New record for Port of Ystad

By | 2017 Newsletter week 35 | No Comments

During H1, Ystad Hamn AB once again achieved new record levels, with a marked increase in freight, passenger cars and passengers.

The large increase in passenger numbers is derived from both Poland and Bornholm traffic, while the increase of goods mainly relates to the Polish traffic.

If the volume increases continue in the same way during the rest of 2017, port operations will once again hit year-on-year records.

The port is preparing to receive another vessel in Polish traffic this autumn, when Polferries’ will add a third vessel, the CRACOVIA.

Eckerö Group: strong freight figures in H1 in year with uncertainties

By | 2017 Newsletter week 34 | No Comments

Eckerö Group’s published its half-year results. The company operates two ro-pax ferries, one vessel for short cruises, and charters out two ro-ro ships.

The number of passengers decreased 1% but freight increased significantly with 22%. However, a weaker SEK value had a negative impact on earnings, and bunker prices have increased.
Eckerö’s operating profit for H1 was EUR 0.7 million (EUR 5.3 Million 2016 H1). Much is expected from H2.

UK Chamber of Shipping welcomes the ‘Future Customs Arrangements’ report

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The UK Chamber of Shipping has welcomed proposals from the Department for Exiting the European Union (DExEU) for customs arrangements that could be implemented after the Brexit.

Proposals include a ‘highly streamlined’ customs arrangement with the EU, and a transitional period. Guy Platten, CEO of UK Chamber of Shipping, considers the paper to be a significant step forward in providing reassurance to British and European businesses, and the shipowners that facilitate their trade.

Austal likely to get a Fjord Line order for a new high-speed catamaran

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By investing in new tonnage, Fjord Line would double the capacity on the route Kristiansand (Norway) – Hirtshals (Denmark).

The catamaran is going be built by Austal, says the Fjord Line press release. However, Austal said that it is still in discussions with Fjord Line.

The catamaran should be delivered in 2020. Travel time will be 2 hours and 15 minutes, with a top speed of 40 knots.
Capacity will be double, compared to the actual HSC FJORD CAT: 1,200 passengers, 410 cars.

Viking Line improves sales and higher operating expenses affect result

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Viking Line Group’s half-year report shows an increase of volumes in both passenger and freight segments.

However, the consolidated income deteriorated mainly as a result of higher operating expenses. Bunker expenses increased by a staggering 23.3%.

The launch of the high-speed vessel VIKING FSTR on Helsinki-Tallinn did not quite generate the income expected. She serves the route from April 10 till October 22.

As in previous summers, during the period July 1 – August 6 the vessels GABRIELLA and MARIELLA made a day cruise to Tallinn instead of remaining in the port of Helsinki during the day, adding much needed car capacity.