Virtu Ferries, operators of the high-speed ferry SAINT JOHN PAUL II, have been authorized by the Maltese and Italian Authorities, to operate the vessel on the Malta-Pozzallo-Malta route as per schedule. This service can only be availed of by registered commercial vehicles and their drivers.
DFDS’ Outlook for 2020 Has Been Suspended
DFDS’ outlook for 2020 has been suspended following further restrictions on intra-European travel and general lock-down measures across Europe.
Passenger ferry services generated around 16% of DFDS’ total revenue of DKK 17bn in 2019.
The majority, 84%, of DFDS’ total revenue is thus generated by freight activities, including freight ferry services and logistics solutions.
As anticipated in the outlook for 2020, freight volumes linked to UK were for the first two months of 2020 lower than last year as volumes in Q1 2019 were boosted by UK stockpiling.
Freight ferry volumes between Europe and Turkey were above 2019 for the first two months of 2020, likewise in line with expectations.
The result for the first two months of 2020 was overall in line with expectations.
Until now freight activity has been in line with expectations but has started to decrease as manufacturing plants suspend operations and demand in general is impacted by the lock-downs. Contingency planning to mitigate effects of changes in demand and operations for both ferry and logistics activities is ongoing across DFDS’ network.
The further restrictions on intra-European travel and general lock-down measures have significantly reduced financial visibility and the outlook for 2020 is therefore suspended.
- +1.8% passengers (3,850,623)
- -3.0% freight (177,085)
- +3.5% operating revenue (NOK 5,320 million)
- +7.4% operating expenses (NOK -4,215 million)
The difference primarily represents increased bunker costs due to higher oil prices and weaker Norwegian currency than last year, increased operating costs as a result of the start-up of the ro-ro ship COLOR CARRIER, as well as one-off costs related to the start-up of COLOR HYBRID.
Zeebrugge and the Possibilities of 5G
In 2019, the Port of Zeebrugge invested in a large-scale private 5G-network. Driven by a clear strategic vision, the port authorities decided to use this 5G technology to accelerate automation and improve productivity at the port. Port of Zeebrugge is the first Belgian port to invest in a 5G network. Citymesh invited them to travel to Finland. On this inspiring journey, they explored several practical 5G use-cases at the Port of Oulu.
Europe’s Ports Call On EU and Member States to Keep Goods Moving in the EU
European ports call on the Commission and the EU member States to give priority to maintaining the transport of goods. All necessary measures should be taken to keep trade moving to ensure that essential goods and materials can be delivered to citizens throughout the EU. The closing of borders should not cut off the flow of goods.
British Department for Transport has agreed to a temporary and limited urgent relaxation of the enforcement of EU drivers’ hours rules in England, Scotland and Wales for the drivers of vehicles involved in the delivery of food, non-food (personal care and household paper and cleaning) and over the counter pharmaceuticals.
Maritime Safety Queensland has banned all commercial ships from entering ports in Queensland if the ship, or any person onboard, has been in any country outside of Australia within the last 14-days. Shipping Australia understands that other port authorities are considering similar measures and strongly urges against such action
Stena Line to Axe 950 Jobs in Response to Coronavirus Impact
U-Turn for Anek Lines’ EL. VENIZELOS
Eventually, Anek Lines’ EL. VENIZELOS departed for Malta (Marsaxlokk) as the Spanish authorities decided that due to the Coronavirus situation in Cadiz she is not required for the moment. So she departed, along with TANIT of the Tunisia Ferries, which headed to La Goulette.
The large ship arrived in Cadiz on 13 March in order to serve as a floating hotel for Navantia shipyard workers who had undertaken the transformation of the CARNIVAL VICTORY.
On March 12, 2020 the new acquisition of AINAFTIS Shipping Co (Kalimassias) roro CTMA VOYAGEUR, arrived at the Avlis Shipyards (Chalkis), coming from Montreal.
The ship was purchased –from the Canadian CTMA- on early February 2020 and sailed from Canada on February 22, 2020. She is expected to join her fleetmate RORO PELAGITIS in the Aegean Sea service.
