Ferries News

When Interferry convenes its annual conference in Bangkok, Thailand, the international ferry association will mark a milestone: its 50th anniversary. But while there will be plenty of time to celebrate five decades, CEO Mike Corrigan sees the meeting as an opportunity to tackle some of the biggest technical, regulatory and operational challenges confronting ferry operators today.Interferry has grown from a small group that gathered periodically to discuss ferry operations into an organization with approximately 300 members in 40 countries and regular interaction with roughly 3…

The death toll from an Indonesian ship that capsized more than two weeks ago rose to 71on Monday, as divers braved leaking fuel and dangerously unsound structures to try to find passengers still listed as missing.The Virgo Transport 8 ferry was carrying 243 people when it capsized in bad weather in the Java Sea on September 13 during a voyage from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. Authorities said 108 people survived.Divers were navigating through unstable debris on the 16th day of the search…

Stena Line has ordered two hybrid E-Flexer RoPax ferries from China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard for delivery in 2030, with the vessels intended for its Gothenburg-Frederikshavn route between Sweden and Denmark.Each 214.5-metre vessel will accommodate 1,500 passengers and provide 2,750 lane metres of freight capacity across three vehicle decks, comprising one deck for passenger vehicles and two for freight.The day ferries will use hybrid propulsion allowing operation on…

On September 1, Brittany Ferries stopped transporting live farm animals including unweaned calves.The move marks another milestone in a campaign by NGOs to end long-distance live transport and ensure animal welfare legislation is effectively enforced. It has been led by a partnership of animal welfare protection groups including: Ethical Farming Ireland, Compassion in World Farming, Eurogroup for Animals, Eyes on Animals, FOUR PAWS, L214, Southampton Animal Action and Welfarm.The…

Aqua superPower, a provider of fast-charging marine infrastructure, and Hyke, developer of electric passenger ferries, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to help create a blueprint for electrified urban ferry networks that can unlock the potential of underutilized waterways as sustainable transport corridors.As cities worldwide face increasing pressure from congestion, emissions and constrained transport infrastructure, waterways represent a largely untapped opportunity to move people efficiently and sustainably.

Corvus Energy will supply battery energy storage systems for four new hybrid-electric Summit Class ferries being built for BC Ferries, with a total initial installed capacity of 40 MWh.Each double-ended ferry will receive a 10-MWh Corvus Dolphin NxtGen battery system. Corvus will also provide battery interfaces and control systems designed to accommodate significant additional capacity, supporting a future transition toward near-zero-emission electric operation as shore charging infrastructure becomes available.The four vessels — Summit Arbutus…

Dozens of people were feared dead after a ferry carrying 133 people capsized off the coast of Guyana late on Saturday, with authorities suggesting an inaccurate passenger list and drug use by the crew might have contributed to the situation.No survivors have been found since Sunday afternoon, when Guyanese authorities announced they had rescued 67 people, including 15 children.The captain and other crew members are now in police custody, Public Works Minister Juan Edghill said at a press conference late on Sunday."Search and rescue is still in progress," Edghill said.

Interferry has unveiled its lineup of keynote speakers and ferry leaders for its upcoming annual conference. Running from October 31 to November 4, 2026, in Bangkok, Thailand, the event centers on the pivotal theme “Stronger than Ever… Together.” This year's focus highlights the industry's collective drive to tackle unprecedented operational and environmental shifts through global unity. The Interferry2026 speakers program anchors its discussions with two keynote speakers chosen for their roles in bridging complex viewpoints.

Sydney has completed the rollout of its new Parramatta River Class ferry fleet, with the delivery of the final two vessels enabling the addition of 136 weekly services on the city's Parramatta River route.The final vessels, Norman Selfe and Jack Mundey, were designed by Incat Crowther and built by Richardson Devine Marine in Tasmania for Transport for New South Wales. The seven-vessel fleet carries up to 200 passengers per vessel and primarily serves the route between Parramatta and Circular Quay.According to Transport for NSW…

Construction on a new 48m catamaran passenger ferry designed by Incat Crowther for Hy-Line Cruises is now underwayat Midship Marine in Louisiana. The vessel, when completed, will operate on Hy-Line Cruise’s critical tourism and commercial routes connecting Hyannis, Mass., with the islands of Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket.Capable of transporting up to 493 passengers across three passenger decks, the vessel is capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 knots and has been designed…

At the head of the U.S.’ largest ferry system is Steve Nevey, Deputy Secretary, Washington State Ferry (WSF), which is engaged in a historic modernization to a hybrid-electric fleet. Nevey gives a candid look inside problems during the Wenatchee conversion, with insights on the hybrid electric direction and pace for newbuilds at Eastern Shipbuilding.Steve Nevey did not stumble into maritime. He was raised in it, shaped by it, and by most accounts destined for it. Born in the UK, Nevey grew up in a naval household.

Eastern Shipbuilding Group delivered the vehicle-passenger ferry Falcon to the Fisher Island Community Association (FICA), where it aims to provide reliable transportation service to the Fisher Island community.Falcon completed trials prior to delivery and has entered service supporting daily operations between Fisher Island and Miami.“We are honored to deliver the Falcon to the Fisher Island Community Association,” said Joey D’Isernia, Chairman and CEO of Eastern Shipbuilding Group. “This project reflects the dedication, craftsmanship, and attention to detail of our shipbuilding team.

