Ferries News

Long-distance ferry routes form a key part of Japan’s national transport infrastructure, connecting the archipelago’s four major islands and littoral centers of population, commerce and industry.RoRo passenger (RoPax) ferry fleet renewal and development has been a constant process over the past two decades in particular, driven largely by freight demand in combination with the pursuit of cost efficiencies and in response to new legislative edicts and rising customer expectations.

AS Tallink Grupp has published its unaudited financial results for the 2025 financial year. The Group’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) totaled EUR 130 million, and net profit reached EUR 17.3 million. Tallink Grupp and its subsidiaries contributed EUR 97 million in taxes to the Estonian state budget, and the company plans to continue paying dividends in the current year. Nearly 5.5 million passengers traveled on Tallink vessels last year.“Just like in recent years, 2025 was filled with challenges.

MacGregor has been selected to supply cargo access solutions and deck machinery for four new major vessels under BC Ferries’ fleet renewal program.The next-generation vessels, to be built at China Merchants Industry (CMI) Weihai Shipyard, are designed as diesel-battery hybrid, all-electric ready ships intended for BC Ferries’ busiest routes between Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland in Canada.MacGregor will provide the cargo access equipment along with a dedicated Integrated Logistic Support (ILS) package.

Stena Line has invested millions in extensive refurbishment and modernization of the Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica ferries on the Gothenburg–Kiel route. The renovation includes restaurant and bar areas as well as outdoor decks ahead of the com-ing travel season.Stena Line has carried out an extensive modernisation of the Stena Germanica and Stena Scandinavica ferries that operate on the route between Gothenburg and Kiel. Now that the ships have recently returned from the shipyard, passengers can enjoy renovated restaurant and bar areas and an upgraded outdoor deck.

Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) Commission awarded a contract for the construction and outfitting of a new 75-car passenger/vehicle ferry to SENESCO Marine LLC of North Kingstown, RI. The project low bid was $78.6 million.The new ferry will eventually replace the MV Cape Henlopen, an over 40-year-old diesel engine ferry that currently serves passengers who travel between Lewes, Delaware, and Cape May, New Jersey. DRBA Executive Director Joel Coppadge realizes the historical…

Following the shipping company Brittany Ferries’ refusal to stop transporting unweaned calves from Ireland to France, NGOs including Compassion in World Farming, FOUR PAWS, Welfarm, and Ethical Farming Ireland are planning a media “storm” to make people aware of the animal welfare issues.For over a year, Brittany Ferries has been carrying tens of thousands of unweaned calves on its ships. By the time the ships reach France, the calves have gone for over 18 hours without food.This month marks the start of peak calf export season.

In a major milestone for Auckland’s public transport network, the city’s first plug-in hybrid electric fast ferry has performed exceptionally on sea trials and will soon enter service on the busy Auckland to Devonport commuter route. The vessel achieved a top speed of 36 knots on all-electric mode, with the performance of the electric propulsion and onboard systems consistently meeting and surpassing expectations.Designed by Incat Crowther, built by Q-West Boat Builders with systems integration by Hamilton Jet…

Damen Shipyards Group announced the completion of sea trials for the latest Island Class ferry for BC Ferries. The seventh Island Class vessel in a series of ten undertook trials during weeks 49 and 50 last year in the Black Sea.Damen is currently constructing four Island Class vessels for the Canadian ferry operator. Upon delivery, the vessels will fulfil an important function, connecting coastal communities along the British Columbian coast, a role that is thoroughly aligned with Damen’s values, says Project Manager Richard Tijpens. “We are a family company, with deeply held family values.

Tim Mooney is the third-generation family member at the helm of the iconic Fire Island Ferries. While the company’s primary focus has been moving people to and fro, from the Long Island, NY mainland to the Fire Island barrier communities and beaches, the business has evolved and grown since its start in 1948 via acquisition and organic growth. Mooney discuss the assets, the people and the priorities to safely, efficiently keep his cumulative operation of moving about one million people annually in good order.There are ferry operators…

Over eight in every 10 (82%) citizens across the EU are concerned about the welfare of animals during live transport, a new survey concludes, as EU regulation remains at risk of being weakened and leaving millions of animals unprotected.A newly-launched survey conducted across nine EU member states has highlighted public concern for the plight of millions of animals transported over long distances, with an overwhelming majority supporting the need for stricter rules.Most participants (80%) agree that long-distance journeys cause unnecessary suffering to animals…

Interferry is calling for an immediate halt on the further implementation of the EU ETS for the ferry sector, maintaining the surrendering obligation for maritime emissions frozen at the 70% level scheduled for 2025, and halting the planned increase to 100% in 2026. The demand follows the recent decision to continue exempting road transport from a parallel ETS mechanism and the lack of clear regulations on the distribution of the funds collected.“This action must remain in place until road transport is also in an ETS and funds collected are actually ringfenced for maritime decarbonization.

