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sandra

Sep 27
2

Attica Group Acquires HSC THUNDER

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

On 25th September 2024, Attica Group finalised the purchase of the HSC THUNDER from Fast Ferries for €17.75 million. The vessel has already been delivered to its new owners and is anticipated to strengthen the Group’s presence in Crete. Until recently, HSC THUNDER successfully operated on the lengthy Piraeus-Syros-Mykonos-Paros-Ios-Santorini-Heraklion route. Built in Australia in 1998, the vessel has a carrying capacity of 1,068 passengers and 210 cars and can sail at a speed of 36 knots. 

Photo: Mike Louagie 

Sep 27
2

Buquebus, Banco Santander, and IFC sign financing for the world’s largest electric ferry on the Argentina-Uruguay route

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments
  • The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has provided a partial credit guarantee of USD 67 million to Buquebus for building the world’s largest electric ferry (e-ferry), the CHINA ZORRILLA, to connect Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. 
  • This financing, combined with a USD 107 million loan from Banco Santander Uruguay, represents the first “blue operation” in Uruguay and the maritime transport sector worldwide. 
  • A “blue loan,” part of green financing, supports sustainable initiatives in water management, marine ecosystem restoration, plastic pollution reduction, ecological tourism, and sustainable maritime transport. 
  • Buquebus is committed to sustainability, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient technologies, with the CHINA ZORRILLA playing a key role in its goal of achieving “Zero Emissions.” 
  • The e-ferry project will mark the world’s first e-ferry in emerging economies and aims to inspire similar initiatives globally; it is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 37,545 tonnes annually. 
  • The CHINA ZORRILLA e-ferry will have a capacity for 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, with additional facilities like duty-free shopping and restaurants, including accessibility features for passengers with disabilities. 
  • Buquebus will invest a further USD 14 million in charging stations and transmission infrastructure to power the e-ferry, which is expected to be operational by October 2025. 
  • The vessel is being constructed by Incat Tasmania. 
  • The e-ferry aligns with Uruguay’s and Argentina’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, promoting electric mobility and alternative energy use in the transportation sector for a greener future. 

Source: IFC 

Sep 27
2

Scotland: Update Northern Isles Freight Vessels

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

CMAL published an update of the project aiming to replace the two existing freight vessels with an improved design, adding freight capacity, reducing passage time, and potentially adding some flexible passenger-carrying capacity. CMAL say they are currently at the concept design stage and moving towards the preparation of gaining funding.  

As per Transport Scotland’s Vessels and Ports Plan, funding for the replacement NIFS freight vessels is expected in Phase 2 of the plan (2026 to 2031) but not before 2028. 

CMAL has also been actively looking to purchase second-hand tonnage for the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route, with three vessels taken forward to the purchase stage thus far. Unfortunately, it was not possible to conclude the sales in these instances. CMAL continues to explore the market for additional second-hand tonnage that could enhance current services and provide additional resilience to the fleet. 

Source: CMAL 

Caption 

New vessel concept, courtesy of Leadship. The design is currently in development and not final. 

Sep 27
2

Port of Dover: Launch of 2050 Plan

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

The Port of Dover, one of the UK’s key trading gateways, is advancing its “Port of Dover 2050” vision, aiming to bolster economic growth and national renewal. Handling around £144 billion worth of trade annually, the port is focusing on modernisation, sustainability, and supporting local communities to secure its role as a vital link between the UK and Europe.  

 Plans include reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure, enhancing digital systems to improve operations, and supporting local employment through training and skill development.  

 Balancing heritage with future growth, the port’s strategy will ensure it remains a critical hub for trade, tourism, and economic resilience for years to come. 

 Source: Port of Dover 

Sep 27
2

TS Laevad Enhances Onboard Internet with Nowhere Networks

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

TS Laevad, the Estonian ferry operator, has announced a significant enhancement to its onboard internet connectivity by partnering with Swedish tech company, Nowhere Networks. The improved internet service, achieved through a combination of advanced antenna systems and smart technology, will provide faster and more reliable internet access for passengers and crew. 

This partnership enables TS Laevad’s vessels to maintain high-quality connections even in challenging maritime environments. By leveraging Nowhere Networks’ innovative solutions, the ferry operator aims to boost the overall travel experience, offering robust internet connectivity across its fleet. 

