILA
The new PCTC GRANDE MANILA was delivered to the Grimaldi Group and christened in Shanghai. 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 seventh ammonia-ready unit, meaning she is prepared for the future use of ammonia as an alternative fuel.
Trinidad & Tobago charter BLUE WAVE HARMONY to replace CABO STAR
BLUE WAVE HARMONY © Blue Wave
The Government of Trinidad & Tobago has found a replacement ferry for CABO STAR, whose charter from Bridgemans expired on 12 January. Replacer is the 1,925 lanemetre capacity 1991-built freight RoRo BLUE WAVE HARMONY which has been chartered for 12 months from her owners Blue Wave Corporation. BLUE WAVE HARMONY, formerly the EUROPEAN SEAWAY owned by P&O Ferries, is expected to arrive in Port of Spain around the 21 January.
New seven-year ferry concession awarded to Torghatten
Torghatten has signed a concession contract with Nordland County (Northern Norway) for the operation of two ferry routes: Sandnessjøen–Bjørn (Dønna island)–Løkta and Søvik–Austbø–Flostad (Herøy island)–Brasøy.
Öresundslinjen reported strong growth in 2025
TYCHO BRAHE
In 2025, more than six million passengers and more than a million cars chose Öresundslinjen's ferries for their trip across the Sound. 6,373,842 passengers – of which 3,363,377 were pedestrians – ensured another year of growth on the route.
The number of passenger cars has also increased by two percent to 1,036,897 compared to 2024. This is the highest number of passenger cars since 2019.
DALMACIJA replaces MARKO POLO on Jadrolinija’s Italy routes
DALMACIJA © Frank Lose
In its 2026 timetable, Jadrolinija will withdraw the ferry MARKO POLO, built in 1973, from the company's international routes to Italy. The vessel, which has been operating for Jadrolinija since 1989, will instead be used exclusively on the company's domestic route network within Croatia, the operator announced.
Design tender out for new Jadrolinija ferries
Jadrolinija closed 2025 with transporting 3.5 million vehicles and 12.2 million passengers. This represents a slight decline compared to the exceptional 2024 results, when the company achieved its all-time high of approximately 3.76 million vehicles and 12.67 million passengers.
Toyota cuts scope 3 emissions by 22,000 tonnes using UECC low-carbon shipping
© UECC
Toyota Motor Europe (TME) reduced its Scope 3 emissions by 22,148 tonnes of CO2e in 2024 by using low-carbon fuels under United European Car Carriers' (UECC) Sail for Change programme. The savings were achieved by transporting nearly 55,000 vehicles on UECC vessels between August and December.
Wasaline posts solid 2025 results
Wasaline's volumes increased by 2.6% to 259,769 passengers in 2025, despite the vessel being on dry dock during the last week of December. On the freight side, there was a slight decline in volumes, mainly due to the economic downturn, as major construction projects in the region were postponed, paper imports and exports decreased, and following the bankruptcy of Northvolt. Nevertheless, freight operations showed an increase in market share.
BUENAVISTA EXPRESS to be put into service on the shared Canary Islands route
Fred. Olsen Express and Baleària will on 24 January add the BUENAVISTA EXPRESS to the route between Huelva and the Canary Islands, a route operated in a partnership between the two parties.
The vessel will replace the first-gen Visentini RoPax SICILIA.
Large tech-package from ABB on BC Ferries’ New Major Vessels
ABB will supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control technology for BC Ferries's four new double-ended RoPax ferries. The hybrid-electric ferries, which will replace four end-of-life vessels, are part of BC Ferries' 'New Major Vessels' program, aimed at the body of water separating Vancouver Island from the Lower Mainland of British Columbia.
Viking Line broke its cargo record
Marcus Risberg, CEO of Viking Line since November last year
In 2025, a total of 4,608,573 passengers travelled on Viking Line's vessels. Passenger volume decreased somewhat compared to 2024, by 0.8%. However, the number of passengers on BIRKA GOTLAND, which the company owns jointly with Gotlandsbolaget, increased 30% to 570,513 passengers, compared to its shorter first year in service, 2024. BIRKA GOTLAND sails mostly between Stockholm and Mariehamn.
