Shippax Newsletter– week 45
This week's free news below. Enjoy!
Relevant news, tips, leads? Email us at news@shippax.se
Have a great week!
Two GNV ferries chartered out as accommodation ships
RHAPSODY © Marc Ottini
GNV has chartered out two of its ferries on short-term contracts as accommodation vessels starting in November, which is part of the low season in the Mediterranean, when many of the region’s ferries are normally laid up.
The 1981-built GNV AZZURRA, with 1,800 berths distributed across 515 passenger cabins, has been chartered to be stationed at the San Giorgio del Porto shipyard in Genoa.
GNV has likewise chartered RHAPSODY to Costa Cruises.
Saronic Ferries ready to place Japanese second-hand purchase into service
Greek ferry operator Saronic Ferries has given its Japanese second-hand vessel, acquired in early 2024, a permanent name. The new name is CALLIRHOE, which in Greek mythology is the name of one of the Oceanids, daughter of Oceanus and Tethys – a symbol of the purity, flow, and constant renewal of waters.
The VIKING HELIOS project continues despite rejection of EU funding
Viking Line did not receive support from the EU's Innovation Fund to realize its "VIKING HELIOS project," which aims, from 2030, to introduce a 100% electric cruise ferry, 195 metres-long and carrying up to 2,000 passengers, on the route between Helsinki and Tallinn.
The project is the result of a development collaboration that includes the shipyard Rauma Marine Constructions and involves a battery capacity of 85–100 MWh as well as 30 MW charging capacity in the two ports, to allow the 43-nautical-mile route to be potentially operated emission-free.
Secure the cabin of your choice and book now!
Torben Carlsen resigns as CEO of DFDS once a replacement has been found
DFDS' Board of Directors has initiated the search for a successor to Chief Executive Officer Torben Carlsen to lead DFDS in the next phase of the strategy execution towards long-term value creation. Torben Carlsen will remain in his position until a successor is in place to ensure continuity while maintaining momentum in the current transition focus and executing the announced cost reduction programme.
DFDS' earnings fell by almost a third in Q3 – announces layoffs as part of cost reduction
AURA SEAWAYS © George Giannakis
DFDS’ revenue was up 4% to DKK 8.3 billion but EBIT reduced 32% to DKK 536 million in Q3. Organic growth was -2%. Following this drop, DFDS is initiating a cost reduction programme, which will include a reduction in the workforce.
Newlight completes RINA FAT for hydrogen retrofit on two- and four-stroke main engines
Newlight announced the successful completion of Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for its hydrogen retrofit package for two- and four-stroke main engines that enable greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The system allows existing diesel engines to operate on a blend of hydrogen and conventional fuel, reducing carbon emissions without the need to replace the entire engine.
LOI signed to establish new Finnish shipyard
The Government of Åland (ÅLR) and Finland Archipelago Shipping Ltd – part of the Finferries Group – have signed a letter of intent to establish a new shipyard, AxYards.
The goal of the future repair dock is to strengthen the supply security and self-sufficiency of archipelago traffic by providing reliable and modern shipyard capacity for commuter ferries, ferries, and other vessels of similar sizes.
Cargo declines for Tallink in a difficult 2025 autumn
In October 2025, Tallink transported 467,279 passengers, which is a 2.5% decrease compared to October 2024. The number of cargo units decreased by 10.2% to 21,855 units and the number of passenger vehicles decreased by 2.6% to 58,006 units compared to the same period a year ago.
Steel cut for Mercy Ships second new purpose-built hospital ship
The steel cutting ceremony of the AFRICA MERCY II newbuilding project was celebrated on 29 October marking the official start of construction for Mercy Ships' newest purpose-built hospital ship, designed to expand access to free surgical care and medical training across Africa.
Once completed, the TBN: AFRICA MERCY II will be one of the world's largest civilian hospital ships. Measuring 174 metres in length, 28.6 metres in breadth, and featuring 12 decks, the vessel will accommodate up to 644 volunteers and medical professionals.
Özata builds third electric double-ended ferry for Torghatten
Turkish Özata Shipyard has held the first steel cutting for a newbuilding project, a 76.8-metre double-ended electric ferry with capacity for 202 passengers and 60 cars for the Norwegian ferry operator Torghatten.
NYK Line takes delivery of PADMA LEADER
Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK Line) has taken delivery of its latest LNG-dual fuel-powered PCTC, the PADMA LEADER, from Imabari Shipbuilding. The vessel, built at Tadotsu Shipbuilding, a subsidiary of the Imabari Group, strengthens NYK Line's growing fleet of low-emission car carriers.
