Shippax Newsletter– week 34
ILE ROUGE sails to Canada from Perama
ILE ROUGE © Frank Lose
Longterm chartered to Marine Atlantic, the Stena RoRo-owned 30,551 GT ILE ROUGE has left Perama, Greece, on 19 August and is finally on its way to Canada after an extensive conversion of its accommodation spaces and RoRo access. The vessel is already strengthened to Iceclass 1A standards and is equipped with three bow thrusters for excellent manoeuvrability.
BLUE STAR CHIOS back in service with SOx scrubbers
BLUE STAR CHIOS with scrubbers installed © Frank Lose
After being out of service for three months at the ONEX Elefsis shipyard, the 13,955 GT BLUE STAR CHIOS has returned to service with an enlarged funnel construction housing exhaust gas SOx scrubbers. Unlike some other ferry conversions which have radically changed the exterior appearance, the Attica Group have tried to keep the distinctive funnel shape while masking the significantly larger area.
New governance body launched to oversee GHG emissions data in RoRo shipping
The Global Ro-Ro Community (GRC) has established the GRC Council (GRCC), a new governance body to oversee emissions data management for a sector representing roughly 80% of global car carrier transport capacity.
The council creates a formal structure for the continuous assessment of emissions accounting methods and data management practices across the industry. It is designed to give RoRo carriers, cargo owners and vehicle manufacturers access to dependable and transparent greenhouse gas emissions information, supporting decarbonisation across supply chains more efficiently.
Sallaum Lines launches dedicated European road logistics arm
Sallaum Lines has launched Sallaum Logistics Ltd, a new dedicated European automotive logistics company extending the group's maritime vehicle-transport expertise into inland distribution across Europe. Based in Vilnius, Lithuania, the new company will handle finished vehicle logistics from ports to distribution hubs, dealerships and other automotive customers, positioning itself as a single accountable partner for the final leg of the vehicle supply chain that Sallaum Lines' ocean services have traditionally ended at.
Irish Continental Group posts higher revenue as takeover vote nears knife-edge
Key points:
Half-year results:
- Revenue up 16.1% to EUR 359.9 million; EBITDA up 7.3% to EUR 58.9 million
- Operating profit down 2.4% to EUR 24.0 million; profit before tax down 2.9% to EUR 19.9 million, squeezed by a EUR 46.0 million rise in costs, mainly fuel (up EUR 10.2 million to EUR 64.2 million)
Volumes:
- Car volumes down 5.7% to 249,700 units
- RoRo freight up 4.1% to 409,500 units
Other developments:
- Completed purchase of the OSCAR WILDE in May 2026
- Received a termination notice from P&O Ferries on its Dover-Calais space charter
Takeover offer:
- Bluefin Bidco Limited, backed by ICG's own senior management, has a recommended EUR 8.00-per-share cash offer (28.2% premium), valuing ICG at roughly EUR 1.2 billion
- On 17 August, Bluefin said it would not raise the offer
Shareholder pushback:
- Certain shareholders, reportedly including Oxy Capital, challenged the deal's valuation
- The Independent Board rejected their arguments on 18 August and reaffirmed its recommendation to vote in favour
Danish standard ferries put out to tender
Five Danish municipalities issued an EU tender on 18 August for the construction of new battery-electric ferries based on the Danish Standard Ferry concept. The project aims to create fleet synergies between Danish municipalities operating publicly owned ferry routes. The tender covers five ferries.
Previous experience with the construction of electric-hybrid ferries is among the requirements for shipyards seeking pre-qualification. Broadly speaking, the vessels will comprise two size variants: four ferries measuring 40.4 metres long and 10.5 metres wide, and one measuring 54.6 metres long and 12 metres wide (Aalborg Municipality).
More than 2 million passengers through Andalusian ports in OPE’s first two months
Key points:
- Overall traffic: 2,169,080 passengers and 545,359 vehicles crossed through Andalusian ports in OPE 2026's first two months (15 June–15 August), mostly North Africans living in Europe returning home for summer vacation.
