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Shippax Newsletter– week 6

P&O Ferries to increase capacity on its Tilbury – Europoort route

P&O Ferries has announced a capacity increase by up to 60% on its London/Tilbury – Rotterdam/Europoort route, starting from 2nd March 2025.

Following a successful launch of the new route in 2024, a second vessel will be added to the route, which will continue to offer 12 sailings per week with daily departures from both Tilbury and Europoort. The ships NORSKY and NORSTREAM will cover the route, increasing capacity by up to 60 per cent.

Viking Line, Port of Turku and Ports of Stockholm celebrate one year of cooperation to establish a green shipping corridor

Viking Line, Port of Turku and Ports of Stockholm have been working together for a year on a project which aims to establish a green, fossil-free shipping corridor between Stockholm and Turku. The parties have now laid a solid foundation for the project and developed a clear plan for a common way forward.

During the first year, the parties have identified and prioritised the most important goals and measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in shipping. A clear project plan with activities has been developed, including:

Viking Line
- Pre-study of battery installation on VIKING GRACE and VIKING GLORY
- Installing Elogrids on the vessels
- Increase sales of biogas supplements for transport between Stockholm and Turku

SILJA SERENADE returns home upgraded from Remontowa

On 5 February, Tallink/Silja’s cruise ferry SILJA SERENADE returned to the Helsinki-Stockholm route, after the ship has undergone major technical maintenance and upgrades at the Remontowa shipyard in Gdansk, Poland. Tallink Group tells that in addition to these essential improvements, several areas of the ship have been refreshed to enhance the onboard experience.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings orders its largest cruise ships to date
Fincantieri announced that the Letter of Intent signed with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) and announced on 8 April 2024 has been transformed into a firm order for the construction of four new cruise ships, destined for the Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) brand. With an approximate 226,000 gross tonnage, the new units will be the largest ever built for NCL.

The ships will be built at the Fincantieri Monfalcone shipyard, with the first unit to be delivered in 2030 and the others to follow in 2032, 2034, and 2036. With over 5,100 berths, the ships will be able to accommodate over 8,300 people, including crew. Designed according to the highest standards of comfort and technology these ships will also include sustainability features.

(Updated with interior photos) New Copenhagen-Oslo brand and logo to be revealed early spring

The new brand and logo for the Copenhagen-Oslo route will be revealed to the market in early spring and painted on the ships' sides, reveals Gotlandsbolaget in a press statement. In 2024, Gotlandsbolaget acquired the Oslo - Copenhagen cruise ferry line from Danish company DFDS.

The deal included a workforce of approximately 800 employees and the two vessels, PEARL SEAWAYS, now renamed NORDIC PEARL, and CROWN SEAWAYS, to be renamed NORDIC CROWN this spring.

VIKING XPRS has undergone a complete refurbishment

VIKING XPRS' on-board shop has been renovated from floor to ceiling. A new restaurant. Bright, fresh interiors. Technological updates that reduce fuel consumption. VIKING XPRS returns from the shipyard to service on the Helsinki–Tallinn route on 7 February after three weeks at Oresund Dry Docks in Landskrona.

VIKING XPRS has sailed under the Finnish flag for almost two years and has increased its popularity on this highly competitive route. VIKING XPRS offers 15 weekly departures from the two ports and serves the most passengers of all of Viking Line vessels. Last year, the total number of passengers on VIKING XPRS was more than 1.6 million.

Supervisory Board of MEYER WERFT constituted

MEYER WERFT GmbH has changed its corporate structure with the appointment of a new, co-determined Supervisory Board. This measure is part of the stabilization and restructuring plan agreed between the new shareholders from the federal and state governments, the Meyer family and the financing banks. The final conditions for the completion of the participation of the federal and state governments in the companies have thus been implemented.

WALLENIUS SOL acquires Mann Lines

WALLENIUS SOL has acquired Mann Lines, a provider of liner ro-ro and container vessel services, logistics and forwarding. The acquisition reinforces WALLENIUS SOL's platform for growth, supporting the development of a more sustainable and digitally driven shipping and logistics industry.

"This acquisition will among other things, result in a larger fleet and an expanded port network stretching from the Baltic countries to Northwest Europe," says Elvir Dzanic, CEO, WALLENIUS SOL.

