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Foreship develops energy-efficient ferry design for the Greek domestic market

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 08 July 2026 08 July 2026

Foreship, the naval architecture and marine engineering company of RINA, has developed a new ferry concept tailored to the specific operational and economic requirements of the Greek domestic market, with a focus on efficiency, simplicity and cost control.

Greece’s ferry network is one of the most extensive in Europe, connecting more than 200 inhabited islands and transporting around 50 million passengers annually. At the same time, operators are working within a highly constrained environment, shaped by strong seasonality, regulated pricing and increasing pressure on operating costs, alongside the need to renew an ageing fleet.

Ari Huttunen, Marine Design & Engineering Projects Principal Consultant at Foreship, said, “This new vessel concept has been developed in response to the specific challenges of the Greek market, with a focus on optimising both capital and operating expenditure. The design integrates all essential functionalities for safe and reliable operations, while avoiding unnecessary complexity, resulting in a robust and economically sustainable vessel.”

A central element of the concept is the operating profile. While speed has traditionally been a defining factor in the Greek ferry sector, the new design is optimised for more moderate speeds, enabling a significant improvement in fuel efficiency and overall operating economics.

The vessel has also been conceived in line with the latest regulatory developments, including updated stability requirements that are reshaping ferry design across Europe and influencing aspects such as dimensions and passenger capacity. These changes have been taken into account from the early design stages, ensuring the concept remains aligned with the evolving framework.

By shaping design choices in the realities of the Greek ferry sector, including cost sensitivity, operational intensity during peak periods and the need for reliable, straightforward vessels, the concept provides a practical reference point for future fleet renewal.

Wärtsilä propulsion solutions selected for Grimaldi Group’s major newbuild programme

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 07 July 2026 07 July 2026

Technology group Wärtsilä will supply a range of propulsion solutions for nine newbuild ferry vessels under construction for Grimaldi Group fleets. The ships are being built at the China Merchants Shipbuilding Industry Group Weihai Shipyard Co.,Ltd as part of Grimaldi’s important fleet renewal programme which is centered around achieving decarbonised shipping operations. Four vessels for Grimaldi Lines, three for Finnlines and two for Minoan Lines. The orders for the engines, propulsion systems and scrubbers were booked by Wärtsilä in 2025. The order for the hybrid electric system for the Finnlines vessels was booked in Q1 2026.

All nine vessels will operate with Wärtsilä’s fuel-flexible, high-efficiency 46F engines. Designed to deliver strong performance today while keeping fuel options open as regulations and alternative-fuel availability evolve, the engines are capable of operating on sustainable fuels, such as methanol. This is key as fuel flexibility is emerging as a critical element in the shipping industry's efforts to meet the decarbonisation targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). As part of the scope of supply, Wärtsilä’s hybrid exhaust scrubber system will then ensure full operational flexibility and compliance with tightening regulations, whilst the transverse thrusters will support mooring operations.

In addition to the above scope, the Finnlines vessels will benefit from a comprehensive hybrid electric system designed to boost propulsion efficiency, reduce fuel consumption, and support reliable and sustainable operations. Wärtsilä will also provide two gearboxes, two controllable pitch propellers (CPP) with shaft lines, and a Wärtsilä ProTouch remote propulsion control system. Together, this fully integrated power and propulsion system will enhance overall efficiency, deliver significant fuel savings, and contribute to lower emissions for the Finnlines vessels.

The project builds on early, close collaboration between Grimaldi Group and Wärtsilä from the earliest design phase to align operational, technical and lifecycle priorities.

“Ferry operators face demanding operational requirements, from availability and efficiency to emissions compliance across variable routes. Through close cooperation with Grimaldi Group, we’ve taken a truly integrated approach to meet these needs. We will deliver future-proof solutions through engines capable of running on different fuels, along with cohesive packages of innovative, low emission technologies, to support the operational performance of these vessels today while enabling flexibility for the future,” says Roger Holm, President of Wärtsilä Marine & Executive Vice President at Wärtsilä Corporation.

Finnlines RoPax ferries serve the Helsinki, Finland – Travemünde, Germany route. Minoan Lines is one of the dominant passenger ferry operators in Greece, while Grimaldi Lines provide maritime connections in Sardinia, Sicily, Spain, Greece and Tunisia. Wärtsilä will deliver the equipment for the nine ferries between 2026 and 2028. The project builds on Wärtsilä’s longstanding cooperation with Grimaldi Group companies, including Finnlines, Minoan Lines and Grimaldi Lines.

Port of Naples completes first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 03 July 2026 03 July 2026

Axpo, Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), and Studio di Ingegneria Benvenuto & Associati (Studio Benvenuto) have successfully completed the first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation in the Port of Naples, marking a significant milestone in emissions reduction efforts within Italy's cruise industry.

The operation was conducted for Sun Princess, a next-generation LNG-fueled cruise ship operated by Princess Cruises of Carnival Corporation. The bunkering was performed using Green Zeebrugge, a specialized vessel operated by Axpo.

BV conducted a technical review of the Quantitative Risk Assessment prepared by Studio Benvenuto to verify compliance with applicable Italian maritime regulations, including the guidelines established by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) and the National Fire and Rescue Service (VVF). All operational and authorization activities were executed in strict accordance with international LNG bunkering standards and Port State Control requirements.

