News Content Hub – 2025’s most-read stories in Passenger Ship Technology

Batteries, e-foiling and new cruise orders were among the dominant themes for readers of Passenger Ship Technology in 2025.
To read each story in full, click on the headline, the image or the link at the end of the text.

Molslinjen orders giant battery-powered catamarans

Nordic Ferry Infrastructure, Molslinjen’s owners, has placed a Dkr1.0Bn (US$157M) order for two battery-powered catamarans for use on ferry routes across the Kattegat, with ship operator Molslinjen saying a third ferry order is “in the works”. This story stands out, as if it ends up with three ferries, the Kattegat route will become the world’s largest electrification project at sea. The ferries are being built at Incat Tasmania, which has been in the headlines for building an all-electric ferry for Buquebus, currently the largest electric ferry in the world.
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Four Seasons Yacht launches debut cruise ship

Fincantieri and Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, joint owners of Four Seasons Yachts, have celebrated the launch of Four Seasons I. This highlights the growth of the luxury cruise sector. A statement said this ship will “set a new standard for luxury yachts”. It will take to the sea in January 2026.
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Viking Line conceptualises the world’s largest electric passenger-car ferry

The shipping company said its vessel concept is proof a green maritime corridor across the Gulf of Finland could be realised as early as the 2030s. Upon realisation, the concept, named Helios, would be the world’s largest electric passenger-car ferry, Viking Line claims. This highlights the growth of electric propulsion within the ferry sector. Despite shorepower challenges, Interferry chief executive Mike Corrigan has said this is best way for the sector to decarbonise.

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Marella Cruises to build two new cruise ships

Fincantieri and TUI have signed a memorandum of agreement for the design and construction of two new cruise ships for the Marella Cruises brand. This story highlights the rebound of the global cruise newbuilding orderbook, as Marella Cruises is ordering newbuildings for the first time. It also highlights the growth of the UK cruise market, with the cruise ships focused on UK passengers.
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Fully certified e-foiling ferry enters service in Auckland

New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, Fullers360, launched the world’s first fully certified electric hydrofoiling vessel VS-9 in January, following a rapid 20-month development programme. E-hydrofoiling has taken the ferry sector by storm this year, with several new orders and manufacturers. Many see hydrofoiling as the future of small vessels because of their speed, comfort and energy-sipping capabilities, not to mention their net-zero abilities.
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