Shippax Newsletter– week 22
MEIN SCHIFF FLOW launched by Fincantieri
Fincantieri and TUI Cruises celebrated the launch of MEIN SCHIFF FLOW at the Monfalcone shipyard. The vessel is the second of two next-generation InTUItion class cruise ships, designed for dual-fuel operation (Liquefied Natural Gas – LNG and Marine Gas Oil – MGO). A sister ship to MEIN SCHIFF RELAX, delivered in February, the new unit is scheduled to enter service in mid-2026.
Japan’s southernmost international ferry line looks ahead to September start
Yaima Line is planning to open the Ishigaki (Okinawa, Japan) - Keelung (Taiwan) route in September 2025. YAIMA MARU (ex-SUNFLOWER KUROSHIO, PANSTAR DREAM, built in 1997) is set to operate on the 265km ferry route.
Moeve and Grupo Armas Trasmediterránea Sign Landmark Deal to Supply 40,000 Tonnes of 2G Marine Biofuels in Canary Islands
Moeve has signed a strategic agreement with Grupo Armas Trasmediterránea to supply 40,000 tonnes of 2G marine biofuels in the Canary Islands through December 2025, with potential extension into 2026.
Celebrity Cruises Invests GBP 250 Million to Revitalise Solstice Series Ships, Starting with CELEBRITY SOLSTICE in 2026
Celebrity Cruises is revitalising its Solstice Series ships with a GBP 250 million investment, beginning with CELEBRITY SOLSTICE in March 2026. The modernisation introduces eight new experiences, including four unique-to-sea spaces, revamped favourites, and ship-wide upgrades. Key enhancements include reimagined outdoor areas like Sunset Park, new dining options such as Trattoria Rossa and Fine Cut Steakhouse, and entertainment venues like Boulevard Lounge and Celebrity Barcade.
Millbay Docks Celebrates Official Opening of Upgraded Brittany Ferries Terminal and Major Infrastructure Programme Completion
Millbay Docks in Plymouth, managed by Associated British Ports (ABP), celebrated the completion of a major infrastructure programme with the official opening of the upgraded Brittany Ferries terminal.
The GBP 23 million project, a collaboration between ABP, Brittany Ferries, and Plymouth City Council, with support from the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport
STAR OF THE SEAS Completes Its Sea Trials Ahead of August Debut
STAR OF THE SEAS © Jukka Huotari
The 250,000gt STAR OF THE SEAS completed her sea trials and returned to the Meyer Turku shipyard. Eight days were spent at sea, during which all systems were thoroughly tested. All tests were completed successfully.
SCHOTTEL to supply propulsion systems for ULA’s SPACESHIP
SCHOTTEL will provide propulsion systems for a new ro-ro cargo vessel for United Launch Alliance (ULA), constructed by Bollinger Shipyards in Amelia, Louisiana. The vessel, named SPACESHIP, will transport Vulcan rockets from the factory in Decatur, Alabama, to launch sites at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
Wasaline’s AURORA BOTNIA Celebrates One Million Passengers Travelled
AURORA BOTNIA © Wasaline
This autumn, Wasaline's AURORA BOTNIA has been operating for four years, and the company reports that their millionth passenger has travelled on the vessel. The lucky millionth traveller, Ann-Catrin Enegren, was surprised with a gift card and flowers by Managing Director Peter Ståhlberg.
Brittany Ferries Sues DFDS for GBP 125 Million Over Market Distortion on Newhaven–Dieppe Ferry Route
Brittany Ferries president Jean-Marc Roue
Brittany Ferries has launched legal action against Danish shipping company DFDS. The Portsmouth-based operator claims that grants received by DFDS to run the loss-making Dieppe – Newhaven ferry route have cost its business GBP 125 million since 2013. In an action filed with the Brest Commercial Court, Brittany Ferries is seeking to recover significant losses resulting from what it considers unfair competition.
Surge in Bookings on Finnlines' Sweden-Finland Route
FINNCANOPUS © Janne-Petteri Kumpulainen
At the turn of last year, Finnlines introduced two new vessels, FINNSIRIUS and FINNCANOPUS, on the route between Sweden and Finland. These ships have sparked increased interest among travellers, with Swedish bookings for the summer already up by 55 per cent compared to the previous year. Both Swedes and Finns have flocked to Finnlines, but onboard, certain differences stand out—particularly in what they purchase.
