DFDS has signed a long-term sub-concession agreement and partnership with the Port of Ghent’s Mercatordock concessionaire, the Belgian group Sea-Invest. In this way, DFDS ensures it will continue operating and managing its own terminal. The Mercatordock is where DFDS handles the Ghent – Gothenburg/Brevik RoRo route, together with container barge connections to deep sea ports of Antwerp, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge.
Photo: North Sea Port
Astilleros Gondán delivered the second GRP ecofast ferry, EcoLUX, to Baleària shipping. The first one was delivered last December. The 28m, 350-seat, 28-knots vessel has been designed to ensure comfort, speed and reliability. Solar panels supply the necessary energy for onboard services. The four catamarans are designed to be able to operate in the different short distance trips that the shipping company makes in the Balearic Islands.
Photo: Stena Line
Stena Line says it continues to deliver on its ambitious sustainability strategy. 15% lower sulphur emissions, reduced plastic and a decreased number of accidents among the seagoing staff are just some of the results highlighted in its yearly overview, “A Sustainable Journey”.
Photo: Stena Line
Thursday May 3 saw the start of a new ro-ro connection between Montoir (Saint-Nazaire, France) and Mobile (Alabama, USA). Ro-ro SPIRIT OF MONTOIR left the French terminal with three complete Airbus planes (A320/321). They will be assembled in Alabama.So far, the port has been specialised in short-sea ro-ro traffic to Germany, the UK, the Spanish peninsular and the Med.The vessel is the FRIJSENBORG, built by Visentini, owned by Nordana / Weco RoRo and chartered for three years by Louis Dreyfus Seaplanes.
“Your input is important to us and will help shape our future plans,” is the message that BC Ferries launched on May 1.
The Canadian company is embarking on an engagement process from now until the end of summer 2018 to gather community input that will shape future plans for Swartz Bay terminal.
BC Ferries would like to hear from customers and nearby residents as a new long-term vision for the terminal is being developed.
In April 2018 AS Tallink Grupp transported 789,272 passengers, which is a 2.3% decrease compared to April 2017. The number of cargo units increased by 16.5% to 33,159 units and the number of passenger vehicles decreased by 4.0% to 87 450 units.
What Impact Will The Sulphur Cap Have On The Industry?
The January 2020 implementation of IMO’s new global sulphur cap, which reduces the sulphur content in bunker fuel from 3.5% to 0.5%, is approaching rapidly.
Torbjørn Kjus, Chief Oil Analyst at DNB, one of the leading global shipping banks, gives his thoughts on the global sulphur cap change.
MED STAR, formerly known as VÄSTERVIK, has been presented in the port of Tanger Med. L’Economiste writes (in French) that she has been acquired by Intershipping for EUR 14 million, and that EUR 3 million has been spent to refurbish her.
The ferry was laid up for more than a year, which is like a familiar scenario for this vessel.
Capacity is 430 cars or 70 trucks, and 1,400 passengers.
“By innovation we can make zero emission happen”
Øyvind Leistad, Director of Marketing and Development at ENOVA, a Norwegian Governmental enterprise.
ENOVA is responsible for the promotion of environmentally friendly production and consumption of energy.
Mr Leistad’s quote was heard onboard the new battery ferry FUTURE OF THE FJORDS, during its inauguration. Ferry Shipping News will bring a full report in next edition.
Photo: Mike Louagie
Small Greek ferry AQUA JEWEL has started her charter season in the Azores. She began to operate for Atlanticoline on May 3, with a first crossing between São Miguel and Terceira.
From May till September the Seajets-owned vessel will connect eight islands of the Acores archipelago.
