Ferry News

All American Marine (AAM) is currently constructing a sister ship to the Chugach Express for Phillips Cruises & Tours.Building on the proven performance of the Chugach Express, the new high-speed, long-range eco-tour vessel will operate daily in Prince William Sound and be homeported in Whittier, Alaska. Developed by Nic de Waal of Teknicraft Design, this 84.5’ x 30.7’ aluminum passenger vessel features a semi-displacement catamaran hull.Equipped with a propulsion package comprised of four MJP 350X Waterjets…

Incat Crowther has begun detailed development and naval architecture on a hydrogen fuel cell-electric fast ferry design, with initial deployment targeted for New York waters.Incat Crowther is working on the design and regulatory approval process for the new 28-metre vessel in partnership with zero-emission vessel developer SWITCH Maritime. The project includes a global team with expertise spanning ferry operations, electric propulsion, and hydrogen system safety. From their office in New York City, SWITCH is actively advancing project development activities beyond vessel design.

Kongsberg Maritime has announced the launch of its new Kamewa S-4L waterjet series with a major contract to supply propulsion systems for Gotlandsbolaget’s next-generation high-speed ferry, Horizon X.The multi-fuel vessel, currently under construction at Austal, is hydrogen-ready and represents a significant step toward sustainable high-speed ferry operations.Horizon X will operate on the busy Gotland–mainland Sweden route, connecting Visby with Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn. This route demands high speed…

With a growing focus on mitigating climate change and progressing toward the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 net-zero target, the marine sector is under intense pressure to decarbonize. Today, maritime transport emits nearly one billion tons of CO2 annually, representing roughly 2-3% of all energy-related carbon emissions worldwide .Substantial progress has been made over the past decade in reducing emissions from small commercial and coastal vessels via all-electric and diesel-electric propulsion (DEP) systems.

Lehmann Marine is contributing to the Port of Hamburg's transition towards sustainability by supplying the battery systems for three new, fully electric passenger ferries. This project represents the largest order in the company’s history. Built by SET Schiffbau- und Entwicklungsgesellschaft Tangermünde mbH on behalf of HADAG Seetouristik und Fährdienst AG, the vessels will be deployed in the Port of Hamburg as HADAG’s first purely electrically propelled ferries. The core component of the new Type 2030e ferries is Lehmann Marine’s modular CUBE energy storage system.

A ceremony in Umeå marked the official completion of Stena Line’s acquisition of Wasaline.“The close and strong cooperation between Sweden and Finland is of central strategic importance to both our countries. Robust and reliable transport links are a fundamental prerequisite for a competitive business sector as well as for strengthened preparedness and security. Ferry traffic between Sweden and Finland is attractive and viable, as underscored by today’s ceremony," said Andreas Carlsson…

Stena Line has decided to close the ferry route between Halmstad in Sweden and Grenaa in Denmark. The vessel Stena Nautica will continue to operate the route until April 30,2026.“The reason for this decision is that we have faced significant challenges in achieving profitability on the route over a long period of time. By concentrating our investments on routes with clear demand, we can support both commercial transport and passenger travel more efficiently, while at the same time strengthening the long-term resilience of our route network.

Clarus Networks has been awarded a 12-month contract to provide satellite connectivity, technical support, and centralized fleet network management for CalMac Ferries, the UK’s largest ferry operator.The contract, awarded via Public Contracts Scotland, will see Clarus deliver a pooled Starlink data service across CalMac’s operational fleet, offering high-speed, low-latency connectivity designed to enhance operational performance, crew welfare, and passenger experience on board.Operating 29 routes to more than 50 destinations across 200 miles of Scotland’s west coast…

Wärtsilä will supply a fully integrated electric propulsion system with waterjets for a new high-speed catamaran ferry being built for Danish ferry operator Molslinjen. This is the third in a series of battery-electric vessels being built at the Incat shipyard in Tasmania. Wärtsilä solutions will drive all three ships.Wärtsilä’s scope of supply includes the integrated electric propulsion system, the DC power conversion system, its energy management and automation systems, eight electric propulsion motors and waterjets…

Chartwell Marine, a leader in vessel design, has been appointed to design a new ferry for a rural island community. The vessel is scheduled to enter construction in early 2026 – with the boat yard currently being selected with Chartwell’s support – and enter operation in 2027. Due to the islands’ remote location and unique environment, travel is particularly challenging, requiring versatile vessels capable of navigating choppy waters and operating within limited port infrastructure.

The MV Isle of Islay began her maiden voyage from Cemre shipyard in Turkey back to Scotland last night.Following her official handover to owners Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd. (CMAL) last week, 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, MV Isle of Islay will call at two to three European ports for refueling, depending on need and fuel testing results.

