The Marine Log FERRIES conference is a major event for the ferry industry. Indeed, in 2024, the conference brought together over 230 participants, including almost all ferry operators from the Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Alaska regions, as well as European operators such as Brittany Ferries and Caledonian MacBrayne. Marine Log FERRIES acts as a compass in terms of accelerating the ecological transition, showcasing technological innovations, creating partnerships and influencing public policy.
What is Marine Log FERRIES 2025 ?
Marine Log FERRIES is an annual conference held in North America to address a variety of ferry-related topics.
1. Event details
The conference will take place on November 4 and 5, 2025 in the New York area.
The objectives of Marine Log FERRIES are to share experiences, network and discover new products and services. Indeed, with 150 years of experience behind it, the Marine Log FERRIES conference is the must-attend annual event for all players in the ferry industry.
2. Target audience
Major players in the ferry industry are expected to attend, including Washington State Ferries, Caledonian MacBrayne and Brittany Ferries, all of which operate ferries. But also shipyards such as Ferguson Marine Engineering and Stena RoRo, technology and engineering suppliers such as ABB Marine, and government institutions and agencies such as the U.S. Department of Transportation and Transport Scotland. The aim of these major players is not only to network, but also to discover the latest technological advances.
Main themes addressed at the conference
The main themes addressed are :
- Improving passenger numbers and services
- Financing ferry projects
- Maximizing efficiency of shore-based operations and vessels
- Case studies of new ferry deliveries and fleet modernization
- Success stories from small and large ferry operators
- Regulatory changes and compliance
- Safety and security strategies
- Workforce development and training
- Exploring low-carbon alternatives such as, for example, electric, hydrogen and hybrid ferries
1. Technological innovations
A. New propulsion technologies
At the 2024 Marine Log FERRIES conference, SWICTH Maritime, a company specializing in the development and management of zero-emission marine vessels, unveiled the Sea Change. The Sea Change is the first hydrogen fuel cell ferry to carry up to 75 passengers. It received its certificate of inspection from the US Coast Guard in May 2024, and is due to open in San Francisco Bay in July 2024. This certification marks the beginning of the era of the zero-emission ferry. At Marine Log FERRIES 2024, Seamus Nolan, SWITCH Maritime’s Director of Corporate Development, gave a talk on the achievement, impact and prospects of Sea Change.
B. Improving ferry operations
While Marine Log FERRIES usually focuses on larger companies, Captain Bion Stewart, COO of Bald Head Island Transportation Inc and former US Coast Guard Captain, explained at the Marine log FERRIES 2024 conference how the company’s fleet handles the complexities of loading and unloading hundreds of passengers. Captain Bion Stewart discussed the challenges facing small ferry operators, proposing solutions that combine new technologies with employee and stakeholder management and buy-in.
2. Sustainability and ecology
A. Low-carbon initiatives
At the Marine Log FERRIES 2024 conference, EV Maritime, a New Zealand company specializing in electric ferry design and technology, developed a hybrid electric vessel. The project has been commissioned by Angel Island Tiburon Ferry and includes the electrification of two existing vessels and the construction of a new plug-in ferry. At the conference, Michael Eaglen, co-founder and CEO of EV Maritime, and Captain Maggie McDonogh, owner of AITF, discussed the technological prowess of this 100% rechargeable ferry.
B. Regulations and compliance
In June 2024, in France, the so-called Le Gac law was passed. Indeed, following revelations about working conditions on board international ships operating between France and the UK, Didier Le Gac, MP for Finistère, initiated the legislative proposal for the Le Gac law. This law is designed to combat social dumping on passenger ships using French ports. In particular, it protects seafarers from social dumping by providing them with the French minimum wage, a rest period ashore equivalent to the duration of embarkation, and regular checks by the labor inspectorate to improve working conditions for seafarers.
3. Passenger experience
A. Enhanced on-board services
In November 2023, Stockholm-based Candela Technology AB announced production of the P-12 Shuttle, an electric ferry using hydrofoils to raise its hull above the friction of the water. The P-12 Shuttle is due to join Stockholm’s public transport network, reducing travel time between the suburb of Ekero and the city center from 55 to 25 minutes.
In Stockholm, river traffic is declining due to the price and duration of the crossing. Thanks to the P-12 Shuttle, both the price and duration will be halved, thanks to its speed and greatly reduced maintenance costs. What’s more, the P-12 Shuttle has been designed with an extendable, automatic boarding ramp, making it easier for passengers to board and for the P-12 Shuttle to dock at any pier. Once at full speed, the P-12 Shuttle does not compensate for waves, thanks to its design above the friction of water, offering fluid navigation, without pitching, a source of seasickness.
