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sandra

Oct 18
2

CORSICA linea Moves Towards Maritime Decarbonisation with AI-Powered Solutions

By | 2024 Newsletter week 42 | No Comments

CORSICA linea has made a major stride towards maritime decarbonisation by partnering with Spinergie to deploy AI-powered solutions. Since April 2024, the Voyage Optimiser has been assisting captains in making real-time decisions to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. This effort is part of a larger strategy to reduce emissions by 40% by 2030, backed by a €500 million investment plan.

A crucial aspect of this collaboration is the development of a real-time fleet centre, allowing CORSICA linea to continuously monitor ship performance. This system provides a comprehensive view of fleet energy efficiency, enhancing both operational and environmental outcomes.

By achieving a 4% reduction in fuel consumption per crossing and saving 10,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, CORSICA linea says it is on course to become the most modern and environmentally responsible maritime company in the Mediterranean.

Oct 18
2

Don’t Stop the Zero-Emission Fast Ferry Revolution!

By | 2024 Newsletter week 42 | No Comments

The slogan comes from NCE Maritime CleanTech on Linkedin. What is it about?

The Norwegian government has postponed its plan to implement zero-emission requirements for fast ferries, a decision originally aimed at reducing emissions from these vessels by 2025. This has sparked criticism, with some calling it a “scandal” and “failure,” as the technology is already available. Critics argue the government should accelerate its green transition policies. Officials, however, cite technical and financial challenges, saying immediate implementation would incur high costs. The government’s climate goals are now under scrutiny, with a projected emissions cut of only 26.3% by 2030, far below the target of 55%.

Oct 18
2

IN THE MEDIA: “Grandes manoeuvres sur la Corse”

By | 2024 Newsletter week 42 | No Comments

An interesting editorial from Thibaud Teillard in French publication “Le Marin” (Linkedin) discusses the evolving dynamics within the Corsican ferry service sector, with a focus on potential changes involving key players like CMA CGM, La Méridionale, Corsica Linea, and Corsica Ferries.

Here are the key points from the article:

  1. CMA CGM’s Position in Corsican Ferry Services: After acquiring La Méridionale in 2023, CMA CGM remains in a secondary position in Corsica’s ferry service market, operating only two ships in the public service delegation, compared to five for Corsica Linea.
  2. Challenges with Routes: CMA CGM’s attempt to launch a Toulon-Île-Rousse line failed after six months, partly due to competition and a strike at Corsica Linea, which disrupted the balance of the public service delegation (DSP).
  3. Plans for a New Route: Despite setbacks, La Méridionale discreetly filed a request in June 2024 to open a Toulon-Bastia route from January 2025. This would directly compete with Corsica Linea’s Marseille-Bastia route, raising concerns within Corsica Linea.
  4. Potential Acquisition of Corsica Ferries: Rumours are circulating that CMA CGM might be considering the acquisition of Corsica Ferries. Discussions between the companies’ leadership have taken place, and CMA CGM is already familiar with Corsica Ferries through a joint investment in the start-up Neoline.
  5. Pierre Mattei’s Perspective: Pierre Mattei, the head of Corsica Ferries, is reportedly open to the idea of a sale, as Corsica Ferries faces challenges with fleet decarbonisation and a potential shift in its operating model. Although no deals have been signed yet, negotiations are reportedly progressing.
  6. Corsica Ferries’ Unique Business Model: Corsica Ferries operates under an Italian flag and has a different social management structure compared to French companies, which may complicate any potential acquisition. However, the company’s future remains uncertain, as Mattei, now 60, might be considering stepping back.

The article explores the potential shift in the Corsican ferry service landscape, with CMA CGM aiming for a stronger foothold through a possible acquisition of Corsica Ferries

Oct 18
2

The Construction of the Autonomous Fjord1 Ferries Has Started

By | 2024 Newsletter week 42 | No Comments

On Friday, 11 October, Fjord1 reached a significant milestone as the construction of the autonomous ferries for the Lavik-Oppedal route kicked off with the steel cutting for the first vessel at the Tersan Shipyard. These ferries will be the first in the world to operate entirely independently, without human intervention.

The ferries’ autonomy will handle everything from departure, crossing the fjord, and docking, to fully automated on- and off-boarding operations. All activity will be closely monitored from Fjord1’s new control centre in Florø, ensuring safe and efficient operations.

All ferries are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2026.

Oct 11
2

DFDS September Volumes: Continued Freight Growth

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

Ferry – freight:

  • Total volumes in September 2024 were 4.4% above 2023 and up 1.0% adjusted for the addition of Strait of Gibraltar routes in 2024 and closure of the Calais-Tilbury route in 2023.
  • North Sea volumes were below 2023 following mixed activity levels across the route network.
  • Mediterranean volumes were in September above 2023 with higher volumes on all routes.
  • Channel volumes continued in September to be above 2023. Baltic Sea volumes were overall above 2023.
  • For the last twelve months 2024-23, the total transported freight lane metres increased 5.6% to 40.7m from 38.5m in 2023-22. The increase was 2.8% adjusted for the addition of Strait of Gibraltar routes and the Calais-Tilbury route closure.