Rönner Group continues to operate the Flensburg shipyard FSG – SeaRoad ro-ro to be completed

The future of the two insolvent shipyards Flensburg FSG and Nobiskrug is taking shape: The Rönner Group from Bremerhaven will continue to operate the Flensburg shipyard and the Lürssen Group from Bremen will take over the facilities and land at the shipyard site in Rendsburg. Completion of the ro-ro vessel with LNG propulsion for the Australian shipping company SeaRoad will continue at the Flensburg shipyard.

Over 300 delegates booked. Limited number of cabins left.

It is now only two months left until the 2025 Shippax Ferry Conference and we are now close to 300 booked delegates. Limited number of cabins are left, so register soon to secure a seat.

MAXIMIZE YOUR COMPANY’S EXPOSURE WITH AN EXHIBITION STAND

NORDIC PEARL offers a great exhibition area, so don’t miss booking an exhibition stand and/or sponsorship early to ensure a favourable place. The exhibition area is on the same floor as the auditorium, and all coffee breaks and happy hours take place there, so there is a very high exposure for all exhibitors.

As a bonus, all exhibitors, sponsors and speakers will also be exclusively invited to a reception held at the conference hotel Tivoli Hotel on the 1st of April, the day before the conference starts.

https://www.shippax.com/shippax-newsletter-week-6-2.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Shippax%20Newsletter%E2%80%93%20week%206&utm_term=Nyhetsbrev-version-sida

日本郵船、郵船クルーズ、オリエンタルランドは、オリエンタルランドのクルーズ事業の業務提携に向け、基本合意書を締結した。オリエンタルランドは、2028年度にDisney Wish級のクルーズ船1隻を就航させる計画。

Wind-powered ro-ro ship NEOLINER ORIGIN launched

Neoline Armateur celebrated, with builder RMK Marine and its partners, the launching of NEOLINER ORIGIN's, the world's first commercial sailing ro-ro vessel. NEOLINER ORIGIN will become a 136m-long sailing commercial ship capable of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 80% compared to conventional ships of equivalent size by reducing energy needs and using wind as the main propulsion energy.

The NEOLINER ORIGIN will be equipped with nearly 3,000sqm of sail and two foldable Solidsail carbon masts of 76m height manufactured by Chantiers de l'Atlantique, retractable anti-drift plans made by Fouré Lagadec, and an ultra-efficient weather routing system developed by D-ICE Engineering.

Finnlines appoints new CFO and updates Executive Committee’s responsibilities
Finnlines announced on 19 December 2024 that Thomas Doepel had been appointed as the President and CEO of Finnlines Plc, effective on 1 March 2025. Following this, Finnlines has appointed a new CFO and updated the Executive Committee's responsibilities.

Santeri Laakso has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and a member of the Executive Committee of Finnlines Plc as of 1 March 2025. In his new role, Mr. Laakso will report to Thomas Doepel, President and CEO, Finnlines Plc.

Royal Caribbean Group reports 2024 financial results and announces the launch of the Celebrity River Cruises brand with a 10-ship order

Royal Caribbean Group reported total revenues of USD 16.5 billion for 2024 (USD 13.9 billion) and adjusted EBITDA was USD 6.0 billion (USD 4.5 billion). 8,564,272 passengers were carried compared to 7,646,203 in 2023. Announced was also the launch of a river cruise brand within the group, starting off with a 10-ship order with the first plans to sail in 2027.

Scenic Group celebrated the keel-laying of its next luxury yacht, EMERALD KAIA

Scenic Group celebrated the keel-laying of EMERALD KAIA at MKM Yachts in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, marking the foundation of the luxury ocean yacht for its Emerald Cruises brand. EMERALD KAIA is an enlarged version of the two Vietnamese-built sister ships EMERALD AZZURRA and EMERALD SAKARA. While the two sisters measure 110 metres in length and have a capacity for 100 passengers, EMERALD KAIA grows to 120 metres and increases its passenger capacity to 128.