- Andalusia's share of Spain: These ports handled 96.9% of Spain's total passengers and 95.9% of total vehicles.
- Year-on-year decline: Both passengers (-2.7%) and vehicles (-1.7%) were down slightly compared with the same period in 2025.
- Algeciras dominates: Spain's busiest crossing port saw 3,258 sailings, 903,658 outbound passengers, and 251,473 outbound vehicles — all down 5–8% from 2025. An additional 295,639 passengers and 82,520 vehicles had already returned through it.
- What's next: The return phase began 16 August and runs through 15 September.
- Full-year forecast: Despite the early dip, 2026 is expected to finish about 3% above 2025's totals (which were 3,488,885 passengers and 857,784 vehicles overall, with roughly 3.37 million passengers and 830,000 vehicles via Andalusia).
46 PCTC newbuilding orders so far in 2026
With China's vehicle exports hitting new highs in the first half of the year, and PCTC charter rates also reflecting the demand for RoRo capacity, there has been a spurt in newbuilding activity, with 46 PCTCs contracted so far in 2026 (as of 15 August), most gaining favourable 2029 building slots.
In June, exports reached 1,037,000 vehicles, up 75% compared with June 2025. Exports for the first six months of 2026 reached an incredible 5,096,000 units, up by 65.5%, with NEVs taking a 46.2% share.
CM RoRo to take delivery of two 7,800 CEU methanol PCTCs
CM RoRo will gain two new 7,800 CEU PCTCs in the next few weeks after they were floated out from their building docks on 29 June and 1 July. The CM WUHAN will be delivered from the CMS Jiangsu shipyard and its sistership, the CM GUANGZHOU, from CMS Jinling. The Deltamarin-designed 76,400 GT vessels have a length of 199.9m by 37.7m beam.
Balearia Canarias reports early freight and passenger traffic gains
Balearia's renewed freight offering in the Canaries has been boosted by a change in vessel schedule. The newly chartered 2023-built 4,070 lanem, 32,894 GT JOSEFINA DE LA TORRE, with 230 reefer sockets, has taken over the schedule of the smaller 3,400 lanem, 30,998 GT VILLA DE TAZACORTE, leaving Cadiz at 14.00 every Saturday, sailing to Arrecife in Lanzarote, then to Las Palmas before arriving early on Monday morning in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The vessel will then return via Las Palmas, Santa Cruz de la Palma and Tenerife to Cadiz.
PZB appoints new man at the helm
Polska Zegluga Baltycka (PZB) has announced the appointment of Jaroslaw Kotarski as president of its management board. Kotarski took up his position as a member and president of PZB's 13th-term management board on 19 August, replacing Piotr Redmerski.
Redmerski served as president of PZB from 2016 to 2021 and returned to the position in 2024. PZB, which has operated under the Polferries brand, and now one of three partners of the POLSCA Baltic Ferries on the southern Baltic with 11 RoPax vessel between Poland and Sweden.
Antitrust penalty on Caronte & Tourist has been annulled
Italy's Council of State has annulled the EUR 4 million penalty imposed on the Italian ferry operator Caronte & Tourist by the Competition and Market Authority (AGCM) in 2022 for alleged abuse of its dominant position in the Strait of Messina. The ruling overturns a September 2025 decision.
The court found insufficient evidence that the market was closed to new entrants, noting the presence of a public competitor with only slightly lower fares. It also ruled that a Ministry of Infrastructure study had been used for purposes not disclosed during the investigation, undermining the company's right of defence.
Gestas charters additional summer capacity
Turkish ferry operator Gestas has chartered additional tonnage for the summer peak season on its route across the Dardanelles between Lapseki and Gelibolu. The additional capacity is provided by the 1,998 GT TEKIRDAG 59, built in 2022.