B. Increased passenger numbers
In 2023, P&O Ferries launched a bold advertising campaign. The UK ferry operator has put up posters in and around stations and airports to encourage people to travel by ferry rather than by plane or train. The posters have catchy headlines, such as those at St Pancras station, which read “With trains and planes, you book a seat, but with P&O, you choose a boat”. The aim of these posters is to inform travelers that there is another way to travel, while at the same time suggesting that they travel by ferry, which is a pleasant means of transport.
3. Why take part in Marine Log FERRIES 2025 ?
1. Networking opportunities
Every year, the Marine Log FERRIES conference brings together the most important players and decision-makers in the maritime sector around a rich and varied program. By attending, you gain access to a network of influential professionals capable of initiating partnerships, while taking part in round tables and conferences led by professionals. What’s more, you’ll have the opportunity to draw inspiration from the best in the ferry industry through their experiences, but also, through direct exchanges to position yourself as a key player in the ferry sector.
2. Discovering the latest trends
On Friday May 2, 2025, South American ferry company Buquebus launched the Hull 096 in Hobart, Tasmania. This 100% electric vessel will soon be linking Buenos Aires and Uruguay. The ferry can carry up to 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles across the Rio de la Plata, which forms the border between Argentina and Uruguay. Buquebus claims that the Hull 096 is “the largest electric vehicle of its type ever built”. In fact, the ferry is equipped with over 250 tonnes of battery power. The Hull 096 proves that it is possible to combine low emissions with large-scale transport.
4. How to register for Marine Log FERRIES 2025
1. Registration process
Registering for Marine Log FERRIES 2025 is easy :
- Go to the Marine log ferries 2025 event
- Fill in the registration form (soon available on the website)
- Proceed to secure payment to finalize your registration
You can also reserve your hotel now, the Hyatt Regency Jersey City on the Hudson, the conference venue, at the rate of $232/night (single/double room, plus taxes and fees). Reservations close on October 13, 2025 at 5 p.m. Please book early to take advantage of the group rate.
2. Practical information for participants
Getting to the Marine Log FERRIES 2025 conference venue is easy:
From New York City (Manhattan)
- Take the PATH line from the World Trade Center towards Hoboken/Journal Squar
- Stop at Exchange Place Station (the Hyatt is a 1-minute walk away)
- Cost: approx. $2.75/trip
By car
- Parking available at the Hyatt Regency (pay parking)
- 20-30 minute drive from Midtown Manhattan, depending on traffic.
From airports
- Newark Liberty International Aiport (EWR)
- By cab: approx. 25 minutes
- By train NJ Transit to Newark Penn Station, then PATH to Exchange Place
- JFK or LaGuardia (LGA)
- 1h to 1h30 depending on traffic
- Recommended: train + subway + PATH, or shuttle service + cab
Pedestrian access
- Directly on the Hudson River, ideal for walking from Downtown Jersey City
- Close to shopping areas, hotels, cafés, restaurants
5. Book your ferry tickets with SmartFerry
1. Why use SmartFerry ?
SmartFerry is a platform dedicated to finding, comparing and booking ferry tickets in Europe and North Africa. Our mission is to make ferry travel, whether for business or pleasure, more accessible and transparent. We offer real-time comparison of prices and schedules, secure and simplified booking and responsive customer service to meet your needs.
The advantages of comparing ferry prices and schedules are as follows:
- Significant savings. Prices vary according to company, date, time and port of departure.
- Optimize travel time. Choosing whether to leave early or late allows you to choose the most optimized route.
- Find the best value for money.
- Choose the most convenient route. Some companies serve secondary ports that are closer or easier to reach.
- Make an eco-responsible choice. Some companies use electric or hydrogen-powered ferries, which are far less polluting than gasoline.
2. How to book your tickets ?
Booking with SmartFerry is easy:
- Go to SmartFerry.com
- Enter port of departure and port of arrival, as well as travel dates and number of passengers (+vehicles, pets if required)
- Browse the list of companies and compare schedules, fares, current promotions…
- Click on the offer that suits you best and check the crossing details
- Enter your passenger details
- Pay securely by card or other payment method
- Receive your electronic tickets immediately by email
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, Marine Log FERRIES 2025 will be held on November 4 and 5 in New York. This conference is a landmark event in the ferry industry, and more broadly in the maritime sector. It brings together major players such as shipyards, institutions… The aim of Marine Log FERRIES is to exchange ideas on innovations, the ecological transition and challenges linked to maritime transport. In 2024, hydrogen, 100% electric and hydrofoil ferries made their mark, as did France’s Le Gnac law to combat social dumping.
Take part in Marine Log FERRIES 2025, the ferry industry’s flagship event, on November 4 and 5 in New York! Meet industry leaders, discover the latest innovations and be part of the change.
Register now for the conference so you don’t miss a thing.
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