Author: sandra | Page 103 | Ferry Shipping News

Oct 04

Baleària Expands Routes to Algeria, Enhancing Spain-Algeria Maritime Connections

By sandra 2024 Newsletter week 40

Baleària is set to expand its services to Algeria, introducing new routes progressively over the coming weeks.

These new connections will provide greater diversity in both the Spanish ports of departure (Valencia and Barcelona) and the Algerian destinations (Algiers, Oran, and Mostaganem). Baleària, which has been operating in Algeria since 2016, currently offers a weekly service between Valencia and Mostaganem.

Starting on 18th October, Baleària will add a second weekly connection between the port of Valencia and Algiers, complementing its existing service to Mostaganem.

By the end of December, the company plans to offer three weekly departures by introducing a new route between Valencia and Oran.

Furthermore, from 15th January, Baleària will establish a brand-new service connecting Barcelona and Algiers, in addition to maintaining two weekly connections from Valencia – one fixed to the capital, Algiers, and the other alternating weekly between Oran and Mostaganem.

Remark: newco Nouris Elbahr Ferries is about to start operations between Algeria and the European Continent with chartered CRACOVIA.

Oct 04

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CLdN celebrates 25 years of service at the Port of Gothenburg

By sandra 2024 Newsletter week 40

In September 1999, CLdN launched its service between the Port of Gothenburg and Zeebrugge. Triggered by the forest industry giant Stora Enso’s need to reach the Central European market, Zeebrugge was identified as the optimal hub for distribution, with CLdN tasked to transport the goods by sea.

Since then, the service has evolved, expanding its route network to Spain, Portugal, the UK, and Ireland. Modern ships with greater capacity and top-class environmental performance have replaced the original fleet, initially designed for Stora Enso’s specific cargo needs.

The Gothenburg RoRo Terminal handles CLdN’s calls efficiently, integrating sea and rail traffic through the adjacent Arken Intermodal Terminal.

Looking ahead, CLdN continues to invest in sustainable transport, with new ships on order to enhance capacity and environmental performance.

Source: Port of Gothenburg

Oct 04

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EUROCARGO VALENCIA and EUROCARGO SAVONA Sold by Grimaldi Group

By sandra 2024 Newsletter week 40

Two older RoRo vessels are departing the Grimaldi Group’s fleet. Sources familiar with the matter have informed FSN that the 2011-built EUROCARGO SAVONA has just been sold by Malta Motorways of the Sea to Baja Ferries and will be delivered in the coming weeks for a new assignment in Central America. The vessel, constructed by Odense Steel Shipyard, boasts a cargo capacity of 3,600 lane metres.

Meanwhile, an undisclosed South American company has purchased the 1999-built EUROCARGO VALENCIA, which was built in Italy by Cantiere Navale Visentini and offers a cargo capacity of 2,500 lane metres. The vessel is on her way to Brasil.

These sales are part of a fleet renewal programme that Grimaldi has already bolstered with the delivery of a dozen GG5G RoRo vessels. These new ships, built in China, each have a capacity of 7,800 lane metres.

Oct 04

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Tallink Grupp publishes 2024 September and Q3 passenger and cargo transport statistics

By sandra 2024 Newsletter week 39

In September, Tallink Grupp transported a total of

404,143 passengers (+0.7%)

23,178 cargo units (-10.2%)

59,455 passenger cars (-3.5%)

In the third quarter, the company transported a total of

1,715,496 passengers (-3.4%)

66,865 cargo units (-11.7%)

250,810 passenger vehicles (-8.3%)

Tallink Grupp CEO, Paavo Nõgene, reflects on the current economic climate, noting that passenger numbers align with expectations considering low consumer confidence, increasing prices, and economic uncertainties.
September performed better than expected, but August’s results could have been improved.
A positive trend was observed with a rise in international passengers, particularly from Asian countries, despite domestic market pressures.
The CEO highlights that any positive developments in key export markets could improve the cargo transport segment.

Oct 04

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Volcán de Taburiente Delivered to Golden Star Ferries

By sandra 2024 Newsletter week 39

On 27 September 2024, the Spanish ferry operator Armas delivered Volcán de Taburiente to the Greek-based Golden Star Ferries. The ship was officially purchased in July 2024 and is currently moored at Las Palmas. She is expected to depart for Greece by the end of the week. Renamed Andros King, she will be refitted and converted to meet the Hellenic Coastal Shipping Standards.