Two of San Diego Bay’s most cherished working vessels have earned national recognition. The Silvergate (built in 1940) and the Cabrillo have been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Both vessels are owned and operated by Flagship Cruises & Events, San Diego’s oldest family-owned maritime fleet.This designation acknowledges the cultural, architectural, and maritime significance of the vessels, which are among San Diego’s last remaining historic ferries still operating on the water.

Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) has taken ownership of MV Isle of Islay following a handover ceremony at Cemre Marin Endustri in Yalova, Turkey, where the vessel was built.MV Isle of Islay, the first of four ferries being constructed at the yard, will serve Islay and Jura when she enters service, and will be joined by her sister vessel MV Loch Indaal later this year. The vessel has received  Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) approval and passenger certification, and will now be prepared for the repositioning voyage from the Sea of Marmara back to Scotland.

A wave of close to 1 million more passengers pushed Washington State Ferries’ 2025 ridership to 20.1 million. That’s a jump of 5% from 19.1 million the previous year.The return of full domestic service propelled the year-to-year increase in annual ridership. In June, the Seattle/Bremerton route’s second boat was restored, and the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth “Triangle” run resumed its daily three-boat schedule. In July, a second boat was added to the Port Townsend/Coupeville route…

Finnish–Swedish ferry operator Wasaline reported a strong performance in 2025, delivering passenger growth, higher revenues and a major reduction in emissions, despite a more challenging freight market.Passenger volumes rose by 2.6% to 259,769, even though the company’s ROPAX vessel Aurora Botnia was out of service during the final week of December for scheduled dry-docking. Freight volumes declined slightly year-on-year, reflecting the broader economic downturn in the region, postponed construction projects, reduced paper trade and the bankruptcy of battery manufacturer Northvolt.

ABB has secured a contract to supply integrated power, propulsion and control solution for BC Ferries’ four new hybrid-electric major vessels.The New Major Vessels have been designed to minimize emissions and underwater radiated noise (URN), with the goal of contributing to quieter and cleaner operations in the Strait of GeorgiaABB will supply a complete package of power, propulsion and control technology for four new double-ended passenger and car ferries operated by British Columbia Ferry Services (BC Ferries).One of the largest ferry operators in the world…

At Washington State Ferries, 2026 has started with a thud, one ferry each of the first three days of the year were pulled from service for mechanical problems. Here's a rundown.Walla Walla was removed from our Seattle/Bremerton route midday Thursday, Jan. 1. A propeller blade broke off. The cause is still unknown. We expect to learn more when the vessel enters emergency dry dock at Everett Ship Repair later this week. Both propellers will be replaced. The work is expected to take two to three weeks, with a return to service by the end of the month.

Corvus Energy, a provider of zero-emission energy solutions for the maritime industry, has received a record order from Remontowa Shipbuilding in Poland for the supply of battery systems for seven new fully electric ferries for Scottish Government owned Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) in Scotland.This marks the largest contract in Corvus Energy’s history, measured in USD value, and represents a milestone in advancing clean, sustainable ferry operations in the UK.The…

Nereida Energy has signed its first contract to supply maritime battery systems with a total capacity of 17MWh to Frydenbø Elmarin. The systems will be installed on two ferries owned by Vestlandske Trafikk, which will be converted to electric propulsion for operation in the Geirangerfjord starting summer 2026. The Geirangerfjord is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and from January 2026, strict requirements for zero-emission vessels will come into effect. This project is…

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson selected the $714.5 million bid from Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group to build three new Washington State Ferries (WSF) vessels earlier this year, and the project is advancing with new contract awards.The hybrid/electric vessels have a length overall of 409’-6” with an 83’-2” beam and a hull depth of 24’-6”. They will be certified to transport 160 standard-sized passenger vehicles and 1500 passengers. With a draft of 16’-6”, the ferries…

Washington State Ferries (WSF) reports that an initial inspection after the 58-year-old Kaleetan was removed from service on Friday has confirmed significant engine damage to one of the engine cylinders.The vessel will remain unavailable for service during this week and possibly the following two. The damage occurred when one of the cylinder's four valves failed during operation.Operations, Planning and Customer Service colleagues are looking at options for restoring four-boat…

KNUD E. HANSEN, a naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy, has announced a milestone in its ongoing collaboration with Ferry Holdings Limited. Following the successful signing of the shipbuilding contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), two new RoPAX vessels will be built.These vessels are destined for service linking the North and South islands across New Zealand’s challenging Cook Strait and through the environmentally sensitive environs of the Tory Channel and Queen Charlotte Sound.

ABB has secured an order with Washington State Ferries (WSF), the United States’ largest ferry operator, to supply and integrate hybrid-electric propulsion systems for two hybrid-electric 160-auto ferries.With the first two ships scheduled for delivery from Eastern Shipbuilding Group, one apiece in 2030 and 2031, the contract also includes an option for a third ferry. WSF has previously announced plans to build up to 16 ships by the end of 2040, as part of a ferry electrification program targeting lower emissions.ABB will supply and integrate end-to-end systems including power distribution…