Shippax Award prices 2025 © Shippax / Søren Lund Hviid

Winners of the 2025 Shippax Awards

The 2025 Shippax Awards were handed out at the Shippax Ferry Conference, onboard Go Nordic Cruiseline’s NORDIC PEARL between 2-4 April. The winners were: NEREA, SUNFLOWER KAMUY, SAINT-MALO, HÖEGH AURORA, CHAUMINE, and Dan Sten Olsson.

NEREA

Operator/owner: Siremar / Caronte & Tourist
Shipyard: Sefine Shipyard
Naval architect: NAOS Ship and Boat Design
Interior design: NAOS Ship and Boat Design

"Skilfully combining highly diverse characteristics required for efficient and reliable island ferry operations, the NEREA constitutes a quantum leap for Italy's domestic fleet. The application of hybrid diesel/LNG propulsion, batteries, photovoltaic, silicone-based hull paint as well as technologically advanced energy management helps to significantly reduce environmental impacts, including a 45 percent slash of CO2 emissions. Powerful engines, a sophisticated hull design and the Dynamic Positioning System at the same time contribute to excellent manoeuvrability even in adverse sea conditions, and thus to a maximum of reliability on the 'lifeline services' operated in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Another important factor to that end is NEREA's capability to carry also cargo units with dangerous goods as well as heavy vehicles. Eventually, the NEREA offers her passengers airy, friendly public spaces, comfortable cabins as well as a generally very modern ambience, including easy access for persons with reduced mobility. Overall, the ship is a true milestone on the road to the modernisation of Italy's domestic fleet, illustrating what a modern island ferry can look like. The ship's design bears potential for use even on domestic routes in other Mediterranean countries".

NEREA © Sefine Shipyard

SUNFLOWER KAMUY

Operator/owner: Ferry Sunflower / Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)
Shipyard: Naikai Zosen

"Tailored to operate the Oarai-Tomakomai route between Ibaraki Prefecture and Hokkaido, the SUNFLOWER KAMUY is one of the most innovative Japanese ferries built to date, combining latest technology with superb passenger amenities. Compared to vessels previously deployed on the route, the new Ro-Pax brings down CO2 emissions by as much as 35 percent. Contributing factors include dual-fuel engines merely running on LNG, the Spray Tearing Plate (STEP) energy-saving device developed by Naikai Zosen Corporation as well as the highly innovative "Ishin" ship design which utilizes lift from oblique headwinds as propulsive power. This design features a shape which reduces wind pressure from the bow and the sides. It smooths out the wind flow and uses lift force received from diagonal headwinds to help propel the ship. Onboard, the SUNFLOWER KAMUY combines vast capacity for cargo with modern passenger facilities tailored to the requirements of the Japanese market. The standard is very high throughout, with features including among others a Gym, Kids Space, Promenade, Grand Bath with sea view as well as a sauna. Another fine innovation are designated pet-friendly cabins, allowing passengers to travel comfortably together with their dogs and cats".

SAINT-MALO

Operator/owner: Brittany Ferries/Stena RoRo
Shipyard: CMI Jinling Weihai
Naval architect: Deltamarin
Interior design: Figura

"The SAINT-MALO is another example of the enormous tailoring potential of the E-Flexer-Design, particularly with regard to future-proof propulsion systems as well as the interior design. The multi-fuel engines of the SAINT-MALO can run on a variety of fuel options including marine diesel, LNG, biodiesel as well as biogas, with a scalable PTI/PTO system for future full battery operation or fuel combination use. The 12 MWh battery-hybrid package already allows for battery-only operation in port and during docking manoeuvres. With its flexible and future-proof propulsion systems, the SAINT-MALO meets both present and future environmental requirements. Along with her sophisticated technology, also the interior design turns the SAINT-MALO into a truly outstanding Ro-Pax vessel: Taking inspiration from the Breton heritage, the cabins and public spaces combine a thrilling mix of colours with an essence of land and sea. Travelling in this ambience is truly memorable, documenting that a creative, carefully planned interior design has every potential to turn a Ro-Pax standard design into an exciting vessel with a genuine character".

HÖEGH AURORA

Operator/owner: Höegh Autoliners
Shipyard: CMHI Jiangsu
Designer: Deltamarin

"Deservedly described as 'a beacon of innovation', the HÖEGH AURORA constitutes a milestone on the deep-sea shipping sector's road towards climate neutrality. Combining a very high capacity of 9,100 CEUs with latest technology, the HÖEGH AURORA cuts carbon emissions per car transported by up to 58 percent compared to the current industry standard. Her multi-fuel main engines are ready to operate on zero-carbon ammonia, while 1,500 square meters of solar panels on the top deck contribute additional electric energy. The ship is moreover prepared to take shore power for emissions-free port operations. A closer look at the layout of the vehicle decks outlines a very strong focus set on flexibility: The HÖEGH AURORA is able to carry electric vehicles on all 14 decks, while she at the same time offers enhanced flexibility for the transportation of heavy project cargo as well".

CHAUMINE

Operator/owner: CLdN
Shipyard: Hyundai Mipo

"As one of the most innovative Ro-Ro vessels built to date, the CHAUMINE is setting new standards on the road towards greener and safer shipping. As far as efficiency and thus sustainability is concerned, the ship's hybrid propulsion system combines latest diesel technology with a 2.72 MWh battery pack. This combination, complemented by a shaft generator for PTH, maximises the efficiency of the propulsion plant and even allows the CHAUMINE to sail purely on stored electric energy if required. Another important innovation is the twin-shaft propulsion system distributing thrust through two propellers in order to increase fuel efficiency. At sea, air emissions are minimized by a Selective Catalytic Reduction for nitrogen oxide reduction and an Eco Exhaust Gas Recirculation that prevents unburned greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere. In port, the CHAUMINE is able to take shore power and switch off her engines completely. As far as safety is concerned, assistance systems linking with various navigational aids as well as a multiple camera tool providing a 360-degree view around the ship support a maximum of precision in navigation and thereby effectively eliminate potential collision risks".

CHAUMINE © Hyundai Mipo

Dan Sten Olsson

Lifetime achievement award

"During over 50 years with Stena, including over 40 years in his capacity as CEO; Dan Sten Olsson has not only contributed decisively to the impressive development of his family's own, diversified business, but also made an outstanding contribution to shape the global ferry industry as it stands today. The successful development of Stena Sphere with its broad variety of activities is to a great extent the work of Dan Sten Olsson. As far as the activities in the Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro segments are concerned, he succeeded in turning a Scandinavian operator of limited size into a global leader and technology pioneer with activities reaching far beyond the former core business of ship operation. Driven by Dan Sten Olsson's visionary thinking and rigid sense of responsibility, Stena has developed into a global driver of safe and sustainable shipping – by supporting technologic progress and sophisticated ship management approaches, but also through a strong focus on the education and training of seafarers. Dan Sten Olsson has importantly contributed to create and retain safe, attractive workplaces for seafarers from all over the world, notably from Europe and here specifically from Sweden. In his role as Chairman of the Swedish Shipowners' Association, he contributed intensely to strengthen the maritime sector of Sweden as well as the Nordic countries as a whole. Overall, Dan Sten Olsson is recognised as one of the most distinguished personalities and most outstanding ambassadors the global ferry industry has ever had".