Ferry Shipping News & Ferry Shipping Summit

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.

Malta to Issue Tender for New Gozo Ferry by Summer The government of Malta plans to issue a tender for a new Gozo Channel ferry by mid-2025, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri announced in parliament on Tuesday. The vessel will be built to Gozo Channel specifications and replace the leased Greek-owned NIKOLAUS, which has been in service since 2019 as a temporary solution. Three of the four ferries currently serving the Ċirkewwa–Mġarr route are state-owned. Shadow Minister for Gozo Alex Borg called for a broader strategy, urging investment in a new, environmentally compliant fleet using EU funds. He also proposed studying the need for a fifth vessel dedicated to freight transport.

Disappointment for BC Ferries: 4, not 5 ships The BC Ferry Commission has approved the procurement of four new vessels—not the five BC Ferries had proposed. That missing ship could mean longer waits, fewer sailings, and rising fare pressures in the years ahead. “We’re disappointed,” said CEO Nicolas Jimenez. “We had a cost-effective plan to build capacity and resilience now. This decision risks missing a crucial opportunity to meet growing demand affordably.” BC Ferries warns that the current shipbuilding conditions won’t last, and delaying the fifth vessel will likely cost more—financially and in service reliability. The company now shifts focus to delivering four vessels while reassessing how to serve a growing population with mounting expectations. The commissioner authorised the replacement of the ferry fleet’s four oldest major vessels: QUEEN OF ALBERNI, QUEEN OF NEW WESTMINSTER, QUEEN OF COQUITLAM and QUEEN OF COWICHAN. BC Ferries is currently in a global procurement process to select the highest quality, most affordable bid for the shipyard that will build the New Major Vessels. This process is expected to complete by early summer.

Major Investment for CLdN’s Killingholme Terminal   CLdN has announced a multi-million-pound upgrade to its Killingholme terminal on the River Humber, boosting capacity and sustainability for North Sea freight services. Planned for completion in the second half of 2026, this investment will: *️⃣ Reconfigure cargo handling operations *️⃣ Increase storage and handling capacity for all cargo types *️⃣ Introduce 5 electric RTG cranes, replacing part of the diesel fleet – cutting the terminal's carbon footprint by 5-10%   This strategic move supports CLdN’s growing connections between Killingholme and its terminals in Zeebrugge and Rotterdam, key gateways to Ireland, Scandinavia and Iberia.   Florent Maes, CEO of CLdN: "This investment signals our strong commitment to UK port infrastructure and further decarbonising operations. Killingholme is a vital hub connecting the North of England with mainland Europe."   Following recent developments in Purfleet and Liverpool, CLdN continues to strengthen its integrated shipping and terminal network across the UK.   #logistics #maritime #RoRo #shipping #freight #decarbonisation #CLdN #Humber #Killingholme #supplychain

Brittany Ferries celebrates the blessing and naming of its second hybrid vessel, GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE 🇫🇷🇬🇧   On Friday 28 March, Brittany Ferries marked a significant milestone with the blessing and official naming of its second hybrid vessel, GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE. The ceremony was led by Monseigneur Dominique Lebrun, Archbishop of Rouen, and the ship was named in line with maritime tradition by British sailor Miranda Merron, who had the honour of serving as godmother.   Replacing the long-serving NORMANDIE, the new vessel is 194.7 metres long and can carry up to 1,300 passengers. With ten decks, 220 cabins (including pet-friendly and accessible options), and a new Couchette Plus economy offering, GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE represents a leap forward in comfort and innovation.   Powered by a hybrid LNG-electric propulsion system, the ship is a cornerstone of Brittany Ferries’ commitment to greener cross-Channel transport. With this investment, the company – a proud defender of the French flag and the largest employer of French seafarers – continues to lead the way in sustainable maritime travel. Inside, the ship showcases the beauty and spirit of the Normandy region, making it a true ambassador for the destination it serves.   “This is an ambitious and eco-responsible vessel,” said Hervé Morin, President of the Normandy Region. “It strengthens our long-standing partnership with Brittany Ferries and represents a new winning bet for the future of maritime transport.”   Jean-Marc Roué, Chairman of Brittany Ferries’ Supervisory Board, added: “GUILLAUME DE NORMANDIE is the most ambitious expression of our shared commitment to energy transition and regional promotion. A technological feat, and a prestigious ambassador for Normandy!” Photos © Jess Breheret   #BrittanyFerries #GuillaumedeNormandie #HybridFerry #Decarbonisation #MaritimeInnovation #Normandy #CrossChannel #SustainableTransport #Ferries #GreenShipping

URD will leave the Black Sea. Where is it going to? What will happen with Sea Lines? Read our interview with CEO Joakim Lindblom in Friday's Ferry Shipping News.