She was built in Spain in 2006 and has a carrying capacity of 1,500 passengers and 310 cars (1,200 lane metres), while being able to sail at 22.5 knots.

Photo: Golden Star Ferries

Oct 04

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Washington State Ferries Reached another Step in its Electrification Journey

By sandra 2024 Newsletter week 39

Three shipbuilders are interested in building five hybrid-electric 160-car ferries for WSF.

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, Washington
Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Florida
Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Each have sent pre-qualification packages after WSF invited shipbuilders across the country to bid.

In 2023, the Legislature passed a law allowing WSF to seek shipbuilders nationwide and to build vessels at one or two shipyards at the same time. WSF expects the first two boats in 2028, two more in 2029 and the last one in 2030.

These new ferries are expected to support the Mukilteo/Clinton and Seattle/Bremerton routes.

Source: WSF Weekly Update

Oct 04

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WALLENIUS SOL Customers Can Opt for Biogas

By sandra 2024 Newsletter week 40

WALLENIUS SOL is enhancing its commitment to sustainable maritime infrastructure by launching a biogas offering that allows customers to “Lighten the Load” by purchasing liquefied biogas (LBG) corresponding to their fuel consumption.

“It may seem unusual for a shipping company to talk about ‘lightening the load,’ but this is about reducing our environmental impact through renewable fuels,” says CEO Elvir Dzanic.

With growing demand for renewable options, WALLENIUS SOL’s LBG service is ISCC-certified, offering customers a way to reduce their carbon footprint and ETS costs. “Reducing environmental impact is a collaborative effort,” adds Sustainability Manager Rebecca Tagaeus. “By offering flexible biogas options, we support a gradual shift from fossil fuels.”

Customers can choose between 10 to 100% LBG for their fuel mix. In 2022, WALLENIUS SOL introduced multi-fuel ice-classed vessels, BOTNIA ENABLER and BALTIC ENABLER, which lead their category in CO2 efficiency. “Together with our customers, we can accelerate the transition to renewable fuels,” says Tagaeus.

Photo: Mike Louagie

Oct 04

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IMAGE CARDS

By sandra 2024 Newsletter week 40

The Finnish Ambassador to Poland, Päivi Laine, visited Finnlines’ office in Świnoujście on 27 September 2024, accompanied by Finnlines’ executives. The visit follows the successful launch of a new Malmö-Świnoujście route, which has seen positive growth in its first six months. This route responds to increased market demand and strengthens connections between Sweden and Poland, contributing to the company’s presence in the region.

Source: Finnlines

On 30 September, Fred. Olsen Express’s new RoRo vessel, Bahía Cargo, arrived in the Canary Islands. It will undergo maintenance and complete necessary administrative procedures before joining the fleet in November. This vessel is the second of its kind acquired by the company, complementing the service started by the Bentayga Cargo in May. The Bahía Cargo will enhance the supply routes between Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Arrecife, and Puerto del Rosario.

Source: Fred. Olsen Express

Sep 27

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CLdN Complements RoRo Fleet with 10 New LoLo Vessels

By sandra 2024 Newsletter week 39

CLdN has confirmed an order for 10 new LoLo (load-on/load-off) container vessels, with delivery beginning in January 2027.

The vessels will have a cargo capacity of 1,100 TEU and will complement CLdN’s current fleet of over 30 RoRo vessels.

The new ships are designed for outstanding fuel efficiency and feature an innovative open-top design to reduce port handling times.

Earlier this year, CLdN successfully launched a LoLo service on its Ireland route using chartered vessels from its newly acquired Distriport terminal in Rotterdam. This service recently expanded to three weekly direct sailings between Rotterdam Distriport and Dublin.

The move into the LoLo segment complements CLdN’s short-sea RoRo services, providing greater operational flexibility, quicker port turnaround times, and more frequent sailings.

This development offers a unique product with shorter lead times and higher frequency compared to the deep-sea feeder market, which typically has longer lead times and less frequent services.

The vessels will be purpose-built by HD Hyundai Mipo in Ulsan, South Korea, a long-term shipbuilding partner of CLdN. HD Hyundai Mipo is also completing the construction of two G9e RoRo vessels, scheduled for delivery to CLdN in the first half of 2025.

Source: CLdN