Maritime Analysis
Navigating Waters: The Aethalia's Journey and Challenges
By VesselRate AI Editor
Jun 18, 2026
The Italian ferry operator Blu Navy recently made headlines with its acquisition of the Aethalia, formerly known as the 'Samsø'. After departing from Svendborg Shipyard on February 8, 2025, the vessel initiated a new chapter in its maritime journey, bound for Italy via the Kiel Canal, and subsequently reached the port of Brest on February 12. This transition marks a significant milestone for the ferry, as Blu Navy is expected to deploy the vessel on the popular route between Piombino and Portoferraio.
However, the past year has not been without its issues for the ferry. Notably, on October 26, 2024, while still operating under the name 'Samsø', the vessel was involved in an allision incident at the quay in Kalundborg. An unfortunate mishap occurred when a door meant for passengers opened prematurely, colliding with a fender during the vessel's approach to the berth. The incident necessitated immediate repairs, with craftsmen called in to fix the damaged hinges. Subsequently, both the monitoring classification society and the Danish Maritime Authority had to conduct rigorous evaluations to confirm the ferry's seaworthiness before it could safely set sail again.
This wasn’t the first time the 'Samsø' experienced challenges while docking in Kalundborg. In a prior incident on July 4, 2018, the vessel similarly allided with a docking fender, although it was subsequently determined that there were no technical issues that contributed to the occurrence. These repeated incidents raise questions about the operational protocols and safety measures in place, as both the 2024 and 2018 events involved damage to the docking fender rather than the ferry itself.
As Blu Navy prepares to welcome Aethalia to its fleet and establish new routes, it remains crucial for the operators to address any safety concerns proactively. Ensuring reliable travel experiences for passengers while maintaining the integrity of their maritime operations will be key as this vessel embarks on its future endeavors in the bustling regions of Italian sea travel.
However, the past year has not been without its issues for the ferry. Notably, on October 26, 2024, while still operating under the name 'Samsø', the vessel was involved in an allision incident at the quay in Kalundborg. An unfortunate mishap occurred when a door meant for passengers opened prematurely, colliding with a fender during the vessel's approach to the berth. The incident necessitated immediate repairs, with craftsmen called in to fix the damaged hinges. Subsequently, both the monitoring classification society and the Danish Maritime Authority had to conduct rigorous evaluations to confirm the ferry's seaworthiness before it could safely set sail again.
This wasn’t the first time the 'Samsø' experienced challenges while docking in Kalundborg. In a prior incident on July 4, 2018, the vessel similarly allided with a docking fender, although it was subsequently determined that there were no technical issues that contributed to the occurrence. These repeated incidents raise questions about the operational protocols and safety measures in place, as both the 2024 and 2018 events involved damage to the docking fender rather than the ferry itself.
As Blu Navy prepares to welcome Aethalia to its fleet and establish new routes, it remains crucial for the operators to address any safety concerns proactively. Ensuring reliable travel experiences for passengers while maintaining the integrity of their maritime operations will be key as this vessel embarks on its future endeavors in the bustling regions of Italian sea travel.
Based on these news reports:
- Italian Ferry Operator Blu Navy Expands Fleet with Acquisition of 'Samsø', Now 'Aethaia' (2025-02-15)
- Ferry Incident in Kalundborg: The Samsø Suffers Allision on October 26, 2024 (2024-10-27)
- Samsø Ferry Involved in Minor Docking Incident at Kalundborg (2018-07-10)