The 18,505 dwt Japan-flagged PADMA LEADER has a capacity of 7,000 CEU and measuring 199.93 metres in length and 38 metres in beam. The ship has been classed by ClassNK.
BIRKA GOTLAND cruises to Gdansk in the summer of 2026
Tickets for BIRKA GOTLAND'S destination cruises for the 2026 season are released. This year's big news is two cruises to Gdansk in Poland, which will take place just as late summer turns into autumn. At the same time, the investment in an extended Visby season continues with more activities for families with children.
New automated 55 MW charging system to power Molslinjen’s upcoming electric ferries
Wabtec Corporation has announced the development of a new high-power automated charging system exceeding 50 MW, designed to support Molslinjen's upcoming fleet of high-speed electric vessels operating between Århus and Sjælland, Denmark.
Ports of Tallinn and Stockholm move toward fossil-free maritime transport
The Port of Tallinn and Ports of Stockholm signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 4 November in Tallinn, launching the Swed-Est Green Collaboration — a joint initiative to promote sustainable, fossil-free maritime transport between Estonia and Sweden, focusing on the Tallinn–Stockholm and Paldiski–Kapellskär routes.
DFDS sells RoRo CAPPADOCIA SEAWAYS
SELANDIA SEAWAYS is set to operate on DFDS' Tunis-Marseille route
DFDS has entered into an agreement to sell the RoRo ship CAPPADOCIA SEAWAYS as part of the company's ongoing fleet optimization after more than 23 years of service.
CAPPADOCIA SEAWAYS has been a part of DFDS' fleet operating in the Mediterranean network. In its place, DFDS will deploy SELANDIA SEAWAYS which is a 197m long freight ferry with a capacity up to 2,772 lane metres, equivalent to 177 trailers.
Stena Line acquires Wasaline
Stena Line strengthens its position in the Baltic Sea by acquiring NLC Ferry Ab Oy/Wasaline and taking over operations of the ferry route between Umeå in Sweden and Vaasa in Finland.
The Wasaline brand will remain, and AURORA BOTNIA will continue to sail under the Finnish flag.
The agreement between Vaasa, Umeå and Stena Line requires a minimum of 20 departures per week; currently, operations range between 20 and 26 departures depending on the season.
The charter agreement and traffic requirements are set for 10 years, after which Stena Line can choose to extend the agreement or purchase the vessel.
First of two new vessels for ISSG – freight ferry MENAWETHAN launched in Vietnam
MENAWETHAN © ISSG
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (ISSG) marked a major milestone in its GBP 42 million fleet renewal programme on 31 October with the launch of its new freight ferry MENAWETHAN at Piriou’s shipyard in Vietnam.
The 45 m, 1,000 gt vessel—named after one of the uninhabited Isles of Scilly—will replace the 1981-built GRY MARITHA and is the first freight ship designed specifically for the year-round Scilly service.
TYRFING in headwind on its way to Denmark
TYRFING in Cartagena
Samsølinjen's new electric ferry is currently fighting against Denmark. Headwinds, high waves and bad weather in the Mediterranean have been the ship's companions throughout the first part of the trip - and therefore the captain made a decision to go into port on Thursday.
TYRFING called at Cartegena in Spain, as they could see that they could neither reach Setubal nor Vigo with the current stock of fuel. The ship cannot charge on the trip, so the voyage takes place on electricity made by the ship's generators on marine diesel.
Damen Shipyards Group reports profit and full order book in 2024 annual report
Financially, 2024 was a positive year for Damen Shipyards Group (Damen), the Netherlands' largest shipbuilding group. Revenue remained just above EUR 3 billion. Net profit rose from EUR 43 million to EUR 58 million. The order book was filled with a record EUR 5.9 billion in new orders, rising to EUR 10.4 billion. Damen expects 2025 to be another financially positive year.
Rauma Shipyard waved off SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V
SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V © RMC
The SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V RoPax ferry built at the Rauma Shipyard, and her crew, started the voyage to Tasmania via Europe. The vessel was completed and officially delivered to the client, TT-Line Company PTY Ltd in June of this year. The two Spirit of Tasmania RoPax ferries, SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV and SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V, were built in Rauma as the largest single export contract ever between Finland and Australia.
Brittany Ferries’ summer season boosted by arrival of new ships
GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE + NORMANDIE © Frank Lose
A rise in passenger numbers over the summer season has been welcomed by Brittany Ferries. The company says it is on track for its third consecutive year of growth when year-end figures are published next spring. It has already smashed the two million barrier. Now however, it has published figures for its 2025 summer season by route. The data covers the months from June to September, and reveals an overall three percent increase in passengers carried on 12 routes. In total 1,200,522 people took to the sea on the so-called Atlantic Arc, 33,341 more than the previous summer.
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