Shippax Newsletter– week 46
The Shippax Database has been updated and now includes alternative fuels and battery capacities. We have reviewed all 9,800 ships, making an already great vessel database even better. The unique advanced search function lets you choose whichever criteria you want to create a tailored report, which can then be exported into an Excel file.
Explore our database Shippax Database | Shippax
WALLENIUS SOL and Holmen enter long-term shipping partnership for paperboard exports
WALLENIUS SOL and Holmen have signed a long-term shipping agreement covering exports of premium paperboard from Holmen’s mill in Iggesund, Sweden.
WALLENIUS SOL also announced two strategic appointments to the management team.
Under the new agreement, WALLENIUS SOL will handle sea transport to key European markets using its modern, energy-efficient fleet. The cargo will be discharged in Kiel, Germany – a new destination in WALLENIUS SOL's network – enhancing connectivity and efficiency for Holmen's exports to Central Europe.
Fire onboard FINNWAVE in English Channel
FINNWAVE © Jukka Houtari
On the morning of 12 November, Finnlines' FINNWAVE experienced a fire in its engine room while transiting the English Channel, approximately 11 nautical miles southeast of Eastbourne, England. The vessel, which was en route from Rosslare to Zeebrugge, lost engine power following the incident.
MSC Cruises orders two new World Class ships at Chantiers de l’Atlantique
Float out of MSC WORLD ASIA
MSC Cruises and Chantiers de l'Atlantique have announced orders for two additional World Class ships (numbers 7 and 8), scheduled for delivery in 2031 and 2032. The announcement coincided with two milestones at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard: the float-out of MSC WORLD ASIA and the coin ceremony for MSC WORLD ATLANTIC.
DFDS reports softer freight and passenger volumes in October
DFDS released its October 2025 volume figures, revealing a 3.7% decline in total freight lane metres to 3.6 million compared to the prior year, with a 5.7% drop when adjusted for route changes. Year-to-date (YTD) growth stood at -0.3% unadjusted and -1.6% adjusted, reflecting subdued momentum across key European markets.
Finnlines’ Financial review January–September 2025
In the first nine months of 2025, Finnlines reported stable operations, with passenger revenue reaching EUR 89.5 million and total revenue of EUR 547.1 million. During this period, the company transported 592,000 cargo units, 51,000 cars, and 831,000 passengers. Finnlines continues to invest in fleet renewal and environmentally sustainable solutions, including upcoming methanol-powered RoPax vessels for the Finland–Germany route in 2028–2029, while maintaining and developing its trade routes across Northern and Central Europe.
Restart of Trabzon–Sochi RoPax route did not go as expected
SEABRIDGE, here as AF MICHELA for Adria Ferries © Frank Lose
The restart of the RoPax route between Trabzon in Turkey and Sochi in Russia turned out to be disappointing, when the service was reactivated on 5 November after a 14-year pause using the 1974-built RoPax SEABRIDGE. According to Turkish media, the ferry had 20 passengers on board, the majority of whom were Russian nationals.
GreenVoyage2050 meetings in Istanbul
IMO's GreenVoyage2050 Programme, in collaboration with Turkeys Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure convened a series of stakeholder consultations in Istanbul to explore the potential benefits, opportunities and challenges for electrifying ferries operating in the Sea of Marmara.
The Sea of Marmara hosts one of the Mediterranean region's densest RoPax and RoRo shipping networks, carrying millions of passengers and vehicles annually across numerous routes. With Türkiye's target to reach net-zero emissions by 2053 and its strong potential for renewable energy, the electrification of ferries here offers a pathway to cut greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in and around port areas.
New border control complex inaugurated in Rosslare
Rosslare Europort, which since Brexit has experienced massive growth in RoRo freight volumes to and from the rest of the EU on the continent, bypassing the UK, inaugurated its new border control complex on 7 November. The complex, commonly referred to as Terminal 7, represents an investment of EUR 230 million.
Two former Northern European cruise ferries soon to meet in Squamish
On 12 November, SAGA X arrives in Vancouver, Canada. The former Northern European cruise ferry has been converted into an accommodation vessel – or so-called floatel, as its new owners, Canadian Bridgeman (Bridgemans Service Group), describe this type of ship.
Cumbrae ferry port set for major upgrade as new slipway project moves ahead
Cumbrae slipway
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited has hired George Leslie Ltd to build a new slipway and upgraded passenger facilities on Great Cumbrae. The aging slipway will be demolished once the new one is complete. Plans include a traffic marshalling area, a new terminal building with staff and public amenities, and improved links for walking, cycling, and public transport.
Fincantieri to build new ultra-luxury cruise ship for Regent Seven Seas Cruises
© Regent Seven Seas
Fincantieri has secured a new order for the construction of an ultra-luxury cruise ship for Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd and to be operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Scheduled for delivery in 2033, the new vessel will be a sister ship to SEVEN SEAS PRESTIGE, the first of the new Prestige Class, currently under construction at the Marghera shipyard and set for delivery in 2026.