New Clyde ferries launched at Cammell Laird
In August, APCL Cammell Laird launched two double-ended ferry newbuildings for Western Ferries' route across the Firth of Clyde, near Glasgow, between Gourock and Dunoon. The two 50-metre ferries, each with capacity for 40 cars and 220 passengers, were ordered from the shipyard in May 2025.
The newbuildings, to be named SOUND OF SLEAT and SOUND OF SCALPAY, will be delivered during autumn 2026.
Türkiye – Trieste traffic increases due to Grimaldi effect
EUROCARGO ROMA © Marc Ottini
The latest H1 2026 traffic figures from the Port of Trieste reveal a positive gain of 5.37% in trailer volumes, reaching 163,752 units. DFDS revealed that they have maintained their volumes but the RoRo share of the total Turkey – EU traffic has increased to 54%, with the remaining 46% travelling by road via Greece or Bulgaria.
Glovis giants arrive in Europe
With four of the giant 10,800 CEU class now delivered, the 102,588 GT GLOVIS LEADER and its sister ships GLOVIS LANDER, GLOVIS NOVA and GLOVIS LIGHTHOUSE have all left China fully loaded with new vehicles for European, South Korean and American destinations.
Fruit exports from Turkey to Russia under threat from drones
The recent drone attack on the 5,613 GT NADEZHDA, built at Frederikshavn Vaerft in 1978, has interrupted the profitable flow of fresh produce exported from Turkey to Russia. The majority of RoRo vessels sail on the Samsun–Tuapse route, with several weekly RoPax sailings also from Istanbul and Karasu. The two largest operators, Lider Line and Kalyoncu Ro-Ro, are both closely connected with some of Turkey's major fruit conglomerates.
Installation of solar panels on FINBO CARGO completed
Eckerö Group's RoPax FINBO CARGO is now operating between Vuosaari, near Helsinki, and Muuga, near Tallinn, with a total of 120 solar panels installed on its upper deck. According to the company, the installation was completed over the weekend of 15–16 August.
In April, Eckerö Group announced that the solar-panel retrofit aboard the 2,000-built, 1,950-lane metre RoPax serving its freight-oriented route would form part of a broader energy-efficiency programme covering its routes between Finland and Estonia.
Bass Strait newbuilding arrives at Fayard after sea trials in Skagerrak
SEAROAD I © Peter Therkildsen
SEAROAD I passed through Gabet, the entrance to Odense Fjord from the Kattegat, at 04:15 local time on 17 August after four days of sea trials in the Skagerrak and Kattegat. The 210-metre-long and 29.3-metre-wide dual-fuel LNG-powered RoRo ship was launched and named on 7 November last year at Flensburger Shipyard.
Following the latest sea trials, SEAROAD I has entered the final stages before delivery to Australia's SeaRoad Shipping, which will deploy the vessel across the Bass Strait between Melbourne, Victoria, and Devonport, Tasmania.
New CMA CGM 5,500 CEU PCTC floated out
The first vessel in CMA CGM's new dual-fuel PCTC fleet has been floated out of the building dock at Xiamen Shipbuilding. The CMA CGM LAGUNA SECA is the first of an initial quartet, all chartered from Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS).
The remaining three sister vessels are under construction at the Fujian Mawei Shipyard, which will be named CMA CGM SUZUKA, CMA CGM INTERLAGOS and CMA CGM CASTELLET, all of which are scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Carnival Corporation selects Silverstream® air lubrication system for Ace Class newbuilds at Fincantieri
Maritime air lubrication technology supplier Silverstream Technologies has signed a deal with Carnival Corporation to install the Silverstream® System on Carnival Cruise Lines' Ace Class newbuild cruise vessels being constructed at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, beginning with CARNIVAL DESTINY arriving in summer 2029.
SAMPIYON MELEKLER sails for Filo Denizcilik
Turkish shipping company Filo Denizcilik, which has served Northern Cyprus for many years, has purchased the 2,171 lane-metre RoRo LYKTO. Now renamed SAMPIYON MELEKLER in honour of the Champion Angels school volleyball teams from Gazimagusa who died in the 2023 earthquake.
