The global ferry fleet continues to be shaped by a steady stream of newbuilds, with operators and shipyards pushing ahead on long-planned deliveries and fresh orders. From large-scale ro-pax vessels to nimble island ferries and high-speed catamarans, the latest additions reflect the shift towards lower emissions, greater versatility and renewed investment in sea transport. With construction advancing across multiple regions, this year is poised to leave a lasting mark on the future of ferry operations.
Stena RoRo’s E-Flexer platform continues to attract strong interest from ferry operators. The Grimaldi Group has ordered nine ro-pax vessels from China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard, a contract worth $1.3 billion. All will feature methanol-capable engines to support net-zero goals. Four ships will sail for Grimaldi Lines under the Italian flag, and two for Minoan Lines in Greece, making up the ‘Next Generation Med’ class for Mediterranean routes. The remaining three will be delivered to Finnlines and fly the Finnish flag as the new Hansa Superstar class – an evolution of the brand’s successful Superstar series for Baltic operations.
Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2030. The six Mediterranean vessels will measure 229 metres, with 3,300 lane metres of freight space, over 300 car spaces and capacity for 2,500 passengers across 300 cabins and 700 reclining seats. The three Baltic vessels will be 240 metres long, offering 5,100 lane metres, plus 90 car spaces and 320 cabins for 1,100 guests. These are tailored for the Finland–Germany route.
In Denmark, Nordic Ferry Infrastructure’s Molslinjen, has placed a multibillion-Danish krone order for two battery-electric high-speed catamarans to operate on the Kattegat route. Built by Incat in Tasmania, the vessels will mark a major milestone for sustainable high-speed ferry design. Incat Tasmania is also well underway with the construction of Buquebús’s China Zorrilla, the world’s largest fully electric ship, and Hull 100, a 78-metre hybrid ferry.
Each Molslinjen catamaran will be 129 metres in length and 30.5 metres in beam, carrying up to 1,483 passengers and 500 cars – an 11 per cent increase over Bornholmslinjen’s Express 5, the current world’s largest fast craft by vehicle capacity. Equipped with 45,000-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery packs, each ferry will reach speeds over 40 knots. Shore charging will occur at both the Aarhus and Odden terminals, with each vessel receiving up to 25,000 kWh of energy during a 30-minute charging window using 15-kilovolt alternating current at 55,000 kilowatts.
A third Molslinjen catamaran is also in planning, with discussions ongoing across multiple shipyards. If built, the trio would create the world’s largest maritime electrification project to date. The first vessel is expected to arrive around late 2027.
In British Columbia, BC Ferries’ Island-class programme has reached its next phase. Four new 81-metre vessels will be introduced by 2027, expanding the fleet to 10. Each will use Corvus Orca batteries with 2,034 kWh of storage, enabling zero-emission operation. The vessels will carry 390 passengers and 47 vehicles, supporting full electric propulsion and enhanced service frequency.
Further south in the USA, Washington State Ferries has confirmed Eastern Shipbuilding Group as the builder of three 160-vehicle hybrid-electric vessels. The $714.5 million contract follows a competitive tender and will see the newbuilds enter service from 2028, with ABB providing propulsion systems. These next-generation ferries will relieve the ageing fleet on the Mukilteo–Clinton and Seattle–Bremerton routes.
Meanwhile in the Mediterranean, Corsica Linea has reached a major fleet milestone with the June 2025 launch of Capu Rossu, the operator’s second E-Flexer vessel. Built by China Merchants Industry Weihai Shipyard, the LNG-powered ferry is due to enter service in 2026 between Marseille, France, and the island of Corsica. Like its sister ship A Nepita, Capu Rossu is tailored for the French domestic market, balancing fuel efficiency with passenger comfort.
Corsica Linea’s LNG-powered Capu Rossu was floated out of drydock for the first time in June 2025 and will begin service between Marseille, France, and Corsica in 2026
Liberty Lines has confirmed an order for six additional hybrid-electric ferries from Armon Shipyard in Spain, building on a broader fleet renewal programme. Lightweight composite construction and sustainable propulsion are central to the design, enabling efficient operation across Italy’s inter-island routes. Once complete, the fleet will number 18 hybrid vessels, all of which are optimised for operating in environmentally sensitive areas.
In Estonia, procurement is underway for a new battery-electric ferry serving routes between the mainland and the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The vessel is intended for high-frequency crossings and designed for short-haul efficiency. The renewed tender has drawn attention from both domestic and international shipbuilders, with a strong focus on lifecycle savings and energy use.
Elsewhere, Grandi Navi Veloci held a naming ceremony for GNV Orion, the second of four newbuilds from Guangzhou Shipyard International, in Genoa, Italy. Following GNV Polaris – delivered in early 2025 – Orion features upgraded public spaces and 420 passenger cabins, with total capacity for 1,785 guests. Sister ships GNV Virgo and GNV Aurora are under construction, with dual-fuel propulsion and delivery scheduled for 2026.
In Scotland, Glen Rosa is progressing at Ferguson Marine, which is now targeting delivery in the second quarter of 2026. A sister ship to Glen Sannox – which was finally delivered in early 2025 – the vessel is intended for the Ardrossan–Brodick route, where it will add much-needed redundancy and capacity to the Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) network. The dual-fuel design reflects continued investment in low-emission options for regional ferry services.
CalMac’s new ro-pax Isle of Islay has completed successful sea trials in the Sea of Marmara. The tests assessed propulsion, speed, manoeuvrability and endurance. Witnessed by Caledonian Maritime Assets (CMAL), CalMac, Lloyd’s Register and the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the trials validated the performance of the 904 kWh Corvus Orca battery and Voith Schneider thrusters. A second testing phase will follow this summer, with delivery slated for late 2025.
Also in Scotland, CMAL is advancing its competitive tender process to replace the freight ferries Helliar and Hildasay on the Northern Isles. The goal is to award the contract by February 2026. The newbuilds will offer improved freight flexibility, faster crossings, and optional space for up to 200 passengers during peak travel times.
Australia’s Spirit of Tasmania IV finally departed the Scottish port of Leith in June 2025, where it remained berthed awaiting Tasmanian port upgrades. Built by Finland’s Rauma Marine Constructions and delivered in late 2024, the ship sailed to Hobart, Tasmania, via the Cape of Good Hope. Its sister, Spirit of Tasmania V, was completed and handed over in mid-2025 and was expected to follow her sister shortly after. The two new ferries will replace Spirit of Tasmania I and II on the Bass Strait crossing towards the end of 2026, introducing expanded capacity and significantly upgraded amenities.
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