Boston Harbor's MV Outward Bound has returned to Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation for a mid-life refit. Redelivery is planned for spring 2026. Purpose-designed by JW Gilbert Associates and built by the Somerset, Mass., shipyard in 1995, the 64-foot, 140-passenger steel vessel carries visitors and supplies seasonally to Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound, which offers experiential outdoor programs for youth and adults on the island in Boston Harbor.Along with installing a new shaft and propeller…

Carus, a global leader in digital solutions for the ferry and shipping industry, has announced a new cooperation agreement with Hovertravel, the cross-Solent operator connecting the English mainland with the Isle of Wight.The partnership will see Hovertravel implement Carus Engage, allowing the company to significantly advance its digital sales and marketing capabilities. Carus Engage will provide Hovertravel with a platform to sell and manage its comprehensive range of services…

Damen Shipyards Group has launched an Island Class ferry for Canada’s BC Ferries at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania.The launch follows another key moment in October when the yard undertook the grand block assembly of Island Class 10. Both vessels form part of an order for four ferries, following the earlier deliveries of Island Class vessels 1-6 between 2019 and 2021.The four ferries currently under construction are based on the Damen 8117 (E3) Electric Ferry design. Damen is constructing the vessels to be fully electric-ready.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch has published a report into the uncontrolled launch of a fast rescue craft during a training exercise.At 1645 on August 23, 2025, the crew of the passenger/car ferry Lord of the Isles were carrying out an exercise involving the launch of the vessel’s fast rescue craft (FRC) using stored power. The FRC fell 9m to the water on launching. There were no injuries, but the FRC was damaged beyond repair and had to be replaced.At 1558, Lord of the Isles departed Lochboisdale, South Uist, Scotland on a scheduled service to Mallaig on the mainland.

More than 200 guests attended the official naming ceremony of Stena Line’s newest vessel, Stena Futura, at Belfast Harbour. The 147-mhybrid freight ferry Stena Futura is the first of two next-generation “NewMax” freight vessels purpose-built for the busy Belfast–Heysham route. The ship is methanol-ready and equipped with hybrid propulsion systems, including battery capability and shore power connectivity. These innovations will help Stena Line achieve its goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 30% by 2030.The naming ceremony was carried out by the ship’s Godmother…

SCHOTTEL will supply rudder propellers for a new series of seven electric double-ended ferries by Scotland’s state-owned Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL). The vessels will be constructed by the Polish shipyard Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A, with the first delivery scheduled for 2027. Designed to operate across nine routes on Scotland’s West Coast, the ferries will contribute to more sustainable regional transport.The propulsion system selected consists of four SCHOTTEL RudderPropellers type SRP 100 L per vessel.

All 267 people on board a South Korean passenger ferry that ran aground off the southwestern tip of the Korean peninsula on Wednesday were rescued, in an incident that revived memories of the major ferry disaster in 2014 in which 300 people died.Passengers and crew were taken from the stricken vessel, the Coast Guard said in a statement, and 27 sustained minor injuries.Most will be transported to the coastal city of Mokpo while 21 crew members will remain on the ship.South Korea's coast guard launched an investigation on Thursday into the incident…

A South Korean passenger ferry carrying 267 passengers and crew got stranded on Wednesday after running aground off the southwestern tip of the Korean peninsula and a rescue operation was underway to bring them to land, the coast guard said.South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who is currently travelling in the Middle East, ordered a swift rescue of all on board to prevent casualties and details of the operation to be made public as they occur, the Yonhap News Agency reported.Authorities were deploying all possible resources in the rescue operation…

Echandia has been selected to deliver a new battery system for E/F Ellen, operated by Ærøfærgerne in Denmark. Echandia will supply a 3.2 MWh LTO battery system to replace the previous 4.3 MWh NMC system. The new system is designed for a 15-year lifetime and features multiple daily fast-charging cycles at high efficiency.Echandia’s LTO (Lithium-Titanate Oxide) technology is well-suited for high-frequency, fast-charging RoPax ferry operations, where reliability is critical. The system supports very high C-rates, enabling over 20,000 charge cycles and charging in around 25 minutes.

A Singapore-registered passenger ferry and a Marshall Islands-registered tanker collided off Singapore’s Southern Islands, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said, adding that all passengers and crew were safe.The ferry, Horizon 9, was en route to HarbourFront Centre when it collided with the tanker La Digue at around 5 pm local time, the MPA said.A patrol craft was deployed to escort and guide the ferry back to port, where all 165 passengers and seven crew disembarked…

DFDS has entered an agreement to sell the freight ferry (RoRo) Cappadocia Seaways as a part of DFDS’ ongoing fleet optimization.After more than 23 years of service, DFDS is selling the freight ferry Cappadocia Seaways, following an evaluation of DFDS’s current and future capacity needs across its network.The ferry has been a part of DFDS’ fleet operating in the Mediterranean network. In its place, DFDS will deploy Selandia Seaways which is a 197m long freight ferry with a capacity up to 2…

Interferry, the global association representing the ferry industry, announced the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors. These new director appointments, approved at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Sorrento on October 6, reflect the diversity and global reach of the ferry industry. The newly appointed directors, each approved for a four-year term, are:Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, and Interferry’s first African Director…