AMIRA delivered to Thassos Ferries in Greece
AMIRA © Thassos Ferries
The latest double-ended ferry to enter service in Greece is the AMIRA, joining Thassos Ferries' route from Keramoti to Limenas in Northern Greece on 2 July. Like the rest of the Thassos fleet such as the ANASSA M, the ferry has an eye-catching white exterior livery with added red stripes as well as a very striking orange interior décor.
The 1,976 GT ferry was built by the Kouri Shipyard in Amaliapoli to INSB class. The ship is 102 metres long, 20 metres wide, has a passenger capacity of 1,146 persons and 203 cars.
La Méridionale changes chief executive again, just eight months after naming Étienne Melliani
Etienne Melliani, left, and Charles-Henry de Lignac, right
Étienne Melliani is stepping down as chief executive of La Méridionale, just eight after taking the helm. He will be succeeded on 1 September by Charles-Henry de Lignac, who has served as the company's deputy commercial managing director, according to reports first published by La Provence and Le Marin.
Marine Atlantic announces huge infrastructure investment
Canadian ferry operator Marine Atlantic announced approximately CAD 270 million in Nova Scotia infrastructure investments. The investment is as part of a new multi-year capital infrastructure program to modernize critical shore-side infrastructure, improve service reliability and support the long-term delivery of safe, efficient ferry service between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. The program will renew and expand key marine transportation infrastructure, and long-term operational resilience.
Dublin's MP2 project gets MacGregor linkspan
A major step forward in Dublin's MP2 port plans has been taken with the delivery of a new double-level linkspan for the new Berth 53, which will be the easternmost RoRo berth in the port. This is the largest linkspan so far in Dublin, designed to service future generations of RoPax vessels.
Fabricated for MacGregor by Crist in Poland, the two-level linkspan weighing 890 t was delivered by flat-top barge. It is expected that the berth, compatible with the largest size of new-generation RoPax, will be used by Stena Line for its connection to Holyhead.
SUPERFAST V returns to service after repairs at Viktor Lenac in Rijeka
The Visentini-class RoPax, the 32,581 GT SUPERFAST V, delivered in 2021 and recently long-term chartered by Superfast Ferries for their Patras – Venice route, was sent to the Viktor Lenac Shipyard in Rijeka for engine repairs at the end of June.
The vessel has suffered frequent machinery breakdowns since its delivery, which hopefully have been permanently rectified. It is equipped with two Caterpillar MaK 12V43C main engines with a combined output of 25,200 kW. The vessel is now on its way to Venice and is expected to imminently return to service after missing most of the peak summer season.
New Türkiye–Russia route apparently suspended
SAMPIYON TRABZONSPOR © Lider
In cooperation with logistics company Geo Grand Line Global, Turkish RoRo operator Lider Shipping launched a RoRo freight service between Trabzon, Türkiye, and Novorossiysk, Russia, on 14 July. However, the service, which was to be operated by Lider Shipping's RoRo SAMPIYON TRABZONSPOR, appears to have been suspended.
Ferry disaster on Lake Kariba
As of 13 August, 44 of the 153 people on board, including five crew members, had been confirmed dead following a ferry disaster 11 August in the Zimbabwean part of Lake Kariba. The vessel involved was the non-IMO-registered passenger ferry MBUYA NEHANDA, operated by RIDA (Rural Infrastructure Development Agency) under the Zambian government.
SEAROAD I on sea trials
SEAROAD I © Searoad
The long-delayed RoRo ship under construction at Flensburger Shipyard for the Australian Searoad Shipping has finally left the yard for sea trials. The 43,080 GT SEAROAD I was launched last November and is on track to be delivered later this year if all goes to plan.
The 210m long by 29.3m beam RoRo has a 3,792 lane metres capacity on four decks plus 100 cars. The vessel is fitted with two Wärtsilä 9L46DF dual-fuel main engines with a combined output of 20,600 kW, sufficient for a service speed of more than 20 knots.
