Ferry IntelInternational Ferry Intelligence

Ferry Intel Issue #1

Web edition · 3 September – 14 October 2026

International Ferry Intelligence. Six weeks of ferry industry news in one read, every story linked to its original source.

This issue

The last six weeks have brought two serious passenger ship disasters in Southeast Asia, a big new hybrid order in Scandinavia, and the arrival of the world's largest battery-electric ferry in South America. Shore power, emissions rules and fleet renewal also feature. Here are the stories that matter most.

1. Two Southeast Asian disasters put passenger ship safety back in focus

Safety · Philippines and Indonesia

On 9 September, fire broke out in the cargo hold of the MV June Aster on a Manila–Coron voyage. At least 76 people died. The Maritime Industry Authority has since blamed improperly secured flammable cargo, and investigators are examining lithium-ion batteries carried as cargo. In Indonesia, KM Virgo Transport 8 sank in the Java Sea with 243 people on its manifest. By 25 September, Basarnas reported 108 survivors, 52 dead and 83 still missing. Sources: BBC News (opens in a new tab) · The Philippine Star (opens in a new tab) · Daily Tribune (opens in a new tab) · ANTARA News (opens in a new tab)

2. Stena Line orders two hybrid E-Flexer 2.0 ferries

Newbuilds · Sweden–Denmark

Stena Line has ordered two 214.5-metre hybrid E-Flexer 2.0 ferries from China Merchants Weihai for Gothenburg–Frederikshavn. Each will carry 1,500 passengers and 2,750 lane metres of freight. They enter service in 2030 and are prepared for fully electric operation once charging infrastructure is in place. Source: Stena Line (opens in a new tab)

3. China Zorrilla arrives in Uruguay

Newbuilds · Río de la Plata

Incat's 130-metre battery-electric catamaran, described as the world's largest fully electric ferry, arrived in Uruguay aboard the heavy-lift ship Black Marlin. She will run Buenos Aires–Colonia for Buquebus with 2,100 passengers and 225 cars, drawing on a 41.2 MWh battery system. Source: Baird Maritime (opens in a new tab)

4. Baleària's first electric fast ferry for the Strait of Gibraltar is due to launch on 23 October

Decarbonisation · Spain–Morocco

The first of two 87-metre battery-electric catamarans for Tarifa–Tangier is set to float out at Armón Gijón on 23 October, ahead of service in summer 2027. Source: El Estrecho Digital (opens in a new tab)

5. Interferry backs EU ETS revision, with conditions

Decarbonisation · Europe

Interferry welcomed the Commission's proposed EU ETS revision. It said ferry electrification depends on passenger ports providing shore power and adequate grid capacity. It also called for all maritime ETS revenue to be ring-fenced for maritime decarbonisation. Source: Ports Europe (Interferry press release, 24 September) (opens in a new tab)

6. Spirit of Tasmania booking system overwhelmed by demand for the new ships

Routes · Australia

TT-Line released extra capacity on Spirit of Tasmania IV and V, and its booking engine took more than 150,000 visits in the first half hour. The new ships are planned to start on Geelong–Devonport from 31 October. Source: ABC News (opens in a new tab)

7. Passports now required on Ireland–UK ferries

Routes · Irish Sea

Since 28 September, Irish Ferries and Stena Line have required a passport or passport card from every passenger on their Ireland–UK routes, including Irish and British citizens. Both operators cite UK Border Force requirements. Source: BBC News (opens in a new tab)

8. Jadrolinija plans ten new ships by 2030

Newbuilds · Croatia

Croatia's state operator is preparing a €200–260 million renewal programme: seven new ferries and three fully electric passenger vessels. Its 58-ship fleet currently has an average age of about 28 years. Source: Ferry Shipping News (opens in a new tab)

9. Portsmouth shore power connects three ships at once

Ports · UK

On 23 September, Portsmouth International Port had two Brittany Ferries ships and a cruise ship plugged into its shore power system at the same time, which the port describes as a UK first. Source: Portsmouth News (opens in a new tab)

10. Engineer sickout disrupts Washington State Ferries

Routes · USA

A sickout by engine-room staff on 5 October took 13 of the system's 18 vessels out of service at some point during the day, amid long-running disputes over staffing and pay. Source: Washington State Standard (opens in a new tab)

In brief

Looking ahead: Interferry2026, Bangkok

The 50th Annual Interferry Conference takes place at the Shangri-La Bangkok from 31 October to 4 November 2026. The speaker programme runs on 2–3 November, and a Technical Tour closes the conference on 4 November. Chao Phraya Express Boat is the host sponsor. Interferry has announced three Ferry Leaders Panels, with executives from operators including Stena Line, Grimaldi, Viking Line, Attica and Jadrolinija. Ferry Intel will cover the conference remotely, with daily round-ups during the event. Sources: Interferry (opens in a new tab) · MarineLink (opens in a new tab)

Ferry Intel reports only what its sources state, and every item links to the original. If you spot an error, reply and we will correct it. All stories: ferryintel.vercel.app (opens in a new tab)