Construction started of REGENT’s first seaglider manufacturing facility at Rhode Island

REGENT celebrated the start of construction of their first seaglider manufacturing facility, located in the Quonset Business Park in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. Coming online in 2026, the 23,000 square-metre facility will house seaglider component manufacturing, vehicle final assembly, and pre-delivery testing for their all-electric hydrofoiling wing-in-ground-effect (WIG) 12-passenger Viceroy seaglider.

Royal Bodewes shjpyard launched HAWAIKINUI 2 for the Polynesian Navigation Company (SNP)

At the Royal Bodewes shjpyard in the Netherlands, a launching ceremony was held for HAWAIKINUI 2, an 87m long ro-ro ship for the Polynesian Navigation Company (SNP). The 2,000 dwt and 12-knot ship will replace the Tahitian operator's 1980-built 70.31m HAWAIKINUI serving between Papeete and the islands of Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora.

HX Expeditions debuts first-ever Greenland cruises with roundtrip flights from New York

HX Expeditions (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions), is launching the first-ever cruises from New York to Greenland, roundtrip from Newark Liberty International Airport. Departing on 21 June 2025−Greenland's National Day, marked by the summer solstice− these itineraries feature dedicated flight allocations on United Airlines' direct route to Nuuk.

SeaDream Yacht Club becomes first cruise line to accept cryptocurrency

Effective immediately, SeaDream guests can now book their ultra-luxury voyages with SeaDream Yacht Club to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Norway, and Northern Europe using Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and more than 200 of the most frequently used cryptocurrencies.
As the first cruise line to embrace cryptocurrency, SeaDream is using the leading cryptocurrency payment platform Coinbase Commerce to ensure secure, reliable, and efficient payment processing.

Smyril Line charters LISTA

Smyril Line announced that they have chartered the ro-ro LISTA from Siem Industries, which in turn bought the vessel as recently as November last year from the Grimaldi Group. LISTA (ex. EUROCARGO CATANIA), will commence operations on Monday, 27 January, on the route between Rotterdam, Tórshavn, and Þorlákshöfn.

Tallink Grupp's vessel STAR returns to take up service on Paldiski-Kapellskär route from 9 February 2025

Tallink Grupp announced that company's passenger vessel STAR, which is returning to Estonia from long term charter to Irish Continental Group plc as JAMES JOYCE, starts operating on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route from Sunday, 9 February 2025. This is a significant step up in service quality on the company's Paldiski-Kapellskär route, offering car passengers and cargo transporters an opportunity to travel between Estonia and Sweden from different ports almost daily, with up to two daily departures on some days.

Almost 300 delegates booked. Secure your seat and book now!

It is now only two months left until the 2025 Shippax Ferry Conference and we are now close to 300 booked delegates. We strongly recommend to register as soon as possible. Seats are limited.

MAXIMIZE YOUR COMPANY’S EXPOSURE WITH AN EXHIBITION STAND

NORDIC PEARL offers a great exhibition area, so don’t miss booking an exhibition stand and/or sponsorship early to ensure a favourable place. The exhibition area is on the same floor as the auditorium, and all coffee breaks and happy hours take place there, so there is a very high exposure for all exhibitors.

As a bonus, all exhibitors, sponsors and speakers will also be exclusively invited to a reception held at the conference hotel Tivoli Hotel on the 1st of April, the day before the conference starts.

https://www.shippax.com/shippax-newsletter-week-5-2.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Shippax%20Newsletter%E2%80%93%20week%205&utm_term=Nyhetsbrev-version-sida

This year we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of our monthly magazine. "Car Ferry Information", as it was known then, was founded as a means of exchanging traffic statistics and information between car ferry companies in Scandinavia. We still collect this statistics and are actually the world's only source for globally collected ferry traffic statistics. In Shippax Info we publish the monthly statistics, while Shippax Market contains more extensive annual statistics. We can also supply customized reports upon request.

Please find below this weeks news bits published on our website.

We wish you a great weekend!

Ultra-luxury cruise ship FOUR SEASONS I launched in Ancona

Fincantieri and Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, Joint Owner/Operator of Four Seasons Yachts, celebrated at the shipyard in Ancona the launching of FOUR SEASONS I, the first ultra-luxury vessel under construction for Four Seasons Yachts, which will be delivered at the end of this year and setting sail in January 2026.