 The new technology reflects TS Laevad’s commitment to enhancing digital services for travellers and crew members, ensuring seamless communication and entertainment during ferry journeys. 

 Source: News Cision 

Sep 27
2

Damen to Deliver Fully Electric Ferries to Toronto

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

Damen Shipyards has secured a contract to build two fully electric ferries for the City of Toronto, enhancing sustainability in the region. These vessels will operate between the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and the Toronto Islands, a popular tourist spot.  

 Constructed at Damen’s Galati yard in Romania, the ferries are designed in collaboration with Quebec-based Concept Naval, providing a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly solution. 

 One ferry will accommodate both passengers and vehicles, while the other will serve passengers and bicycles.  

 The project marks Damen’s 23rd and 24th ferry deliveries to Canada within a decade, reinforcing their commitment to sustainable maritime transport. 

Sep 27
2

Wallenius Lines Acquires Sister RoRo Ships THULELAND and TUNDRALAND

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

Wallenius Lines acquired the sister vessels THULELAND and TUNDRALAND from Baltic Container Shipping Ltd.  

This purchase aligns with the company’s strategy to grow through both the construction of new vessels and the acquisition of existing ships. 

 The vessels are currently operated by WALLENIUS SOL, a partnership between Wallenius Lines and Svenska Orient Linjen.  

The ships fly under the Swedish flag and are managed by Wallenius Marine, a responsibility they will continue to hold. 

 Under this new agreement, the vessels will be long-term chartered to WALLENIUS SOL, contributing to its fleet for the foreseeable future. 

 The transaction was finalised on 25 September 2024. 

 Source: Wallenius Lines 

Photo: Mike Louagie 

Sep 27
2

ESPO and FEPORT Advocate for EU-Wide Tax Exemption on Shore Power

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

The European Sea Ports Organisation (ESPO) and the Federation of European Private Port Companies and Terminals (FEPORT) have jointly called for an EU-wide tax exemption on shore-side electricity. The organisations emphasise the need for mandatory tax exemptions across all EU member states to encourage the use of shore power by ships when docked, thereby reducing emissions and promoting sustainability in ports. 

The proposal aims to standardise regulations and support the maritime industry’s shift towards greener practices by making it financially viable to use cleaner energy sources while berthed. 

For more information, visit the full article here. 

Sep 27
2

Thessaloniki Port Authority Reports Strong Financial Growth in First Half of 2024

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

Thessaloniki Port Authority S.A. (ThPA S.A.) has announced a significant increase in its financial results for the first half of 2024. The Group’s consolidated revenue grew by 17.3%, reaching €48.4 million, compared to €41.2 million during the same period in 2023. Key business units showed notable growth, with the container terminal’s revenue rising by 16.7% to €34.3 million, and the conventional cargo terminal by 20.7% to €10.9 million. The real estate sector and passenger traffic experienced increases of 11.0% and 108.5%, respectively. 

Profitability has also seen a substantial rise, with gross profits up by 29.2% to €22.4 million, EBITDA increasing by 37.6% to €20.8 million, and net profits after taxes soaring by 62.3% to €13.6 million.  

 Capital expenditures for the first half stood at €2.8 million, with more investment planned for the second half of the year to upgrade port infrastructure and equipment. 

 ThPA’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Athanasios Liagkos, highlighted the company’s strong performance and commitment to enhancing the port’s role in international trade and connectivity. 

 For more details, visit ThPA. 

Sep 27
2

More Veterans to Leave the Moby Fleet

By | 2024 Newsletter week 39 | No Comments

A few days after the sale of the 1978-built MOBY CORSE, the Onorato-controlled ferry company is reportedly selling the 55-year-old MOBY ALE, according to market rumours. The buyer is very likely to be a ship scrapper. 

Built by the Aalborg shipyard under the name MIKKEL MOLS for Mols Linien, this ferry was purchased by Moby Lines in 1996, entering service on the Piombino–Portoferraio route. 

Following the sale of the MOBY CORSE and the MOBY ALE, the seasoned small ferry BASTIA is being negotiated and has been repainted completely white.