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sandra

Dec 06
2

Port Oostende Invests in RoRo Infrastructure

By | 2024 Newsletter week 49 | No Comments

Port of Oostende is making significant investments to enhance its infrastructure and support RoRo operations. Key initiatives include:

  • Tilbury Terminal Modernisation: Located along Vergunningenstraat and the R31 towards Bredene, the terminal will receive a new fence, upgraded lighting, improved facilities for dockworkers, and an advanced camera system. These upgrades aim to make the site more attractive for RoRo traffic by early next year.
  • Belrail Site Development: Recently designated as a maritime logistics zone, the Belrail site in Plassendale enables the port to better meet the growing demand for logistics space.
  • Vlotdok Area Enhancements: Ongoing investments include asphalting, new fencing, a high-voltage substation, upgraded lighting, and a high-performance camera system. Additionally, sheds 3 and 4 have been demolished to create space, optimizing the area for maritime logistics.
  • REBO and OSSCO Terminal Security: Earlier this year, the port invested in enhancing the security of its REBO and OSSCO terminals at the Zeewezendok.

Collectively, these investments amount to over €1.5 million, reinforcing the port’s commitment to sustainable and future-proof growth.

Port of Oostende, once a Channel ferry port, focuses now on RoRo traffic with new cars.

Dec 06
3

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV Docks in Scotland after Journey from Finland

By | 2024 Newsletter week 49 | No Comments

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV arrived in Scotland on December 3rd, marking the next phase of its journey after departing from the RMC yard in Finland.

The Tasmanian government said it has secured a berth at Leith, Edinburgh, for a minimum of 30 days at an average weekly cost of AUD 47k (EUR 29k) while exploring leasing or chartering opportunities for the vessel.

Both SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV and sister ship SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V are not expected to commence operations in Tasmania until early 2027, as their home berth in Devonport is still under construction.

Photo: Matt Sudders

Dec 06
2

Color Line’s Compensation Claim Against Sandefjord Municipality

By | 2024 Newsletter week 49 | No Comments
  • In June 2024, Sandefjord’s harbour was closed due to a failure to renew its authorization for international ship traffic, disrupting COLOR HYBRID ferry operations.
  • Color Line submitted a compensation claim of 4 million NOK in November 2024 for financial losses.
  • The municipality is reviewing the claim and blames a consultancy firm’s lack of expertise for the approval delay.
  • Sandefjord disputes the consultant’s invoice and is considering further claims for its losses.
  • Decisions on compensation and next steps are pending further review.

Source: Sandefjord Kommune

Dec 06
2

Charging Stations for the Ports on the Lavik-Oppedal Ferry Route

By | 2024 Newsletter week 49 | No Comments

Ferry operator Fjord1 has contracted Norwegian Electric Systems to deliver two onshore charging stations for use by the four autonomous, zero-emission ferries that will operate the Lavik-Oppedal crossing on the west coast of Norway.

One onshore charging station will be installed at the berth in Lavik and the other in Oppedal. Lavik-Oppedal is a 5.6-kilometre-long ferry route that crosses the Sognefjord, on the west coast of Norway. The ferries will be close to fully charged in approximately ten minutes while at port.

Dec 06
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 49 | No Comments

On 3 December 2024, Levante Ferries’ RoPax SMYRNA DI LEVANTE made her maiden arrival at Zakynthos, becoming the largest ferry ever to visit the port. She is set to operate on the Kyllini-Zakynthos-Poros (Kefalonia) route next summer, marking a major expansion for the company and enhancing transport links in the region. Levante Ferries aims to make Zakynthos an even more appealing destination for Mediterranean travellers.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Since 27 November 2024, Fast Ferries’ EKATERINI P. has been undergoing her annual refit at Perama dry dock. This year, she will receive another major upgrade, further enhancing her reputation as a valuable asset in the Greek ferry market. Re-engined in 2023 with modern MAK-Caterpillar 8M32C engines (7,200 kW) and equipped with CPP, she will now be fitted with new stabilisers. Built in Japan in 1990, EKATERINI P. will return to the Rafina-Andros-Tinos-Mykonos route fully upgraded.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

SAINT-MALO, Brittany Ferries’ first hybrid vessel powered by LNG and electricity, docked in the port of Santander, Monday, 2 December 2024.

After departing its shipyard on 21 October, it sailed the seas of China, crossed the Indian Ocean, rounded the Cape of Good Hope, and entered the Atlantic before reaching its first destination, Santander.

Photo: Brittany Ferries

Source: Port of Trelleborg

CMAL has announced an upcoming face-to-face drop-in session for the Mallaig–Lochboisdale New Vessel project on 11 December. This engagement will provide an update on the progress of the project, which aims to replace the LORD OF THE ISLES.

