Shippax Newsletter– week 40
Port of Motril looks out for a new operator to Tanger Med
The recent acquisition of Armas–Trasmediterránea by Baleària has led to a reorganization of its network, affecting the route that connects the Port of Motril with the Moroccan port of Tangier Med. The business decision has resulted in the temporary suspension of this connection, which until now had shown positive growth both in cargo volume and in the number of units carried, several Spanish media reports.
FORTUNY has now changed owner and name
FORTUNY © Frank Lose
On 29 September, Fred. Olsen Express formally took ownership of FORTUNY. The ship was sold by Armas Trasmediterránea to Liberty Lines in July this year, who immediately resold her to Fred. Olsen Express. The 2001-built RoPax, with a capacity for 1,250 passengers and 1,500 lanemetres, and a service speed of 23 knots, was simultaneously with the formal change of owner renamed BUENAVISTA EXPRESS.
Final MAIB-report after engine room fire onboard FINNMASTER
EOS © Frank Lose
The British MAIB (Marine Accident Investigation Branch) has published their final Accident Investigation Report on an engine room fire which occurred onboard Finnlines' 1998-built 1,775-lanemetre RoRo FINNMASTER (today Baleària's EOS) in Hull at 20:13 local time on 19 September 2021.
ClassNK grants Approval in Principle for Methanol Superstorage
Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) has granted approval in principle (AiP) to SRC for Methanol Superstorage, the innovative tank design concept that uses a Sandwich Plate System (SPS) technology to almost double shipboard storage capacity for both methanol and ethanol. The ClassNK AiP confirms that Methanol Superstorage is feasible for the intended application in accordance with the Society's 'Guidelines for Ships Using Alternative Fuels.
Letter of Intent on financing for Jadrolinija fleet renewal
Jadrolinija has signed a Letter of Intent on investment preparation with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, with the aim of supporting development and facilitating access to commercial capital for financing the renewal of the national shipping company's fleet.
Tonnage adjustments between DFDS’s North European RoPax markets
OPTIMA SEAWAYS arrives in Klaipeda from Dunkirk on 28 September to begin sailing between Klaipeda and Karlshamn that same evening © Søren Lund Hviid
DFDS has now deployed VICTORIA SEAWAYS and OPTIMA SEAWAYS on the Rosslare–Dunkirk and Klaipeda–Karlshamn routes, respectively. The two RoPax ferries have thus swapped places within DFDS's North European network. The tonnage swap results in roughly a 15% reduction in lanemetre capacity on the Klaipeda–Karlshamn route, but almost a halving of cabin capacity.
Gotlandsbolaget: Steady Passenger Numbers and Strong Summer Performance
© Kai Ortel
Gotlandsbolaget reports a stable summer season for 2025, with passenger and guest numbers holding steady across its operations. Strong travel on Destination Gotland, positive growth for BIRKA GOTLAND, and consistent occupancy at Gotland Hotels & Properties highlight a successful peak season.
Carnival Corporation Reports Record-Breaking Q3 2025 Results, Raises Full-Year Outlook
Carnival Corporation & plc has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2025, marking the strongest quarter in the company's history. The cruise giant delivered all-time high net income and revenues, while also raising its full-year guidance for the third quarter in a row, citing strong demand, effective cost management, and improved yields.
Njord Partners acquire cross-Solent ferry operator Red Funnel
Just 24 hours before its deadline to find new investment, the original cross-Solent ferry operator Red Funnel has been taken over by London-based private equity company Njord Partners. The news from the Southampton-based ferry operator firmly squashes the hopes of newly established Vectis Ferries Ltd, which has been in private talks with the Isle of Wight-based newcomer for more than 10 weeks with Red Funnel's previous advisers and funders.
Fincantieri and TUI Cruises sign contract for two new cruise ships
The ships will be sister ships to MEIN SCHIFF RELAX and MEIN SCHIFF FLOW © Fincantieri
Fincantieri and TUI Cruises (a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) today signed a contract for the design and construction of two new cruise ships. This order replaces the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed in March 2025 with TUI AG for the construction of two cruise ships for their Marella Cruises brand.
Stena Line enters 50-year agreement with Frederikshavn
Stena Line has entered into a long-term agreement with the Municipality of Frederikshavn for the operation of the ferry port in Frederikshavn for the next 50 years.
Stena Line and Frederikshavn have a common history dating back to the early 1960s, and with this agreement, the shipping company secures its presence in the North Jutland port city. The agreement means that Stena Line will take over the operational operation of the RoPax ferry terminal.
IoMSPCo to spend GBP 120 million on building new fast ferry to replace existing MANANNAN
MANANNAN © Alan Blunden
Irish Sea ferry operator the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co (IoMSPCo) is to spend GBP120 million in building a new fast ferry for its services to the UK mainland, replacing its existing Incat 96m Wave Piercing Catamaran MANANNAN. The new ferry could be in service in five years.
STAR PRINCESS delivered to Princess Cruises
STAR PRINCESS © Fincantieri
The second Sphere-Class ship, STAR PRINCESS, built by Fincantieri for Princess Cruises, has been delivered. The vessel is set to welcome its first guests on 4 October 2025 for a Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona.
As the second Princess Cruises ship powered by liquefied natural gas, it advances efforts to reduce emissions. The ship features two Azipod propulsion units for 360-degree thrust and four large controllable pitch bow thrusters for precise lateral movement.
One ship, one (ferry) industry, and everyone’s onboard!
Join us at the 2026 Shippax Ferry Conference for two days packed with engaging speeches, lively debates, and the best possible networking. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate the future of the ferry industry together.
WHERE? GNV’S RHAPSODY
ROUTE? Genoa - Olbia and return
WHEN? 5-7 May 2026
"OPTIMISING OPERATIONS, ENHANCING EXPERIENCES"
RoPax, RoRo and High-Speed Ferry Executives Panel Debates
Optimised & Secure Connectivity
Rules & Regulations Debate
Designers' Talking Table
Keynote Speakers
New Ships & Projects
Ferry Industry Performance and Megatrends
New Technologies and Inspirations
Interferry Update
Shippax Awards
(A more detailed programme will follow closer to the conference. Some changes to the programme may occur.)
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