With an all-suite, residential style product, FOUR SEASONS I will set a new standard for luxury at sea. The vessel, which will be using the very latest in environmental protection technologies, will be 34,000gt, 207 metres long, and will have 95 exclusive suites with remarkable custom design, focused on removing barriers between guests, the sea, and their surroundings. Each suite features extensive terrace decks, reaching up to impressive 457 square metres in the prestigious Funnel Suite, the Yacht's most exclusive accommodation.

CTMA resells SAMSØ before using it

In November 2024, CTMA acquired the Danish lifeline ferry SAMSØ in order to operate it on a summer seasonal route across the St. Laurent. SAMSØ will be replaced in 2025 by the battery electric ferry TYRFING, which is under construction at Cemre Shipyard in Turkey.

According to a Canadian sources, CTMA has quickly resold SAMSØ after it failed to convince local decision-makers about its bid.

Baleària presents two electric fast ferries for the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route

Baleària has presented the first green corridor between Spain and Morocco, which will be operated by two 100% electric, zero (direct)-emission fast ferries. 11,500 kWh of batteries in each vessel will allow them to make the entire journey between the cities of Tarifa and Tangier with electric propulsion. Astilleros Armon in Gijón will build the two Incat Crowther-designed 87-metre vessels, which will operate at maximum speeds of 26 knots, with each offering an 800-passenger and 225-car capacity.

IMO statement on the release of the GALAXY LEADER crew

IMO Secretary-General Mr. Arsenio Dominguez has welcomed the release of the crew of the GALAXY LEADER, after more than a year in captivity. The NYK-chartered PCTC GALAXY LEADER was seized by Houthi rebels near Hodeida, Yemen, while sailing for India.

MPUNGU embarked on maiden voyage across Lake Victoria

On 10 January 2025, MPUNGU embarked on its maiden voyage to Mwanza across the waters of Lake Victoria between Port Bell in Uganda and Mwanza South Port in Tanzania. Entebbe shipbuilding facility of SECO Marine (U) Ltd. built the vessel for East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT) with contributing support from OSK Design.

Commissioned by InfraCo Africa, part of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and regional logistics company, Grindrod Limited (Grindrod), the 96m long vessel has the capacity to handle up to 1,000 tonnes of containerized cargo, the equivalent of 21 trailers. EAMT also benefitted from a European Union-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund (EU-AITF) grant for market and technical studies as well as for legal and regulatory support.

Wasaline 2024 traffic and emissions numbers

Wasaline reported that cargo increased in 2024 by 6% in tonnage and by 3.2% in lane metres. Passenger numbers decreased by 9%. Passenger vehicles decreased by 9% and buses decreased by 1.3% in 2024. Revenue dropped by 3.7%, but the result is expected to be approximately at the same level as last year.

Wasaline reduced total carbon dioxide emissions by 5% in 2024. Last year, the use of green shore power increased by 22%, reaching 2,707 MWh, which saves 1,800 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

DFDS 2024 preliminary financial results

DFDS' revenue for 2024 increased 9.0% to DKK 29.8bn which was in line with the latest outlook revenue growth range of 8-10%. The 2024 EBIT was DKK 1.5bn in line with the latest EBIT outlook range of DKK 1.5-1.7bn. The adjusted free cash flow for 2024 was DKK 1.0bn compared to an outlook of around DKK 1.2bn.

DFDS' EBIT for 2025 is expected to be around DKK 1.0bn. The EBIT expectation includes substantial negative earnings impacts from the changed competitive environment of the Mediterranean ferry network. The addition of the Türkiye & Europe South business area (previously Ekol International Transport) to the Logistics Division will as expected also reduce EBIT in 2025.

Royal Caribbean Group signs agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique for Sixth Edge Series ship

Royal Caribbean Group announced that it has signed an agreement with Chantiers de l'Atlantique to order a sixth Edge Series ship for delivery to Celebrity Cruises in 2028. Edge 6 or "XCEL 2" will be the sister-ship to CELEBRITY XCEL, which is preparing to take its inaugural sail later this year.

Other Edge Series ships include CELEBRITY ASCENT, CELEBRITY BEYOND, CELEBRITY APEX, and CELEBRITY EDGE– the first ship in the series that was delivered in 2018.