More information about the event can be found here.

MAN Energy Solutions has reached a significant milestone in the development of its ME-LGIA dual-fuel engine, with full-scale testing of a two-stroke engine running on ammonia now underway. This marks an important step towards advancing sustainable fuel technology at its Research Centre Copenhagen (RCC).

Read more here.

Austal Philippines has completed the delivery of OCEAN MASTER, a 32-metre aluminium catamaran, to Rottnest Fast Ferries (Australia) in less than a year. Designed by Incat Crowther, the vessel was handed over following successful sea trials in November 2024.

Photo: Austal

The keel-laying ceremony for GNV AURORA, the fourth of four new RoPax ships ordered by the MSC Group, took place, with delivery expected in 2026.

Photo: GNV

Welcome to ECO SALERNO! With a dedicated LinkedIn post, the Grimaldi Group announced the delivery of ECO SALERNO, the 13th vessel in the Grimaldi Green 5th Generation (GG5G) series. “Handed over on 3 December by Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing, ECO SALERNO joins a pioneering fleet of hybrid ro-ro vessels, further reinforcing Grimaldi’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in the shipping industry,” the Naples-based company shared.

Like its twelve sister ships, ECO SALERNO has a length of 238 metres, a beam of 34 metres, a gross tonnage of 67,311 tonnes, and a service speed of 20.8 knots. Flying the Italian flag, the vessel can transport 7,800 linear metres of rolling freight, equivalent to about 500 trailers.

GNV, part of the MSC Group, celebrated the arrival of its newly built GNV POLARIS at the Port of Naples. This marks the first of four new ro-pax ships ordered from Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI), China. After departing on 30 October, GNV POLARIS sailed 14,000 miles across two oceans to the Mediterranean.

Set to begin service on 7 January, it will operate on the Genoa-Palermo route. The vessel boasts a gross tonnage of 46,000, a length of 218 metres, a width of 29.6 metres, and a top speed of 25 knots. With 239 cabins, it can accommodate 1,500 passengers and 3,100 linear metres of freight.

Equipped for cold ironing and featuring exhaust gas cleaning systems, SCR, and heat recycling technologies, the ship meets IMO Tier III and EEDI Phase II standards, promoting cleaner air and quieter operations.

Photo: GNV

Dec 02
2

Hurtigruten Sold to Investors

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Hurtigruten has been acquired by a consortium of existing investors and has received approximately EUR 110m in new, long-term funding. The new setup provides a solid base for the future growth and continued development of Hurtigruten as Norway’s leading coastal cruise line.

  • The closing of this transaction will mark the completion of the process to separate Hurtigruten from HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions).
  • The transaction will significantly reduce outstanding debt of the Company and its parent group by over EUR 1bn, resulting in remaining debt of approximately EUR 400m, and extending the maturities to at least 2030.
  • Hurtigruten will continue as a standalone company, headquartered in Oslo.
  • Hurtigruten will own and operate its 10 ships under the Norwegian flag.

Source: Hurtigruten on MyNewsDesk

Photo: Agurtxane Concellon

Dec 02
2

Irish Continental Group Reports a Robust Financial Performance

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Irish Continental Group reports a robust performance in its Ferries Division, reflecting strong growth in passenger and freight volumes.

  • Key Highlights (Year to 23 November 2024):
  • Passenger Cars: 657,000 carried (+11.0% vs 2023)
  • RoRo Freight: 702,800 units (+7.8% vs 2023)
  • Revenue for the Ferries Division to 31 October 2024 was €375.8 million, a 6.5% increase compared to €352.9 million in the same period in 2023. This growth was supported by strong performance across Irish Ferries’ routes connecting Ireland, Britain, and Continental Europe.

Revenue figures include surcharges tied to fuel price changes and emission allowances under the EU Emission Trading System (ETS).

The acquisition of the OSCAR WILDE under a lease purchase arrangement (with P&O Ferries) contributed to higher net debt on an IFRS basis (from €143.7m to €189.4 million).

Overall Group Performance:

Group revenue for the period to 31 October 2024 reached €521.0 million (+6.0% vs 2023).

Dec 02
2

Summary of Gotlandsbolaget Quarterly Report (January–September 2024)

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Financial Performance (July–September 2024)

  • Revenue: 1,002.7 MSEK (up from 968.5 MSEK in 2023).
  • Adjusted operating profit: 318.2 MSEK (up from 277.6 MSEK in 2023).
  • Net profit after tax: 230.4 MSEK (down from 247.2 MSEK in 2023).
  • Earnings per share: 92.2 SEK (98.9 SEK in 2023).