Five Moby ferries to be auctioned to repay MSC debt
MOBY ALE DUE © Frank Lose
The fall out from the Italian antitrust authorities decision to stop MSC and its ferry division Grandi Navi Veloci from owning ferry operator Moby Lines has started. Moby has been told that it will have to auction five RoPax ferries to pay off its debt to MSC.
Launching and naming ceremony of SeaRoad's LNG-capable SEAROAD I at FSG Shipyard
Illustration © Thorsten Rönner
On 7 November 2025, Flensburger Shipyard (FSG) and SeaRoad celebrated the launching and naming ceremony of the new Hull No. 784, christened SEAROAD I. With more than 43,000 gross registered tonnes, the LNG-capable SEAROAD I will be the largest ship ever operated by SeaRoad. The 210-metre-long RoRo vessel is scheduled to join SeaRoad's fleet in September 2026.
CMAL launches public vote to name seven new electric loch-class ferries
© NaValue
Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) is calling for the public's help to choose the names of the seven new electric ferries being built as part of the Small Vessel Replacement Programme (SVRP). CMAL, which will own the vessels, has produced a list of 17 names following the theme of Scottish lochs. Voters can choose their seven favourite names from the list, and the most popular options will be given to the vessels in the first phase of the programme.
NORRÖNA to Oslo with nearly 1 in 50 of the Faroese citizens
NORRÖNA © Sören Lund Hviid
Faroese Smyril Line is offering a special cruise from Tórshavn to Oslo using its large RoPax vessel NORRÖNA, which normally operates between the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Denmark. This special six-day voyage is being organized in connection with the Norwegian capital's role as host for part of the group stage (the preliminary round) of the 2026 European Men's Handball Championship from 15 to 20 January 2026.
2017-built PCTC reported sold by Grimaldi Lines
Sister ship, GRANDE NEW YORK © Grimaldi Group
While the Grimaldi Group is in the process of continuously taking delivery of newly built PCTCs — most recently GRANDE MELBOURNE on 22 October — older PCTC tonnage is also leaving the fleet. Grimaldi Lines is reported to have sold the 2017-built GRANDE BALTIMORA, a 6,700 CEU vessel and one of three sister ships delivered to Grimaldi Lines from Jinling between 2017 and 2018.
NFI obtains deeper financial support for its green transition
Molslinjens electric catamarans, built by Incat
Rabobank is deepening its financial support for NFI (Nordic Ferry Infrastructure), which was formed by EQT Group Infrastructure in 2023, and today holds the Nordic ferry operators Torghatten, Molslinjen, and Öresundslinjen. As part of a broader sustainability-linked financing package, Rabobank has contributed to a new NOK 6 billion capex facility aimed at accelerating NFI's decarbonization journey.
GNV strengthens its presence in Morocco
GNV has appointed Carole Montarsolo as General Manager of GNV Morocco. The ferry operator states that the appointment of Carole Montarsolo to the position is an important step in strengthening GNV's presence and growth in Morocco.
Moby and Ichnusa continues on Sardinia-Corsica route under a new agreement
BUNIFAZZIU
Moby Lines and Ichnusa Lines will continue jointly operating the public service routes between Santa Teresa di Gallura and Bonifacio (Sardinia to Corsica) until 31 October 2026. The two companies were the only applicants and received authorization from the Sardinia Region under a new procedure introduced last July.
Sicily ferry contracts extended another two years without tender
The Italian ferry operator Caronte & Tourist will continue operating the RoPax links between Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, the Egadi Islands, Ustica, and Pantelleria until 1 November 2027, receiving EUR 76.7 million in regional funding in addition to ticket revenues.
First two of Fjord1’s autonomously operated electric ferries launched
The first two, out of four in total, of the world's first autonomous electric ferries for Fjord1, TBN: FANARAAKEN and TBN: SKAGASTØL, have been launched at Tersan Shipyard in Turkey.
The newbuilding project was signed in February 2024 followed by the steel-cutting ceremony in October 2024. The 120-metre-long ferries with capacity of 399 passengers and 120 vehicles will operate on Fjord1's Lavik-Oppedal route with autonomous navigation and a high degree of automation of vessel functions that replace manual operations.
Timetable released for the 2026 Shippax Ferry Conference
Most read
Brittany Ferries strengthens its Cherbourg-Rosslare route in Ireland with charter of NORBAY
mar 06 2026
Two Norwegian owners take over the entire ownership of Fjord Line
mar 02 2026
ARROW long-term chartered to provide dedicated logistics support to energy project
mar 01 2026
VIKING GLORY celebrate four years and four million passengers
feb 27 2026
New Sorrento Ferry Terminal opened for Searoad Ferries
mar 06 2026
Irish Continental Group delivered a robust 2025
mar 05 2026
Peep Jalakas appointed as new Tallink Grupp CEO
feb 26 2026
Corsica Linea purchase KALLISTE from La Méridionale
mar 06 2026
