VIKING GROWTH More than 740,000 passengers travelled on the Stockholm-Mariehamn-Turku route between June and the end of August to create an all-time Baltic summer record. Sailings were shared between the new China-built ro-pax vessel Viking Glory (2021/63,800gt) and Viking Grace (2013/57,565gt).
GREEK EXPANSION The Attica Group, already with 35 vessels running for Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, Superfast Ferries and Africa Morocco Link, is taking over Anek Lines and its eight-strong fleet. It is a second major merger for Attica, who acquired Hellenic Seaways, then the largest Greek operator, in April 2018
DOUBLE ENDERS A day after tenders to continue operating the Alslinjen and Samsolinjen ferry links were accepted by the Danish Government, Molslinjen placed orders with Turkey’s Cemre Shipyard for a new double-ended electric ferry to go on each route. The Alslinjen vessel will enter service in September 2024, with an identical sister following for Samsolinjen in January 2025.
WORK BEGINS Late August brought a keel-laying ceremony at the Cemre Shipyard for what will be the world’s largest zeroemissions ferry. Due for delivery to Scandlines in March 2024, the double-ended craft will run between Puttgarden and Rødby.