Seafarers on ferries from Patras and Igoumenitsa will strike for 48 hours on June 3-4, citing chronic understaffing that jeopardizes safety and worsens working conditions. The Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO) criticized the government and employers for failing to address crew shortages, emphasizing the urgent need for improved staffing and working conditions.
Italian prosecutors have seized three ferries from Tirrenia-Compagnia Italiana di Navigazione over allegations of falsifying environmental performance documents. The investigation now includes bribery of government officials, police officers, and others. Officials are under investigation, with some facing house arrest. Tirrenia allegedly provided free travel and gifts to officials, tampered with vessels, and embezzled public funds.
Marine Jet Power (MJP) and Derecktor S hipyards New York have launched two cutting-edge hybrid passenger ferries for Chatham Area Transit in Savannah, Georgia. The Juliette Gordon Low II and The Susie King Taylor II are the first of their kind in the U.S., powered by waterjet propulsion for sustainable maritime transportation.
The West Bengal Government’s Transport Department signed a contract with GRSE Ltd. for thirteen hybrid ferries on the Hooghly River. These boats, made of aluminum and fiber reinforced polymers, will have hybrid-electric drive systems. Six ferries will carry 200 passengers, while seven will carry 100 passengers, all aiming to reduce environmental pollution.
Greek seafarers’ unions representing critical ferry workers have extended their strike for two more days, demanding better wages and work regulations. The strike has disrupted most ferry services in Greece, isolating islands in the Aegean and Ionian Sea. Unions are pushing for a wage increase and changes to laws affecting crewmembers.
A groundbreaking project between Turkish Tersan shipyard and Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1 will produce four zero-emission, autonomous ferries powered by SCHOTTEL EcoPellers. These vessels, designed by HAV Design, prioritize sustainability and passenger comfort. With plans to improve connectivity by 2026, the project signifies a significant advancement in maritime transportation in Norway.
BC Ferries in Canada is struggling with its aging fleet, as the 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster lost its propeller, causing service cancelations at the end of a busy summer season. Despite efforts to address maintenance issues, the operator faces significant operational hurdles. Plans are in place to introduce new vessels to meet growing demand.
MAN Cryo, a division of MAN Energy Solutions, has been selected by Torghatten Nord A/S to work on a project involving the design and engineering of two hydrogen-powered RoPax ferries. This aligns with a Norwegian government mandate for emission-free operations on the mainland-Lofoten Islands route. MAN Cryo will design bunkering systems, hydrogen piping, and vent masts for the vessels, serving as the system integrator for the hydrogen process plant.
Canada’s BC Ferries awarded Damen Shipyards Group the shipbuilding contract for four unique hybrid electric vessels. These vessels will operate exclusively in battery-electric mode, using renewable BC Hydro electricity to power the charging stations. The ships will have a capacity for up to 390 passengers and 47 vehicles, and will use renewable energy and advanced environmental systems.