Ferry – passenger:

  • The number of passengers in September 2024 was 39.4% above 2023 and down 2.7% adjusted for the addition of the Strait of Gibraltar routes. The adjusted decrease was due to smaller variances across routes.
  • The number of cars was 22.0% above 2023 and down 8.2% adjusted for Strait of Gibraltar.
  • For the last twelve months 2024-23, the total number of passengers increased 43.8% to 6.4m compared to 4.5m for 2023-22. The increase was 6.5% adjusted for Strait of Gibraltar.
Oct 11
2

Norled Upgrades Express Boats in Oslo for Greener Travel

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments
  • Upgraded and greener express boats: Norled and Ruter are upgrading Oslo’s express boats to battery-electric operation, starting with MS Baronessen (redelivered) and MS Baronen (being converted).
  • The vessels are owned and operated by Norled on behalf of Ruter, and the conversion was done at the Brødrene Aa shipyard.
  • Battery conversion and new design: The vessels have been fitted with battery packs and redesigned for better energy efficiency and passenger comfort.
  • CO2 reduction: The upgrades will save 2,600 tonnes of CO2 annually.
  • Innovative SHIFTR robots: The boats will use battery-swapping robots for efficient operation.
  • Accessibility improvements: The vessels have been extended and redesigned with universal design features for accessibility.
  • The Baronessen is expected to re-enter service soon.

Source: Norled

Oct 11
2

Norwegian Government Drops Low-Emission Mandate for Express Boats, Raising Concerns

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

The Norwegian government has unexpectedly removed the low-emission requirement for express boats (fast ferries) from the 2025 state budget, sparking concerns within the maritime industry.

This decision reverses an earlier parliamentary commitment to reducing emissions in regional ferry traffic, despite Norway’s proven capacity to build and retrofit vessels for low- and zero-emission operations.

Industry experts warn that this move could stall the green transition in the sector. One example of progress in this area is Norled, which converts two of its fast ferries to electric power as part of a sustainability initiative. Critics argue that without regulatory pressure, the adoption of green technologies could be slowed, despite their feasibility and availability.

The decision has led to calls for the government to reconsider, as Norway risks missing out on its potential to lead the maritime industry’s shift towards more sustainable solutions.

This policy change has raised questions about the country’s long-term commitment to reducing emissions in key transport sectors.

Oct 11
2

Estonian State Fleet Launches Tender for New Virtsu-Kuivastu Ferry

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

The Estonian State Fleet has initiated a tender for the construction of a new ferry.

The vessel will utilise modern, eco-friendly technologies. The tender is open for bids, with more details available on the official procurement platform.

With capacity for up to 500 passengers and around 130 vehicles, the ferry is planned to be the main vessel for the Virtsu-Kuivastu route in Estonia but will also be suitable for the Rohuküla-Heltermaa route when necessary.
The deadline for tender submissions is December 10, 2024.The project is funded by the European Modernisation Fund and revenues from CO2 emissions trading.

For further information on the tender, visit the tender details here.

Oct 11
2

Gasum and Wasaline Partner for FuelEU Maritime Pooling Solution

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

Gasum, a Nordic energy company, is collaborating with Wasaline to develop the first large-scale commercial FuelEU Maritime pooling service.

This initiative aims to help conventional fuel vessels comply with stringent European Union emission regulations. The pooling service will allow shipping companies to meet compliance targets by leveraging over-compliance from vessels running on ultra-low emission fuels like bio-LNG, provided by Gasum.

Wasaline’s hybrid ferry, Aurora Botnia will contribute to the pool by using bio-LNG. This over-compliance can be shared with vessels that rely on conventional fuels, thus reducing their regulatory burden. Gasum, a leader in bio-LNG production and distribution, guarantees a reliable supply of renewable fuel for Wasaline, ensuring the stability of the pooling service.

FuelEU Maritime regulations, effective from 2025, will require vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage to reduce the carbon intensity of their fuels by 2%, with more stringent reductions to follow, potentially reaching 80% by 2050. The pooling service offers a flexible solution, allowing vessels with higher emissions to meet these requirements by relying on the emission savings of bio-LNG-powered ships.

Jacob Granqvist, Gasum’s Vice President for Maritime, highlighted that the pooling service offers shipping companies an easy, cost-effective way to comply with regulations while promoting low-emission fuel production. Wasaline’s CEO, Peter Ståhlberg, expressed excitement about participating in a project that supports renewable energy use and helps drive the green transition in the shipping industry.

This partnership marks a significant step towards decarbonising maritime transport, with Gasum aiming to offer 7 TWh of renewable gas annually by 2027, contributing to substantial carbon dioxide reductions.

Read more about Gasum’s services for the maritime transport sector.

Oct 11
2

First LNG Bunkering Completed on the Double-Ended Ferry ELIO in Messina

By | 2024 Newsletter week 41 | No Comments

Six years after its delivery from the Turkish shipyard Sefine, the double-ended ferry ELIO, owned by the Caronte & Tourist Group, has been bunkered with LNG in the port of Messina, thanks to Molgas Energy.

As occurred some months ago in Trapani for the RoPax NEREA, a vessel also part of the group controlled by the Franza and Matacena families, ELIO successfully completed its first LNG refuelling operation through a double truck-to-ship operation. Both trucks arrived in Messina from the onshore terminal operated by Edison.

In the future, thanks to the competitive price of LNG, NEREA and ELIO will be regularly fuelled using the truck-to-ship system, with biogas— a 100% sustainable fuel derived from organic waste—being supplied.