Damen launches fully electric-ready ferry for BC Ferries
On 22nd May, Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania launched the latest Island Class Ferry for BC Ferries. The vessel, a Damen RoRo 8117 E3, will become the seventh Damen vessel to sail in the Canadian organisation's fleet.
The ferry is the first in an order of four battery-equipped diesel-hybrid vessels that will bring the total number of Damen vessels in the BC Ferries fleet to ten. The ferries will be capable of operating exclusively on electric power once charging infrastructure is in place at the terminals.
Wärtsilä’s Ammonia Engine Achieves Up to 90% GHG Emissions Reduction in Latest Tests
Wärtsilä's 4-stroke ammonia engine, part of the Wärtsilä 25 platform, has achieved up to 90% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to diesel engines, following extensive testing since its commercial introduction in November 2023. With a 95% ammonia energy share, the engine demonstrates an 18% improvement in emissions performance, measured on Well-to-Wake and Tank-to-Wake bases.
ISLE OF ISLAY Undergoes Sea Trials at Cemre Shipyard
ISLE OF ISLAY © Cemre Shipyard
ISLE OF ISLAY, the first of two vessels to serve Islay and Jura, is out on sea trials at the Cemre shipyard in Yalova, Turkey. The vessel, one of four ferries being built at the yard for Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL), is scheduled for delivery by the end of June.
The 95-metre ISLE OF ISLAY and its three sister ships, two of which are destined for the Little Minch routes, will each have a capacity for up to 450 passengers and 100 cars or 14 commercial vehicles.
Brittany Ferries Becomes First French Shipping Company to Sign European AI Pact
GALICIA © Brittany Ferries
Brittany Ferries becomes the first French shipping company to join the European Pact on Artificial Intelligence, committing to ethical and responsible AI integration. By signing the European AI Pact, Brittany Ferries pledges to adopt a robust governance strategy and promote employee awareness of AI.
Deltamarin wins design contract for Finnlines’ new ‘Hansa Superstar’ vessels
Deltamarin has signed a contract with China Merchants Weihai Shipyard for the design and engineering of Finnlines' new Hansa Superstar class ro-pax vessels. The signed contract includes the complete basic and detail design of three ro-pax vessels built for Finnlines and to be operated in the Baltic Sea.
Global ro-ro community develops guidelines for calculating GHG emission intensity for ro-ro ships
The Global ro-ro Community (GRC) including Eastern Car Liner Ltd., Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, Wallenius Wilhelmsen ASA, and ClassNK (hereinafter referred to as the "six members"), announced guidelines for calculating GHG emission intensity for ro-ro ships, such as car carriers, in conjunction with the international non-profit organization Smart Freight Centre (SFC), aiming to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the logistics sector.
VIKING LINE Introduces the Baltic Sea’s First Outdoor Sauna Aboard VIKING XPRS
VIKING XPRS © Viking Line
Viking Line is unveiling the Baltic Sea's first outdoor sauna experience aboard VIKING XPRS this summer. Starting 6 June, a six-person sauna styled to resemble a Finnish Long Drink can will be available on Deck 7, as the vessel sails between Helsinki and Tallinn. Developed in collaboration with Hartwall, the sauna features a private terrace with sun loungers and is pre-heated before departure.
Construction of Gotlandsbolaget-Supported Biogas Facility Begins
© Johan Bokström
On 21 May, the first sod was turned for a new liquid biogas (LBG) production facility just outside Eskilstuna, Sweden. The project is a collaboration between Gotlandsbolaget, Andion CH4 Renewables, and Equitix, marking a significant milestone in Gotlandsbolaget’s long-term commitment to fossil-free shipping.
AS Tallink Grupp has signed a charter agreement with Algeria’s state-owned company Madar Maritime Company for ROMANTIKA
ROMANTIKA © Frank Lose
ROMANTIKA will be chartered along with its technical crew for nine months starting Saturday, 31 May. The agreement includes an option to extend the charter for two additional periods of six months each.
Madar Maritime Company (MMC) will operate ROMANTIKA under the subsidiary brand ANDALOUZA and aims to offer two weekly crossings between Alicante and Almeria, Spain, to Oran and Mostaganem, Algeria.
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