Ferry Shipping News & Ferry Shipping Summit

BIG NEWS: Today, Grimaldi Group has commissioned the construction of nine RoPax vessels from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai), a China Merchants Group company.   The agreement for these cutting-edge new builds, worth $1.3 billion, was signed this morning in Hong Kong. All nine will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, making them ready to achieve the "Net Zero Emission" goal.   ➡️ “Next Generation Med” class 4 for Grimaldi Lines, Italian flag 2 for Minoan Lines S.A., Greek flag   ➡️ “Hansa Superstar” class (evolution of the “Superstar” series) 3 for Finnlines, Finnish flag   To be delivered between 2028 and 2030.   Ground-breaking, green technology innovations. Optimized hull and propeller designs, energy-efficient onboard power management systems (both at sea and in port), shore power readiness and the application of silicon-based hull coatings will reduce CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared to vessels currently operating on the same routes. More in Friday's news. Photo: Emanuele Grimaldi (Grimaldi Group) and Miao Jianmin (China Merchants Group) #ferry #ropax #shipbuilding #shipping KNUD E. HANSEN

2024: A Historically Strong Year for Color Group Color Group – the parent company of Color Line – delivered results in 2024 on par with its record-breaking 2023, despite ongoing inflation and geopolitical uncertainty. This underlines the strength and resilience of Color Line’s business model, based on continuous improvement and operational efficiency. Highlights from 2024: 🌈 EBITDA reached NOK 1.4 billion, only marginally lower than in 2023 🌈 Operating profit (EBIT) came in at NOK 808 million, compared to NOK 819 million in 2023 🌈 Carried 3.7 million passengers and 160,000 freight units (12-m equivalent) 🌈 Nearly 4,700 sailings across four international routes and five ships 🌈 Maintained robust performance despite weaker Norwegian currency and softer freight markets Accelerating the Green Transition: 🌈 2024 marked the inclusion of shipping in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) 🌈 Color Line is actively preparing for future requirements: 🌈 Route optimisation and energy efficiency initiatives 🌈 Increased use of biofuel and silicone-based hull coatings 🌈 Deployment of digital support systems for optimised sailing Looking ahead to 2025: Despite an intensive docking programme to meet new environmental standards, Color Line expects another solid year of operations in 2025. https://lnkd.in/eW6QZpSx

Although this is about a cruise terminal, it's fascinating to see how technology is being used to streamline passenger flow on an unprecedented scale. In Miami, MSC Cruises unveiled the world's largest and most innovative cruise terminal — capable of handling up to 36,000 guests daily. With space for three ships simultaneously, the real game changer lies in the biometric check-in journey. 🔹 Digital identity verification 🔹 Facial recognition at 18 self-service kiosks 🔹 22 biometric gates before the gangway 🔹 Pre-registration via app or website The result? A seamless, stress-free embarkation experience that starts before you even step onboard. Food for thought: how might these innovations inspire the next generation of ferry terminals? #Ferry #PassengerExperience #MaritimeInnovation #Biometrics #CruiseTerminal #DigitalTransformation

Are electric cars safe on ferries? Yes — and Interferry’s new brochure explains why. “E-cars on Board – A Safe Passage” tackles myths around battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on ro-pax ferries, with clear facts from projects like Lash Fire. Key takeaway: BEVs do not pose a higher fire risk than traditional vehicles. Free to download and share — even if you're not an Interferry member. https://lnkd.in/eszTydsd #MaritimeSafety #Ferry #BEV #RoPax #Interferry #LashFire #ElectricVehicles Interferry

In 2024, the Port of Helsinki Ltd continued to serve shipping companies, passengers, and cargo carriers while investing in infrastructure, reducing emissions, and supporting Finland’s security of supply. 🔹 Passenger traffic grew by 5%, with full ferry capacity reinstated on both Tallinn and Stockholm routes by autumn. 🔹 Cargo traffic showed a positive trend after a quiet spring – strong year-end growth in unitised traffic strengthened the port’s role as a key general cargo hub for Finland. 🔹 The Port and City of Helsinki progressed joint projects that will see South Harbour repurposed mainly for city residents in the early 2030s. 🔹 Solid financial performance: • Turnover: €99.6M • Operating profit: €9.5M • Net profit: €7.5M 🔹 For the second year running, the Port earned the Future Workplaces certificate – reflecting its commitment to employee well-being, leadership, and culture. 🔹 The Port now employs 97 people, all of whom will be able to spend one workday per year volunteering, starting in 2025. 🔹 Sustainability in focus: • Port operations’ CO₂ emissions: –2.5% • Overall port area emissions: –3.3% • Wider adoption of onshore power contributing to cleaner air. 📘 The 2024 Annual Report – including full sustainability results – is now available in Finnish and English on the Port of Helsinki website: https://lnkd.in/dHXtwdW2

GNV Expands into Algerian Market with New Summer Routes GNV, part of the MSC Group, has announced its strategic entry into the Algerian market — what was expected and has now been confirmed. This move further strengthens the company’s presence in the Maghreb region and expands its international service offering in the Mediterranean. Starting this summer season, GNV will introduce new weekly sailings from the French port of Sète to both Algiers and Bejaia. Ticket sales for these new connections will open on 7 April.

On May 1st, 2025, Stena Line will switch its ferry service from Hoek van Holland to Killingholme to a new route between Hoek van Holland and Immingham. Following a successful trial in March, the STENA TRANSPORTER and STENA TRANSIT will relocate to Stena Line’s dedicated terminal at Immingham port. Photo ML: STENA TRANSIT in Hoek Van Holland

ETA Now Required for EU Citizens Travelling to the UK As from today, all EU citizens travelling to the United Kingdom will need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before entering the country. The new requirement forms part of the UK’s broader border control reforms post-Brexit. The ETA is mandatory for visa-exempt travellers, including those from the EU, and must be applied for online prior to travel. It grants permission to enter the UK for tourism, business, or transit purposes and is valid for multiple visits over a two-year period. #ETA #UK #travel Photo Mike Louagie

Tallink Sells STAR I to Irish Continental Group and Replaces Her with SUPERFAST IX. Tallink Grupp has announced the sale of its ferry STAR I to IRISH CONTINENTAL GROUP (ICG) plc (Irish Ferries). The vessel, previously operating on the Paldiski–Kapellskär route, will be replaced by SUPERFAST IX, which returns to service on April 12. SUPERFAST IX had spent the past 15 years on a long-term charter in Canada, operating between Newfoundland and Sydney, Nova Scotia. It is currently undergoing preparations and repainting ahead of its deployment. STAR I had already been on charter to Irish Ferries from June 2023 to February 2025, sailing under the names OSCAR WILDE and later JAMES JOYCE. The official transfer will take place in the coming weeks.

Stena Line Unveils Fuel-Efficient Concept Ship ‘STENA FUTURO’ Stena Line has introduced STENA FUTURO, a next-generation RoRo concept ship designed to significantly cut fuel consumption and emissions. With a 240-metre length, it is tailored for transporting semi-trailers and cars. Thanks to optimised hull design, streamlined structure, and hybrid propulsion, STENA FUTURO is expected to reduce energy use by over 20%. It will feature battery support, low-fuel engines compatible with various fuels, solar panels, and an air lubrication system to minimise water resistance. A waste heat recovery system will reuse exhaust energy. Notably, the design includes four 40-metre wing sails, which recent tests showed could provide up to 15% additional fuel savings. Stena Line aims to cut CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030, and STENA FUTURO marks a significant step in its sustainability journey.