The successful completion of Naples' first LNG ship-to-ship bunkering operation establishes an important operational and regulatory precedent for future activities in Italian ports. It also highlights the value of collaboration among ship operators, fuel suppliers, engineering specialists, classification societies and regulatory authorities in enabling the continued transition of the country's maritime energy infrastructure.

Simone Rodolfi, Head of Origination and Structured Products of Axpo Italia, said: "This achievement underscores our shared commitment to advancing sustainable shipping practices. The combination of Axpo's bunkering expertise, combined with the engineering expertise of Studio Benvenuto alongside the technical verification capabilities of Bureau Veritas, is creating the infrastructure and frameworks necessary to support Italy's cruise industry’s low emissions model."

Margaritaville at Sea confirms fleet investment with appointment of Rathbane Group

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 09 June 2026 09 June 2026

Margaritaville at Sea has confirmed a significant fleet investment with the acquisition of a new ship from the Costa brand. It has appointed Northern Ireland-headquartered Rathbane Group companies, MJM Marine and Mivan, to deliver a significant proportion of the refurbishment programme.

The multi-million-pound project will see a vessel currently operating under Costa Cruises transformed into the Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber. Rebranding is scheduled during a 12-week dry dock period from late September 2026 with shipyard details shortly to be announced.

Christopher Ivy, CEO of Margaritaville at Sea, said, “Beachcomber represents an important next step for Margaritaville at Sea as we continue expanding the fleet and investing in the guest experience across our ships. We are bringing together the infrastructure, talent and technical expertise needed for a project of this scale, and Rathbane Group has an outstanding reputation in cruise ship outfitting and refurbishment. We’re looking forward to bringing Beachcomber to life with their teams and further growing our presence in the cruise market.”

The programme will involve extensive transformation of public and guest areas, with MJM Marine and Mivan delivering key elements of the onboard experience. Works include the central atrium, spa, children’s facilities, speciality dining venues, nightclub and external VIP areas, alongside signature features such as the Flip Flop Bar.

Gary Annett, Chief Executive of MJM Marine, said, “This project demonstrates the continued confidence of global cruise brands in MJM’s capability and the wider Rathbane Group. Our teams are highly experienced in delivering complex outfitting programmes within defined dry dock windows across the world and we look forward to adding Beachcomber to that list. Rathbane Group’s appointment reflects both our technical expertise and our ability to work in partnership with clients like Margaritaville at Sea to realise their vision.”

John Cunningham, Chief Executive of Mivan, added, “Having previously partnered with Margaritaville at Sea in 2024, we are delighted to be working together once again on this exciting project. Alongside MJM Marine and the wider Rathbane Group, we look forward to delivering high-quality, design-led spaces while proudly showcasing the capability and craftsmanship we have here in Mivan and across the Group.”

The vessel will continue in service through the summer before entering dry dock, with completion scheduled ahead of its relaunch as Margaritaville at Sea Beachcomber in 2027. A total investment figure was not disclosed.

Auramarine selected to supply methanol fuel supply systems to Grimaldi Group's new ropax ferries

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Products & services Products & services; Published: 01 June 2026 01 June 2026

Auramarine, the Finnish technology company and trusted fuel supply and systems expert, has been selected to supply methanol fuel supply systems for six new ropax vessels ordered by the Grimaldi Group from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Weihai). The vessels will operate in the Mediterranean under the Grimaldi Lines and Minoan Lines brands and will be equipped with engines capable of running on methanol to support the Grimaldi Group’s net‑zero ambitions.

Auramarine will deliver methanol fuel supply systems for all six vessels, ensuring safe, reliable and efficient methanol supply from bunkering to the main engine. Each delivery covers the entire methanol fuel supply system including control and emergency shutdown (ESD) automation. The systems are designed to support safe operation in hazardous areas, incorporating inerting and drainage concepts and meeting stringent class and regulatory requirements for methanol as a marine fuel.

In addition to methanol fuel supply systems, Auramarine will deliver main and auxiliary engine conventional fuel supply units to enable these dual-fueled vessels to operate reliably using HFO, MGO and biofuels. Dual-fuel engines offer fuel flexibility, helping operators switch between fuels and optimise costs as markets and fuel availability change. Dual‑fuel capability also supports compliance with tightening emission regulations, preserving chartering appeal and long‑term asset value as the energy transition accelerates.

These six ropax vessels will sail under Italian and Greek flags. All ships are scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030 and will feature a wide range of green technologies, including optimised hull and propeller designs, energy‑efficient power management systems, shore power readiness and silicon‑based hull coatings, together reducing CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit by more than 50% compared to current tonnage on the same routes.

This new order further strengthens Auramarine’s cooperation with the Grimaldi Group and builds on the company’s previously announced contract to deliver methanol, biofuel and HFO fuel supply systems for three Finnlines "Hansa Superstar" ropax vessels operating on the Finland–Germany route.

“Auramarine is proud to support the Grimaldi Group’s ambitious decarbonisation roadmap with proven methanol fuel supply expertise,” says John Bergman, CEO, Auramarine. “These new vessels highlight how alternative fuels like methanol, supported by advanced fuel supply systems and other green technologies, can deliver substantial emissions reductions in the Mediterranean.