Mega-Express-Five Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The 'Mega X,' a newly acquired vessel by Canadian firm Bridgemans Services Group, is on course to Walvis Bay following a brief technical pause in Las Palmas. This impressive ferry, which boasts 275 cabins, has resumed its journey as of February 7, 2026, with an expected arrival date of February 18. The ship has undergone significant refurbishment, now featuring a state-of-the-art gym, spacious offices, and various recreational areas. These upgrades are aimed at addressing the escalating global need for quality crew accommodation in support of large-scale LNG and power plant development projects. Previously known as the 'Phoenix Express,' this Japanese-built ship has been operational since June 1993 and was acquired by a Corsica Ferries subsidiary in September 2006. For further updates and images, visit the report here: https://www.puentedemando.com/tras-su-paso-por-las-palmas-el-ferry-mega-x-ex-mega-express-five-continua-viaje-a-namibia/

Bridgemans Services Group (Bridgemans), a leader in marine workforce accommodation, proudly announces the integration of the 'Mega X' into its esteemed floatel fleet. This innovative vessel boasts 275 well-appointed cabins and has commenced an extensive refit on December 12, 2025, in Naples. The refit is designed to enhance the vessel with Bridgemans' signature amenities tailored for workforce accommodation, including a state-of-the-art gym, versatile office spaces, leisure areas, and a spacious vehicle deck to facilitate the storage of essential client cargo. The 'Mega X' is uniquely configured to cater to the surging global demand for workforce accommodations in early-stage industrial LNG and energy construction initiatives. The anticipated completion date for the refit is set for late January 2026, after which the floatel will embark on its inaugural project starting in the Spring.

In a significant move within the maritime industry, Corsica Ferries has finalized the sale of the passenger ferry 'Mega Express Five' to Dubai-based Tarco Marine. This transaction marks another milestone for Tarco Marine, which has previously expanded its fleet by acquiring 'Corsica Marina Seconda' and 'Corsica Victoria'. The company has also recently added the 'Stena Vision', a vessel that previously navigated the Rosslare-Cherbourg route, to its armada. The 'Stena Vision' will be rebranded as 'Mega Serena' and is set to replace the 'Mega Express Five', a vessel that has been a reliable part of the routes linking southern France, Corsica, and Golfo Aranci in Sardinia. This development illustrates Tarco Marine's ambitious strategy to enhance its fleet and expand its operational reach in the maritime sector.

The Mega Express 5 has successfully resumed its route to Toulon, following substantial repairs completed on June 9, 2023. The ferry, owned by the Corsican company, faced a significant mishap on May 31 when it grounded on the shoals near Ile Rousse in Haute-Corse. The damage included a 50-meter-long scratch on the hull and a four-centimeter crack in one of its ballast water tanks, leading to water ingress. In the wake of this incident, CGT representatives from the Merchant Navy expressed grave concerns through an open letter addressed to Frédéric Cuvillier, the State Secretary for Transport. They criticized the vessel's operator for compromising passenger safety by allowing the ferry to operate with known damages. Questions were raised regarding the decision-making process that permitted the Mega Express 5 to continue its journey toward Toulon without immediately returning to port for inspection. Alarmingly, before undergoing repairs in La Spezia starting June 2, the ferry completed four additional crossings to Corsica, carrying nearly 5,000 passengers in total. According to the company's management, only a minor vibration was felt onboard, leading the crew to conclude that there were no grounds to immobilize the vessel or alert relevant authorities.

On June 1, 2014, the ferry Mega Express 5 encountered trouble when it ran aground on a shoal during its departure from Ile Rousse, heading towards Toulon. The incident resulted in a significant dent on the port side stern, measuring 4 by 50 meters, located six meters below the waterline. As the vessel continued its journey to Toulon, the crew reported water intrusion in a fuel tank and a cofferdam. Following the grounding, representatives from RINA, the ferry's classification society, conducted an inspection upon the vessel's arrival in Toulon. In the early hours of June 2, the Mega Express 5 set off at maximum speed to La Spezia to undergo necessary repairs. Once in La Spezia, the ferry was drydocked for extensive work. During this period, ferry services were temporarily supplemented by the Sardinia Vera.

In the early hours of December 8, 2011, tragedy struck aboard the Mega Express ferry while docked in Bastia amidst severe weather conditions. With gusting winds reaching an alarming 1330 km/h, a man from Roanne, Loire, tragically fell overboard from deck 7 while stepping outside to smoke a cigarette around 1:30 a.m. Efforts to rescue him led to a CRS officer sustaining a crushed leg, and a volunteer firefighter also incurred injuries while attempting to assist. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident, and an autopsy of the deceased is scheduled to determine the cause of death. The Mega Express has been temporarily detained for the duration of the inquiry.