Atlânticoline in the Azores choose Carus to upgrade their digital experience
Atlânticoline, the ferry operator in the Azores, Portugal, has partnered with Carus to enhance the digital experience for passengers traveling between the Azorean islands.
AURORA BOTNIA now back in service with the largest RoPax battery installation to date
Wasaline has expanded the onboard battery capacity of AURORA BOTNIA to 12.6 MWh from 2.2 MWh, making it the largest marine battery installation to date on a RoPax vessel in service, through the installation of AYK Energy's Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries. The vessel's drydocking works were carried out at Turku Repair Yard, one of BLRT Repair Yards, members of BLRT Grupp, contributing its respective expertise to the project.
DFDS appoints Michael Hansen as new CEO
Michael Hansen and Torben Carlsen
DFDS has appointed Michael Hansen as its new President & CEO, effective from latest 1 July 2026. Michael Hansen is currently President & CEO of Hempel and succeeds Torben Carlsen who is expected to step down as President & CEO on the same date.
SANTA JULIANA delivered to Montenegro Lines
Montenegro Shipping Lines took delivery in December of the newbuild SANTA JULIANA from Fujian Xinshenghai Shipbuilding in China. The 2,380 GT RoPax vessel will be deployed on the Batangas-based company's route between Batangas and Calapan.
Bridgemans Services Group expands global fleet with the addition of floatel MEGA X
Bridgemans Services Group (Bridgemans), a provider of integrated marine workforce accommodation solutions, announced the addition of the MEGA X to its growing global fleet of floatels. MEGA X is the former MEGA EXPRESS FIVE of Corsica Ferries.
Molslinjen expands collaboration with Vikingbus
From 1 June 2026, it will be Vikingbus that runs Molslinjen's bus company, Kombardo Expressen. Thus, Molslinjen expands its collaboration with Vikingbus, which today also runs Kombardo Expressen's routes to and from Bornholm and Sweden.
Molslinjen's Kattegat service transported more cars with fewer ferries
EXPRESS 3
The ferry year 2025 meant more cars than ever on Molslinjen's ferries on the Kattegat. This is despite a year with one less ferry than before and thus also fewer departures.
1,362,835 cars were transported in 2025 compared to 1,335,919 the year before. This is an increase of two percent – and slightly better than in 2019 when 1,351,588 cars were on the then four ferries.
Third-country PCTC network further expanded by Cosco
YONG LE KOU
Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers officially launched a new Thailand-Europe third-country RoRo (PCTC) service, further strengthening its end-to-end logistics support for Chinese OEMs. This took place 26 December, when the 2025-built PCTC YONG LE KOU completed loading 200 units of Changan S05 MAX electric vehicles at Laem Chabang Port, Thailand - marking Changan's first full-vehicle export from its Thailand manufacturing base to the European market.
Next Visentini-newbuilding goes to Grendi Group
Yard no. 235 for Grendi will be a sister ship to SOUTH ENABLER, delivered in May 2025 © Visentini
Grendi Group has entered a five-year time charter agreement for the Visentini yard no. 235. The charter of the 204 metre-long, 26-metre-wide RoRo-newbuilding with a capacity of 3,000 lanemetres and 952 TEU, will start in June 2026 at the expected delivery of the vessel from the Visentini shipyard, bringing Grendi Group's fleet up to five vessels.
Scottish government to nationalise Ardrossan Harbour and carry out major upgrading programme to be able to dock new CalMac ferries
Ardrossan Harbour © Peel Ports
One of Scotland's major ferry ports for lifeline services to the isle of Arran, Ardrossan, is to be acquired by the Scottish government, nationalised and then undergo a major facilities upgrade to accommodate ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne's (CalMac) latest two new ferries, GLEN SANNOX and GLEN ROSA.
Court decision allowed transfer of five ferry-ownerships to proceed
MOBY ALE DUE © Frank Lose
With an order published on 20 December, the Lazio Regional Administrative Court rejected Grimaldi Euromed's request for interim protection aimed at blocking the sale of five Moby ferries: MOBY AKI, MOBY WONDER, ATHARA, JANAS, and MOBY ALE DUE. The decision allows the transfer of ownership to proceed.