Viking Line first-half income falls as associated companies weigh on result
VIKING GRACE © Richard Seville
Key points:
- H1 2026 sales down 0.8% to EUR 214.0 million (EUR 215.8 million); operating income EUR -12.0 million (EUR -11.2 million); income before taxes EUR -18.6 million (EUR -17.2 million)
- Q2 2026 sales up 0.7% to EUR 129.3 million (EUR 128.4 million); operating income EUR 6.8 million, broadly flat year-on-year
- Weaker results from associated companies Rederiaktiebolaget Eckerö, Alandia Försäkring Abp and joint venture Gotland Alandia Cruises AB were the main drag on the period's income
- No full-year 2026 forecast issued; Board expects income before taxes for 2026 to be lower than in 2025 due to higher energy prices and associated-company performance
- Passengers on wholly owned vessels fell slightly to 1,980,954 (2,003,861), but estimated market share rose to 31.8% (31.6%), with a notably stronger showing in the passenger car segment
- Cargo volumes fell to 68,153 units (71,324) as Viking Line held pricing rather than chase volume; cargo market share eased to 18.5% (19.5%)
- Investments totalled EUR 11.0 million, chiefly the docking of VIKING GRACE
WW Q2 as expected with capacity sold out
Wallenius Wilhelmsen have reported their Q2 results, which were in line with market expectations. Revenue increased by 4% to USD 1,305 million but EBITDA dropped by 9% to USD 349 million QoQ. EBIT was down 18% to USD 175 million and profit to USD 138 million.
Along with other operators active in the PCTC sector, Wallenius Wilhelmsen continued to face the challenges of the closure of Hormuz, higher bunker prices and the extra costs of routing via the Cape. WW reported that they have a contract backlog of USD 6.5 billion, including USD 460 million of contracts finalised in Q2.
DFDS chair to step down as Q2 profit surges and July volumes soften
AURA SEAWAYS © Victor Mandersson
DFDS is to reshape its Board of Directors, with long-serving Chair Claus V. Hemmingsen stepping down. The governance move was disclosed minutes ahead of DFDS reporting Q2 2026 revenue up 10% to DKK 8.6 billion and EBIT nearly tripling to DKK 454 million, prompting an upgraded full-year outlook and confirmation from new CEO Michael Hansen that a strategy review is under way. DFDS also reported that July 2026 ferry volumes were soft across most corridors, with freight lane metres down 3.2% and passenger numbers down 1.6% year-on-year.
Ukrainian military unit reports further attacks on Russian Kerch ferries
Ferry capacity across the Kerch Strait between Russia and the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula has fallen to around 25% of its original level following further Ukrainian attacks. This was reported by the Ukrainian drone unit USF Unit 414 "Magyar's Birds" on social media.
More than one million passengers travelled with Scandlines in July
Scandlines latest addition, THE BALTIC WHALE © Søren Lund Hviid
It has been a busy summer for Scandlines, which operates the Rødby-Puttgarden and Gedser-Rostock routes. In July alone, 1.173 million passengers travelled on the company's ferries between Denmark and Germany, slightly more than the 1.152 million recorded last year.
NEOLINER ORIGIN on coffee charter with Café William
The sail-powered 13,278 GT RoRo NEOLINER ORIGIN has taken a short break from its transatlantic service to transport a load of coffee for Canadian specialist, Café William. The vessel loaded over 1,000t of organic Fairtrade green coffee in Santa Marta, Colombia and Puerto Cortés in Honduras.
Former STENA NAUTICA arrives on new route
STENA NAUTICA © Stena Line
After three months laid up in Frederikshavn, the former STENA NAUTICA departed on 10 August under its new name, ECKERÖ LINK. Its first stop was a trial call at Långnäs in the Åland Islands on 12 August, before arriving at Naantali, Finland, later that evening. The 1986-built STENA NAUTICA was placed on the second-hand market by Stena Line following the closure of the Halmstad–Grenaa route on 30 April this year.
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