Financial Performance (January–September 2024)

  • Revenue: 1,991.7 MSEK (up from 1,895.5 MSEK in 2023).
  • Adjusted operating profit: 278.8 MSEK (up from 222.9 MSEK in 2023).
  • Net profit after tax: 322.7 MSEK (down from 503.1 MSEK in 2023).
  • Cash flow from operations: 617.1 MSEK (up from 483.0 MSEK in 2023).

Key Events (Q3 2024)

  • Successful summer season for Birka Gotland, with nearly 38,000 passengers during 27 calls to Gotland.
  • Preparations completed for the acquisition of the Oslo-Fredrikshavn-Copenhagen route, officially taken over on 31 October 2024.
  • Announcement of funding for hydrogen supply system research at Uppsala University Campus Gotland.

Key Events Post-Q3 2024

  • Acquisition of Crown Seaways (1994) and Pearl Seaways (1989) from DFDS, with plans for extensive onboard investments.
  • Swedish government confirmed inclusion of Gotland ferry traffic in the FuelEU Maritime requirements, encouraging emissions reduction.

Strategic Focus

  • Expansion in Nordic passenger shipping, including the Oslo-Fredrikshavn-Copenhagen line.
  • Development of next-generation eco-friendly vessels, including the Horizon series and hydrogen-powered Horizon X catamaran.
  • Commitment to climate-neutral Gotland ferry traffic by 2045, contingent on improved infrastructure for fossil-free fuels.

Challenges and Initiatives

  • Decrease in passenger numbers (-1.5%) and vehicle volumes (-2.2%) in Q3 2024.
  • Efforts to advocate for the inclusion of Gotland traffic in Swedish tonnage tax reforms to ensure competitiveness.

Financial Stability

  • Equity attributable to shareholders: 5,502.1 MSEK.
  • Solid liquidity with cash and short-term investments totaling 4,337.8 MSEK.
  • Reduced investments compared to the previous year, primarily focused on ship renovations and property upgrades.

For further details, refer to the full report on Gotlandsbolaget’s website.

Dec 02
2

Who Will Operate the Tarifa-Tangier Ville Route?

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Last week the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route contract became the story of the week.

Port Authority of the Bay of Algeciras (APBA) must decide which ferry operator will get the contract to use Berth 3 in the Port of Tarifa.

Several operators are tendering: Baleària, FRS Iberia Maroc/DFDS and a new partnership between MSC and IMG.

Timeline:

November 18 Baleària Press Release:

“Baleària wins the contract for the Tarifa-Tangier Ville route”

  • Baleària proclaims itself as the winner of the contract.
  • Investment EUR 135 million: construction of two zero-emission electric fast ferries + the electrification of the two ports + battery recharging system.
  • Ship builder: Astilleros Armon, Gijón.
  • Press release ends with “pending official confirmation, we can conclude that Baleària has been the clear winner of the tender.” Pending means: not confirmed yet.

 

November 18 FRS Iberia Maroc/DFDS Press Release:

“FRS Iberia Maroc / DFDS Expresses Concern Over the Tender Process for Berth 3 at the Port of Tarifa”

  • “Offer of Baleària is reckless and based on unrealistic projections and fictitious minimum traffic levels that evidently cannot be achieved.”
  • FRS Iberia Maroc/DFDS urge the port authority to:
  1. Review the technical score assigned to proposals based on unfeasible projects or without sufficient technical support, especially those projects that have not been explicitly approved by the competent authorities in Morocco. (electrification)
  2. Ensure that the allocation is made in accordance with the requirements of the specifications, evaluating only offers that are technically and operationally viable.
  3. Guarantee that the process is transparent, impartial, and adjusted to the standards of integrity required by European and national regulations.

 

November 25 IMG+MSC Press Release:

“IMG Insotel Marine Group and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company seal an alliance for the ferry market in Spain”

  • Insotel Marine Group (IMG), which includes ferry operators Trasmapi, Formentera Lines, Formentera Cargo, and Menorca Lines, has entered a groundbreaking alliance with Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).
  • This collaboration focuses on enhancing Spain’s fast-ferry offerings through a locally tailored approach.
  • Key developments include the creation of new routes in the Strait of Gibraltar, such as Ceuta-Algeciras under the Ceuta Lines brand and Tarifa-Tangier, pending a decision by the Algeciras Bay Port Authority (APBA).
  • Further phases of this partnership, including additional route developments and fleet expansions, will be revealed in the coming months. This initiative represents a significant step towards redefining the fast-ferry market in Spain.