First Little Minch Ferry Successfully Launched

LOCHMOR © Brian Fulton

LOCHMOR, the first of two new vessels for the Little Minch routes, was launched on 23rd of August at Cemre Marin Endustri shipyard in Yalova, Turkey.

Compared to the current single-vessel service provided by HEBRIDES, the new ferry along with sister vessel, CLAYMORE, will provide a two-vessel service to the routes between Uig on Skye, Tarbert (Harris) and Lochmaddy (North Uist). LOCHMOR can accommodate up to 450 passengers and 100 cars, or 14 commercial vehicles, bringing a major boost to capacity and resilience for the communities it will serve.

READ THE FULL STORY

Incat Crowther Commissioned To Design New Passenger Vessel For Cruise Whitsundays

Incat Crowther has been commissioned by Cruise Whitsundays, part of Australia's leading experiential tourism group Journey Beyond, to design a new, state-of-the-art passenger vessel. Incat Crowther's scope of work includes the vessel design, tender process for the construction and advice on procurement and commercial processes. The new 36-metre vessel will be built by Austal Vietnam.

READ THE FULL STORY

EU Entry-Exit System will come into force on 12 October 2025

The EU Entry-Exit System (EES) is set to go live on 12 October 2025. This critical development will significantly impact ferry operators connecting third countries to the Schengen Area. The EES is an automated IT system designed to electronically record the entry and exit of non-EU citizens at external borders. This means capturing biometrics – fingerprints and facial images – for all third-country nationals aged 12 or older who are entering the EU for short stays.

READ THE FULL STORY

DFDS Q2 2025 Interim Report And July Volumes

COTE DES DUNES and COTE DES FLANDRES © Frank Lose

DFDS delivered Q2 2025 revenue of DKK 7.8bn, up 3%, but EBIT dropped 69% to DKK 163m, mainly due to continued challenges in Mediterranean operations. Adjusted free cash flow reached DKK 538m, while CO2 ferry emission intensity was reduced by 4.1%. The full-year EBIT outlook has been lowered to DKK 0.8–1.0bn, with revenue growth of around 5% and free cash flow guidance unchanged at DKK 1.0bn.

READ THE FULL STORY

Gotlandsbolaget Interim Report January–June 2025

NORDIC CROWN © Frank Lose

In the first half of 2025, Gotlandsbolaget increased revenues to SEK 1,569.7 million, but establishment costs for Go Nordic Cruiseline and currency effects led to a negative operating result. Passenger numbers on Gotland routes rose, with June up 4.5 per cent. Key initiatives included starting construction of a biogas plant and leadership changes, with Björn Nilsson appointed CEO in July.

READ THE FULL STORY