Stena welcomes STENA SHIPPER to its fleet

Stena RoRo is expanding its fleet with the purchase of the ro-ro vessel GIUSEPPE LUCCHESI. The vessel will be renamed STENA SHIPPER and will fly the Danish flag. In connection with the deal, Stena RoRo takes over a contract with the Tunisian shipping company Cotunav for traffic on the Rades – Marseille route. The seller is CIN (Compagnia Italiana di Navigazione SpA, a company within the Moby Lines SpA group.

Gemlik: Grimaldi Group's Motorways of the Sea expand to another Turkish port

The Grimaldi Group continues to expand its presence in Turkey. The latest move is the addition of the port of Gemlik (Gemport) to the Trieste-Patras-Ambarli ro-ro route, with regular calls that started in mid-December last year. This expansion marks an important step not only for the new route but also for the group's Motorways of the Sea, which now extend to the Asian side of the country.

Two of Grimaldi's GG5G vessels, the ECO MALTA and ECO MEDITERRANEA, currently serve the Trieste-Patras-Ambarli-Gemlik route, calling at each port twice a week. Given the market's positive response to the introduction and enhancement of this service, a third vessel may soon be added to meet the growing demand for cargo space and quality transport.

Ferry Terminal Turku: Constructor of the passenger terminal selected, and contract signed

Port of Turku Ltd and Skanska have signed a contract for the construction of the Ferry Terminal Turku passenger terminal. The construction work will begin in January 2025, with the planned completion date at the end of 2026.

The main facade materials of the passenger terminal, named ORIGAMI, will be glass and aluminium. The three-story complex will cover over 10,000 square metres, and its diverse facades are highly demanding.

Baleària opens a new route between Barcelona and Algiers

Baleària continues to diversify its connections to Algeria, with a new route from the port of Barcelona to Algiers, which is the company's first international line from the port of the Catalan capital. This service, for both passengers and freight, begins operating on 20 January, with departures on Mondays at 13:00 from Barcelona and on Saturdays at 14:00 from Algiers.

The company currently offers four routes to Algeria: in addition to the new Barcelona-Algiers connection, Baleària maintains a weekly departure between Valencia and Algiers and another departure from the Valencian port to Oran or Mostaganem, depending on the week. In total, three weekly departures are offered between Spain and Algeria.

Negotiations with investors for FSG Nobiskrug shipyards are reported at an advanced stage

FSG Nobiskrug shipyards has received several offers from potential investors. These are industry-related companies from Germany, not financial investors. This was reported by the provisional insolvency administrators Dr Christoph Morgen and Hendrik Gittermann at an event in Rendsburg on 17 January.

Meanwhile, the preparations and work on the 210-metre-long ro-ro vessel are to resume at the Flensburg site in February if possible, thus providing the shipyard with short-term employment. The provisional insolvency administrator Dr Morgen is in close contact with the Australian shipping company SeaRoad regarding this matter.

Secure your seat and book now to the 2025 Shippax Ferry Conference!
It is now less than 2.5 months left until the 2025 Shippax Ferry Conference. Few outside Commodore cabins and sponsorships now remain, so it's highly recommended to register as soon as possible. Seats are limited.

MAXIMIZE YOUR COMPANY’S EXPOSURE WITH AN EXHIBITION STAND

NORDIC PEARL offers a great exhibition area, so don’t miss booking an exhibition stand and/or sponsorship early to ensure a favourable place. The exhibition area is on the same floor as the auditorium, and all coffee breaks and happy hours take place there, so there is a very high exposure for all exhibitors.

As a bonus, all exhibitors, sponsors and speakers will also be exclusively invited to a reception held at the conference hotel Tivoli Hotel on the 1st of April, the day before the conference starts.

https://www.shippax.com/shippax-newsletter-week-4-2.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Shippax%20Newsletter%E2%80%93%20week%204&utm_term=Nyhetsbrev-version-sida

Viking Line introduces Green Sea Conference also on its Helsinki routes

Every year, about 200,000 passengers take part in conferences and meetings on board Viking Line's vessels. Starting in late spring 2025, it will be possible for all these conference trips bought in Finland to be completed with 90 per cent fewer emissions when the company's Green Sea Conferences are expanded beyond the Turku route and made available on all routes.