Proposal for further three newbuildings for Washington State Ferries
Washington State Ferries currently builds two 123-metre ferries at Eastern Shipbuilding © Eastern Shipbuilding
The US Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has proposed allocating USD 1 billion to purchase three new state ferries, along with an additional USD 150 million to keep the oldest vessels in the Washington State Ferries fleet operational until the new ships are delivered. If approved by lawmakers, the plan would bring the total number of hybrid-electric ferries under development to six, moving the state close to halfway toward its goal of replacing 13 aging diesel-powered vessels by 2040.
Dutch MoD ads additional sealift capacity from Spliethoff
TRICA © Frank Lose
In the coming years, the Dutch MoD (Ministry of Defence) will significantly expand its sea transport capabilities when Dutch ConRo operator Spliethoff is supplying the two identical ConRo vessels; TRICA and PLYCA. The two ConRo vessels can carry containers, vehicles, and helicopters, enabling the Dutch MOD to move equipment more quickly by sea.
Stena Line gets access to shore power in Ventspils
STENA BALTICA in Ventspils © Søren Lund Hviid
The Ventspils Freeport Authority has signed a contract for the construction of a shore power connection point at the ferry terminal of the Port of Ventspils. This will be the first berth in the port of Ventspils where ferries will be able to use a high-capacity shore power supply point. Berth No. 16 was built in 2000, and it provides mooring and handling services for ferries and other passenger vessels.
Strait Link acquired by Igneo Infrastructure Partners
TASMANIAN ACHIEVER II © Strait Link
Igneo Infrastructure Partners (Igneo), a global infrastructure investment manager which manages AUD 34.5 billion worth of assets, has acquired Strait Link, which owns and operate the two RoRo vessels VICTORIAN RELIANCE II and TASMANIAN ACHIEVER II.
Over 570,000 passengers cruised with BIRKA GOTLAND in 2025
The Baltic Sea's only dedicated cruise ship, BIRKA GOTLAND, has completed its first full calendar year in service, with just over 570,000 passengers. This represents an increase of 30 percent compared to 2024, when the ship only operated for three quarters of the year. Adjusted for the same traffic period (20 March–31 December), the increase is 9 per cent (38,000 passengers).
Intesa Sanpaolo and Grimaldi Group announce EUR 162.3 million green financing deal
Intesa Sanpaolo, through its IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, has finalised a EUR 162.3 million financing deal for Grimaldi Euromed, a Grimaldi Group company. The financing will support the acquisition of three next-generation PCTC ships – GRANDE EGITTO, GRANDE PACIFICO, and GRANDE OCEANIA – scheduled for delivery in 2026.
Indonesian ferry wrecked in the Sunda Strait
The RoPax vessel NUSA JAYA, built in 1989 and operated by the Jakarta-based company Putera Master Sarana, sank in the Sunda Strait on 18 December 2025. Local media report that the ship had already begun leaking on 15 December, prompting a salvage company to be called in, which boarded the vessel the same day.
Lite Ferries takes delivery of LITE FERRY TWENTY
The Cebu-based Philippine ferry operator Lite Ferries has taken delivery of the newbuild LITE FERRY TWENTY from Ningbo Sheng Hao Ship Engineering. LITE FERRY TWENTY is the sixth newbuild delivered by the Chinese shipyard to Lite Ferries since 2019. The vessel has a gross tonnage of 3,923 GT and an overall length of 90 metres. Including LITE FERRY TWENTY, Lite Ferries now operates a fleet of 21 smaller conventional RoPax ferries.
Linhai Huipu launched newbuild for Aleson Shipping
ANTONIA 5 © Aleson Shipping Lines
Chinese Linhai Huipu Shipbuilding launched the RoPax newbuild ANTONIA 5 on 5 January. The 2,538 GT ferry has been contracted by the Philippine company Aleson Shipping Lines for delivery in 2026. It is the second newbuild from the yard for Aleson Shipping Lines. The shipping company took delivery of ANTONIA 2 from the yard in April 2025.
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