Shippax Newsletter– week 19
That's a wrap on the 2026 Shippax Ferry Conference
To everyone who joined us onboard GNV RHAPSODY— thank you. Your presence, insights, and conversations are the heart of this event. A true gathering of the ferry industry, held onboard where it belongs.
It was a pleasure to welcome so many familiar faces alongside new ones, and we hope you left with fresh ideas, valuable connections, and a renewed sense of where our industry is heading.
More photos coming soon, and the website will soon be updated for the 2027 conference.
Until we meet again — fair winds and following seas.
The Shippax Team
Photos © Shippax/Jonas Persson
At the end, a few bonus news. More will be added the coming days.









Gotlandsbolaget posts wider Q1 loss as depreciation and project costs weigh on seasonal low

© Kai Ortel
Group revenue rose to SEK 621.6 million, up from SEK 608.6 million in the same period last year, driven primarily by Go Nordic Cruiseline, where NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN were partly out of service for dockings during Q1 2025. Costs rose to SEK 795.5 million from SEK 759.7 million, lifting the adjusted operating loss to SEK 192.7 million, compared with SEK 177.3 million a year earlier. Net profit after tax landed at a loss of SEK 144.0 million, an improvement on the SEK 225.2 million loss in Q1 2025, helped by a SEK 49.6 million positive financial net from unrealised currency gains.
Hibernia Line takes delivery of ST PATRICK as Cork–Boulogne launch nears

Irish start-up operator Hibernia Line has taken delivery of the RoPax SUPERFAST IX from Tallink Grupp, with the vessel immediately renamed ST PATRICK ahead of her deployment on the company's much-anticipated Cork–Boulogne-sur-Mer route. The 2002-built ferry, chartered on a long-term bareboat basis, is expected to inaugurate the new Ireland-France service in mid-June.
Finnlines posts higher Q1 2026 revenue but lower net result amid fuel price shock

FINNSIRIUS © Finnlines
Finnlines reported revenue of EUR 176.9 million for January–March 2026, up 7 per cent from EUR 166.0 million in the same period of 2025, as the Grimaldi Group-owned operator absorbed sharp fuel price volatility triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israeli strike on Iran on 28 February.
EBITDA edged down 2 per cent to EUR 32.8 million, while EBIT slipped to EUR 10.3 million from EUR 11.2 million a year earlier, with the EBIT margin narrowing to 5.8 per cent from 6.8 per cent. Lower financing costs lifted earnings before taxes marginally to EUR 8.0 million, but the bottom line fell 28 per cent to EUR 7.4 million on a higher tax charge.
DFDS acquires STENA VINGA

© Søren Lund Hviid
DFDS strengthens its fleet by acquiring passenger and freight ferry STENA VINGA. STENA VINGA is currently chartered by DFDS and will continue to operate on the Jersey service.
STENA VINGA will be renamed to fit with DFDS' existing fleet, and more details will follow in due course.
The purchase will be completed in November 2026, and the ferry will continue to operate on the Jersey-UK/France routes.
DFDS reports steady Q1 2026 progress as both divisions improve

DFDS RoRo vessels in Gothenburg © Søren Lund Hviid
The Danish operator reported first-quarter revenue of DKK 7.4 billion, down 2% year-on-year, while EBIT swung from negative DKK 117 million to positive DKK 33 million, with adjusted free cash flow reaching DKK 300 million.
For the full year, DFDS maintained its EBIT outlook of DKK 1,000–1,400 million and firmed up its adjusted free cash flow expectation to above DKK 250 million, up from the previous guidance of above zero.
Viking Line expands Tallinn capacity and adds Visby cruises for summer 2026

Viking Line will double its capacity on the Helsinki–Tallinn route during peak summer weeks and introduce overnight stays on board in Tallinn, alongside special cruises to Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland.
From 17 June to 9 August, VIKING CINDERELLA and GABRIELLA will join the scheduled vessel VIKING XPRS on the Helsinki–Tallinn route, providing three daily departures from Helsinki's Skattudden terminal, and four on Fridays.
Attica Holdings posts EUR 33.7 million loss in 2025 as environmental costs and fleet upgrades weigh on earnings

© George Giannakis
Attica Holdings S.A., swung to a net loss of EUR 33.7 million in fiscal year 2025, reversing a EUR 17.5 million profit recorded the previous year. The result was weighed down by rising operating costs, stricter environmental rules, and EUR 23.6 million in non-recurring charges.
Consolidated revenue edged up 1.2% to EUR 756.9 million, demonstrating resilience in the Group's core markets. However, operating expenses surged to EUR 668.6 million from EUR 624.0 million, pushing EBITDA down 11.3% to EUR 85.4 million. Compliance with new environmental frameworks — including EU ETS, FuelEU Maritime and SECA regulations — alone accounted for roughly EUR 63 million in additional costs.
Royal Caribbean beats Q1 expectations but trims full-year outlook on fuel costs
Royal Caribbean Group reported first-quarter 2026 results on Wednesday that topped estimates, even as the cruise operator lowered its full-year profit guidance due to rising fuel expenses. The company posted revenue of USD 4.45 billion, up from USD 4.0 billion a year earlier, and net income of USD 941 million, compared with USD 730 million in the same period of 2025.
Stena Line invests GBP 14 million in Irish Sea fleet

Stena Line has announced a substantial investment of approximately GBP 14 million in the ongoing refit and upgrades of its Irish Sea fleet. The investment underscores the company's commitment to delivering best-in-class service, safety, efficiency and comfort for its customers across the Irish Sea.
The investment will enable a wide range of enhancements and modernisation across the fleet, including:
- Extensive cabin improvements across all vessels
- Increased number of pet-friendly cabins
- Enhanced Stena Plus lounges providing a premium travel experience
- Upgraded family entertainment areas






Most read
Royal Caribbean beats Q1 expectations but trims full-year outlook on fuel costs
apr 30 2026