Finnlines considers second ship on successful Swinoujscie–Malmö route

On 14 January 2025, a ceremony summarizing Finnlines' presence in Poland was held onboard Finnlines' FINNFELLOW at the Euro Terminal in Swinoujscie. In April 2024, the ferry line launched its first connection between Swinoujscie and Malmö, providing access to the Copenhagen and Skåne regions.

After nine months of operation, it can already be confirmed that the Swinoujscie–Malmö connection has been a success, and Finnlines is considering introducing an additional ship on the route to meet growing demand.

Destination Gotland aims to triple Danish visitors to Gotland over the next three years

The number of Danish travellers to Gotland has increased by almost 30 percent since 2019, and by nine percent from 2023 to 2024 alone. This positive development has inspired Destination Gotland to intensify its efforts in Denmark with an ambitious goal of tripling the number of Danish guests over the next three years.

Located just under 230 kilometers from Stockholm, but only a short flight or ferry trip from southern Sweden, Gotland is an obvious destination for Danish families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts. Something that Destination Gotland hopes they will be able to open the eyes of even more Danish travellers to over the next three years.

Port of Tallinn served over 8 million passengers in 2024

In 2024, a total of 8.2 million passengers passed through the ports operated by the Port of Tallinn, marking a 3.6% increase compared to the previous year. The Tallinn-Helsinki route remained the most popular, accounting for 7.2 million passengers, a 3.3% growth compared to the previous year.

The route was served by seven vessels operated by three ferry companies: Tallink, Viking Line, and Eckerö Line. Eckerö Line's FINLANDIA was the most popular ship, chosen by 26% of all passengers.

Stena welcomes STENA SHIPPER to its fleet

Stena has welcomed a new chartered ship to its fleet. The ship is the CLdN-owned GIUSEPPE LUCCHESI, which most recently was chartered to Cotunav. For Stena it has been renamed STENA SHIPPER and will fly under the Danish Flag.

STENA SHIPPER is part of an eight-ship fleet built by the Danish Odense Shipyard between 2009 and 2012.

PEARL SEAWAYS and CROWN SEAWAYS to become NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN

Kim Heiberg, route director of the Copenhagen-Oslo route for Gotlandsbolaget, has confirmed to Shippax that the new names for PEARL SEAWAYS and CROWN SEAWAYS will become NORDIC PEARL and NORDIC CROWN.

PEARL SEAWAYS is currently at the Oresund Drydocks in Landskrona yard as the first of the two ships to receive refurbishments on public areas and upgrades to all its cabins. It is expected to leave the yard at the end of the month as NORDIC PEARL. Work on CROWN SEAWAYS will take place in March and will leave at the end of that month as NORDIC CROWN.

Emission-neutral conferences aboard AURORA BOTNIA

Wasaline launches emission-neutral conferences aboard AURORA BOTNIA. The carbon footprint of a conference trip on AURORA BOTNIA is only about 25 kg CO2 per person. Wasaline covers the cost of emission compensation itself, so passengers incur no extra expenses.

AURORA BOTNIA is powered by LNG, biogas, and battery technology. Emission neutrality is achieved by allocating the ship's operation to biogas and battery technology, thereby eliminating all emissions during the trip.

Ove Dines Høegh passed away

Ove Dines Høegh, a visionary leader and key architect of the Höegh legacy, passed away peacefully on 11 January 2025, at the age of 88. Ove was the son of company founder Leif Høegh and the father of the current Chair of Höegh Autoliners, Leif O. Høegh.

Over seven decades, Ove was part of leading the Höegh family companies and it was under his leadership, that Leif Høegh & Co. expanded to the vehicle transport segment in 1970 through the Höegh Ugland Auto Liners (HUAL) joint venture – the predecessor and the basis for developing the company into the current major ro-ro operator.

Höegh Autoliners takes delivery of fourth Aurora Class newbuild

Höegh Autoliners' fourth 9,100 CEU capacity Aurora Class vessel, the HÖEGH SUNLIGHT, saw the light of day at a grand naming ceremony at the Taicang Haitong Auto Terminal in China. HÖEGH SUNLIGHT will be cutting carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 percent from the current industry average.

