The recent surge in new ferry orders shows no signs of slowing down, with the latest contracts for two additional Stena RoRo E-Flexer vessels from China’s CMI Jinling (Weihai) shipyard. Scheduled for delivery to Attica Group in 2027, these ships will operate in the Adriatic Sea under long-term charters, with options to purchase and to acquire two more vessels.
Speaking about the order, Attica Group CEO Panos Dikaios emphasised the company’s commitment to innovation over the past three decades through the design and construction of new vessels. “The Superfast series transformed the Adriatic ferry market in terms of quality and speed, while the sister ships, Blue Star Patmos and Blue Star Delos, greatly enhanced the travel experience on Aegean Sea routes,” he says. “Our latest additions, the three state-of-the-art Aero Highspeed ferries, have already made a significant impact on visitor numbers to the Saronic Islands.
“Our agreement with Stena RoRo for these two advanced vessels sets new benchmarks for the Greek ferry industry. It significantly reduces our environmental impact, elevates the travel experience, and effectively addresses future challenges.”
These vessels are the fourteenth and fifteenth in Stena RoRo’s E-Flexer series, which represent a significant evolution in ferry transportation. Tailored for diverse European routes, the vessels’ flexible design can be adapted to specific operational needs and accommodate growing passenger demand while providing ample cargo space, a crucial advantage for operators facing fluctuating market conditions.
Another Stena RoRo E-Flexer, Ala’suinu, made its debut in the Marine Atlantic fleet on the route between North Sydney and Argentia in Canada in July 2024. Onboard there is space for 1,000 passengers and 146 cabins in two-and four-berth layouts, with accessible three-bed options available. The vehicle decks span a total of 2,571 lane metres, including 476 lane metres for cars. Ala’suinu has been chartered from Stena for five years and Marine Atlantic has the option to purchase it after the contract expires.
Also in July, Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania cut the steel for the first two of four electric Island-class vessels for Canada’s BC Ferries. These vessels will mark the first fully electric additions to the company’s fleet.
Powered by battery packs capable of supplying 2,000 kilowatts per hour, each ferry will accommodate up to 47 vehicles and 390 passengers. Based on Damen’s double-ended RoRo 8113 E3 model, the ferries feature the E3 label, which signifies a commitment to environmental sustainability, operational efficiency and economic viability. These new ferries are set to operate routes connecting Nanaimo with Gabriola Island and Campbell River with Quadra Island, with an anticipated launch date in 2027.
In May, Washington State Ferries (WSF) invited shipyards across the USA to bid on the construction of five new hybrid-electric ferries. The contract is anticipated to be awarded to one or possibly two shipbuilders by early 2025, with delivery of the initial two vessels scheduled for 2028. WSF has enlisted ABB to aid in its quest for zero emissions by 2050. ABB will oversee the design and construction of the vessels, each capable of carrying 160 vehicles. In addition, ABB will play a critical role in training WSF’s crews on the operation and maintenance of the hybrid systems.
Meanwhile, Artemis Technologies has partnered with Red Funnel to introduce the Artemis EF-24 fully electric, zero-emissions foiling passenger ferry on the Solent route between Southampton in England and the Isle of Wight in late 2025. The craft is expected to save up to 3,700 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, with savings increasing to approximately 4,150 tonnes when powered by renewable electricity.
The Artemis EF-24 will feature advanced hydrofoil propulsion, which lifts the vessel out of the water for reduced drag, resulting in a smoother, quieter ride for passengers. This initiative marks a significant advancement in the decarbonisation of the ferry industry, as Red Funnel joins two other operators in adopting this advanced technology.
Red Funnel CEO Fran Collins says the company has been working with Artemis for several months to develop this partnership. “We are delighted to reach this exciting milestone as part of our journey to decarbonise our fleet. Delivering first-class service to our customers is our priority and the Artemis EF-24 passenger ferry will provide speed, comfort and reliability as well as significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.”
Transport Scotland has unveiled plans to procure seven new electric ferries aimed at bolstering the resilience of Scotland’s Clyde and Hebrides ferry network while supporting island communities. The initial phase of the competitive tender process will evaluate whether interested shipyards meet the necessary financial and technical requirements to undertake the project. Phase one of the Small Vessels Replacement Programme is projected to cost approximately £175 million ($201 million). This budget will cover the construction of the seven new vessels, as well as enhancements to ports and upgrades to shore power infrastructure. The tender invitation for this contract is anticipated to be issued around September 2024, with the contract expected to be awarded by March 2025.
Rauma Marine Constructions
Rauma Marine Constructions floated Spirit of Tasmania V out of the dry dock at its yard in Finland in July and is now completing interior outfitting work
In China, Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) launched the second of four ro-pax vessels currently being constructed at its yard for GNV. During the event this July, GNV revealed it would name the newbuild GNV Orion, which is scheduled for delivery in summer 2025 and measures 218 metres in length and 29.6 metres in beam. It will have a maximum speed of 25 knots, offer 433 cabins, have 3,100 lane metres for vehicles and accommodate 1,785 passengers.
GSI is set to deliver the first vessel, GNV Polaris, by the end of 2024. It has also laid the keel for the third ferry, GNV Virgo, which will be powered by LNG and is expected to be complete in 2026, along with an unnamed fourth LNG-powered unit.
Australia’s TT-Line Company is set to take delivery of the first of the two new Spirit of Tasmania ferries from Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) in the third quarter of 2024. Spirit of Tasmania IV underwent sea trials in June, completing a five-day run from RMC’s yard in Finland. During the trial, the vessel underwent rigorous testing to evaluate its performance, including speed and manoeuvrability. Engineering teams also carried out thorough assessments of key systems, such as safety and emergency protocols.
“The ship excelled in every aspect, and we’re thrilled to see it sailing for the first time,” says Bernard Dwyer, CEO and managing director of Spirit of Tasmania.
RMC floated out the second ferry, Spirit of Tasmania V, in July. Each of the newbuilds will be powered by four Wartsila nine-cylinder turbocharge dual fuel LNG and diesel engines. Measuring over 212 metres, they will each accommodate up to 1,800 passengers, featuring 12 deluxe cabins, two family suites, 120 outside cabins, 159 inside cabins and eight accessible cabins with an interconnecting cabin. They are the first purpose-built newbuilds for Spirit of Tasmania’s operation on the Bass Strait between Australia and Tasmania.
Polferries has taken delivery of its largest and longest ferry, Varsovia, marking the company’s first new vessel in over 20 years. Built by Italy’s Visentini shipyard and entering service at the end of July, the ship is set to significantly enhance connectivity between Poland and Sweden, making travel easier for both passengers and businesses.
Designed with spacious lounges, restaurants and comfortable cabins, Varsovia aims to provide an “exceptional experience” for tourists and commercial traffic alike. At 216 metres long, it will have capacity for 920 passengers, 200 cabins and space for 200 cars and 150 trucks. The ferry will help reduce travel times and increase capacity on the popular route between Świnoujście in Poland and Ystad in Sweden, addressing the growing demand for ferry services in the region.
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2024 issue of Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed. Subscribe for FREE to get the next issue delivered directly to your inbox.