VIKING GRACE returns to service following EUR 7 million refurbishment

VIKING GRACE © Richard Seville

VIKING GRACE returned to service on January 29 after extensive upgrades and maintenance work totalling EUR 7 million at Turku Repair Yard. Among other improvements carried out during its three-week drydocking, the worn-out dance floor in the nightclub was replaced, a new world of showers was built in the spa and the tax-free store was updated. Extensive technical maintenance measures help to further reduce emissions from the vessel.

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FRS Group expands Rhine presence and unifies brand identity

The FRS Group has announced the acquisition of the Lorch–Niederheimbach ferry service, its third expansion in the Middle Rhine region within 13 months. Alongside this growth, the company is launching a major strategic rebranding in 2026, merging its Weiße Flotte and Reederei Hiddensee subsidiaries under the unified FRS Weiße Flotte name to streamline its international identity.

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Japan emerging as early adopter of advanced fire detection on RoRo vessels, inspection data shows

Inspection data from vessel specialist Idwal reveals that Japan is leading the global maritime industry in adopting advanced fire detection for RoRo vessels. While many shipowners hesitate to retrofit older ships due to costs and regulatory uncertainty, Japanese operators are increasingly installing AI-enabled cameras and linear heat detection on newbuilds, including recent LNG-fueled car carriers. These systems are specifically designed to identify heat signatures early, a critical feature as the transport of electric vehicles increases fire risks.

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Isles of Scilly's new freight vessel begins sea trials in Vietnam

The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group's new purpose-built freight vessel, MENAWETHAN, has successfully entered the sea trials phase in Vietnam.

GRY MARITHA Master Tom Sexton and Technical Superintendent Luke Parnell have travelled to Vietnam for the sea trials, in collaboration with Piriou shipyard and the classification society, Lloyds Register.

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CNMC deepens probe into DFDS-Armas deal

The Spanish National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has moved its investigation into DFDS's acquisition of Armas Trasmediterránea assets into a more intensive second phase after identifying significant threats to market health. This transaction, which involves key routes in the Strait of Gibraltar, is being analyzed alongside a separate purchase by Baleària to assess their cumulative impact.

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Stena RoRo places order for two new C-Flexer design RoRo ships

Stena C-Flexer 200 mode © Peter Mild

Stena RoRo has placed on order for a new generation of RoRo vessels comprising two firm vessels of the C-Flexer type with options for an additional four. The deal marks an important step in the company's long-term strategy to offer flexible and future-proof RoRo ships to the global market. The vessels have been developed by Stena RoRo in close cooperation with the Italian design company NAOS Ship and Boat Design.

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State of Alaska goes out to tender for the replacement ferry for AMHS’ veteran TUSTUMENA

New TUSTUMENA © AMHS

At long last, the State of Alaska has finally started the bidding process for the replacement ferry for Alaska Marine Highway Systems (AMHS) veteran RoPax ferry TUSTUMENA.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has sent out invitations to bid on the construction of the new ferry, with bids expected within 90 days. Bids will be evaluated; contracts awarded and Notice to Proceed will be issued in April 2026. The new TUSTUMENA will be built at a US shipyard and be fitted out with as much US designed and built equipment as possible, with the construction time expected to take 30 months to complete.

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Strong cruise performance and stable ferry traffic at the Port of Tallinn in 2025

Old City Harbour © Argo Viikvald

In 2025, a total of 8.3 million passengers passed through the ports of Port of Tallinn, representing a 1% increase compared to the previous year. The strongest growth occurred in cruise ship calls and the number of cruise passengers. On regular ferry routes, the number of passengers from long-haul markets increased in particular.

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Stena Line completes acquisition of terminal operations in Liepaja

Stena Line has now completed the acquisition of the terminal operator Terrabalt in Liepaja, Latvia, and officially taken over RoRo, bulk and general cargo operations. All approvals from competition authorities and relevant governmental institutions have been granted, and Stena Line is now registered as the owner.

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BALTIC QUEEN to be withdrawn from service for planned maintenance in February 2026

Tallink Silja Line's BALTIC QUEEN vessel, which operates on the Tallinn–Stockholm route, will be taken out of service on 1 February for a two-week docking visit. During the stay at the shipyard in Naantali, Finland, the main part of the work will focus on the ship's technical systems. In addition, the hull will be coated with an innovative antifouling paint that reduces water resistance.

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ISLE OF ISLAY begins journey home to Scotland

ISLE OF ISLAY began her maiden voyage from Cemre shipyard in Turkey back to Scotland. Following her official handover to owners CMAL week 3, a crew from CalMac is now onboard and will sail her back to Scotland. The repositioning voyage is expected to take around two weeks, depending on weather conditions.

During the journey home, ISLE OF ISLAY will call at two to three European ports for refuelling, depending on need and fuel testing results. The sailing will also provide the crew with an opportunity for familiarisation training, which will continue once they reach Scotland.

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Shippax Ferry Conference - where everyone’s at!

There are now only three months left until the 2026 Shippax Ferry Conference, and over 300 delegates have already registered. Suites are sold out and few outside cabins and sponsorships are left.

Secure your participation now to meet RoPax, RoRo and High-Speed ferry operators and shipowners, shipyards, ports, shipbrokers, naval architects, designers, classification societies, trade associations, interest groups, regulators, banks, financial institutions and suppliers from all over the world.

WHERE? GNV’S RHAPSODY
ROUTE? Genoa - Olbia and return
WHEN? 5-7 May 2026