From 2027, the first Aurora class vessel will be powered by green ammonia, eliminating nearly all carbon emissions.

DFDS launches freight route between Spain and the Netherlands

DFDS is launching a weekly freight service connecting Spain and the Netherlands, aimed at serving the needs of industrial customers, freight forwarders and project cargo owners. In connection with the new route, DFDS and Hydro, a global aluminium and energy company, have signed an agreement for weekly shipment of aluminium.

Starting from end May, the new route will connect the ports of Vilagarcía and Rotterdam, offering a seamless and direct ferry link from southern to central Europe. With the new service, DFDS offers a competitive alternative to road transport to meet demand for freight transportation within Europe.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen appointed new terminal operator for the Port of Gothenburg vehicle and ro-ro terminal

The Port of Gothenburg has appointed Wallenius Wilhelmsen as the new operator for the port's vehicle and ro-ro terminal, following a recently conducted procurement process. The operator will take over operations in February 2026 under a 12-year concession agreement.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen's commitment also includes an investment program of nearly EUR 6 million to modernize the terminal's areas, buildings, and infrastructure to further strengthen its market offering.

Steel cut ceremony held for Torghatten Nord’s second of two new electric ferries at Özata Shipyard

A steel cut ceremony has been held at the Turkish Özata Shipyard for FLØYTIND, the second of two electric ferries for Torghatten Nord. FLØYTIND and sister MISTERØY will each have a battery capacity of 1,960 kWh and are built to a design of The Norwegian Ship Design Company.

The ferries will be 76.85 metres long and will have a capacity to carry 202 passengers and 60 vehicles.

DFDS December volumes

DFDS' total freight volumes in December 2024 were 6.4% above 2023 and on level adjusted for the addition of Strait of Gibraltar routes in 2024, closure of Calais-Tilbury in 2023, and the opening of Damietta-Trieste in 2024.

The number of passengers in December 2024 was 16.5% above 2023 and on level adjusted for the above route changes as well as the sale of Oslo-Frederikshavn-Copenhagen.

UECC in first truck-to-ship delivery of liquefied biomethane in Spain

United European Car Carriers (UECC) has performed the first-ever ship refuelling operation in Spain with a truck-borne shipment of liquefied biomethane (LBM) to widen access to supplies of the sustainable fuel and bolster the country's circular economy.

In the event at the Port of Vigo overseen by the president of the port, LBM supplied by green energy developer Naturgy from a biomethane production plant in the surrounding Galicia province was pumped directly from a tanker truck into the tanks of UECC's multi-fuel LNG battery hybrid Pure Car and Truck Carrier, AUTO ADVANCE.

Value Maritime and ME2CC consortium partners announce Maritime Masterplan 2024 funding for carbon capture system on Samskip vessel

Value Maritime and its partners in the Maritime Efficient & Easy Carbon Capture (ME2CC) project announced the receipt of funding from the Maritime Masterplan 2024. The funding will contribute to the development, construction and demonstration of a first-in-kind compact, modular carbon capture system to be installed aboard the LNG vessel SAMSKIP KVITBJØRN.

Port of Calais takes step towards becoming first port to offer 100 MW of electrical power

Port Boulogne Calais has taken an essential step towards making the cross-Channel link carbon-neutral by 2035 by signing a EUR 6.7 million contract with the French high-voltage electricity transmission operator for the supply of 100 MW of electrical power to the Port of Calais.

The Port of Calais will be the first port in the world to offer such power (100 MW) allowing the recharging of batteries of up to three ships simultaneously with a power of 20 to 35 MW per ship in a limited time of 45 minutes.

It is now less than three months left until the 2025 Shippax Ferry Conference. Few outside Commodore cabins and sponsorships now remain, so it's highly recommended to register as soon as possible. To maximize your company’s exposure, don’t miss to book an exhibition area and/or sponsorship early to ensure a favourable place.

https://www.shippax.com/shippax-newsletter-week-3-2.aspx?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Shippax%20Newsletter%E2%80%93%20week%203&utm_term=Nyhetsbrev-version-sida