DFDS has agreed to acquire the Ro-Pax ferry Stena Vinga from Swedish operator Stena Line, strengthening its fleet and supporting services linking Jersey with the U.K. and France.The vessel is currently chartered by DFDS and has been operating on its Jersey routes since March 2025, carrying both freight and passengers.The 125-meter vessel, built in 2005, can carry up to 400 passengers, 200 cars and has freight capacity of 1,500 lane metres. It is equipped with 40 cabins, a restaurant, duty-free shop, cinema and recliner lounge.DFDS said the ferry will be reflagged under the U.K.

On March 9, the IMO sub-committee on Ship Systems and Equipment convened for its 12th session (SSE12), and DNV reports that the action plan to evaluate the adequacy of fire protection, detection and extinction arrangements in vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces was revised in order to reduce the fire risk of ships carrying new-energy vehicles.The group agreed to give priority to the development of the following guidelines before developing any draft amendments to SOLAS…

Gotland Horizon X is a 130-meter, 18,300-gt, 1,500-passenger, 400-car, 30-knot catamaran now under construction at Austal for delivery in summer 2028. Positioned as hydrogen-ready from day one, the vessel is not a technology demonstrator. It is a frontline Ro-Pax ferry designed to maintain timetable integrity while opening a credible pathway toward hydrogen. For ports and fuel suppliers, that distinction matters. Horizon X is less about a single vessel and more about what it signals: future-fuel ships are coming that will demand corresponding evolution ashore.Jonas Moberg…

RINA has granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) to ST Engineering Marine for a retrofit concept involving a hydrogen-powered fuel cell system on a fast passenger ferry.The approval covers the replacement of one auxiliary diesel generator on the Asean Raider I ferry with a hydrogen fuel cell system supported by lithium-ion batteries.The concept is designed to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining safety, performance and regulatory compliance, RINA said.The assessment was conducted…

The march toward zero-emission ferry transportation continues, and this time the momentum is coming from the Baltic.Estonian State Fleet has signed a contract with Polish shipbuilder CRIST S.A. for the design and construction of what will become Estonia’s first fully electric passenger ferry, a nearly €50 million investment that underscores how aggressively regional ferry operators are moving to modernize aging fleets while cutting emissions.Set for delivery in late 2028, the 100-meter vessel will serve the Virtsu–Kuivastu route, a lifeline connection between mainland Estonia and its islands.

AI-driven maritime safety and security systems specialist Zelim has secured a contract to supply its AI-enabled man-overboard (MOB) detection system to four hybrid-electric ferries being built for Canadian operator BC Ferries.The agreement, signed in February 2026, will see Zelim install its ZOE MOB detection technology on the vessels, with installation expected to begin in 2027. The ferries are scheduled to enter service in 2029 as part of a fleet renewal program.The new vessels will replace four ageing ferries within BC Ferries’ network…

Ferries are typically designed to operate very close to population centers, contributing to urban pollution while also creating an ideal opportunity for significant in-harbor emissions reduction.Internationally, the world is seeing an imbalance of efforts to develop and implement sustainable solutions in the maritime industry. More specific to ferry electrification and decarbonization, Europe is at the forefront of the effort, while the United States is lagging behind.While ferries present an opportunity for emissions reduction…

The UK government has extended its efforts to cement stronger rights and protections in law for seafarers.Following the introduction of the national minimum wage equivalent for seafarers in domestic waters, the new laws being developed would guarantee minimum rest periods and fair pay for every seafarer working on frequent crossings between the UK and France and the Channel Islands, extending protections beyond UK territorial waters for the first time. Measures being consulted…

Incat Crowther was commissioned by South Korean shipbuilder Kangnam Corporation (Kangnam) to design a new 80-m high-speed catamaran RoPax ferry for operation by Korea Express Ferry (KEF). The new vessel will service routes between Incheon Metropolitan City and the Yellow Sea islands of Daecheongdo, Baengnyeongdo and Socheongdo in Ongjin County, Republic of Korea (South Korea).The project renews the successful partnership between Incat Crowther, Kangnam and KEF, with the companies…

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has signed a new contract with long-standing partner Echo Marine Group to support the delivery of Western Australia’s first fully electric passenger ferries - marking a major milestone for sustainable public transport in Australia.The project, which is a part of the Perth Transport Authority’s (PTA) METRONET Swan River Ferry Service Expansion programme, will see the design and construction of five new battery-electric ferries for operation on Perth’s Swan River.

Baleària’s new dual-fuel Ro-Pax fast ferry Mercedes Pinto achieved a top speed of 38 knots during sea trials ahead of its planned deployment in the Canary Islands, ship designer Incat Crowther informed.The 123-metre vessel, built by Spain’s Astilleros Armon shipyard in Gijon, is the third Incat Crowther-designed Ro-Pax fast ferry delivered to the Spanish operator.Mercedes Pinto can carry up to 1,200 passengers and 425 vehicles and features dual-fuel natural gas engines capable of operating on biomethane or hydrogen blends of up to 25%…