VIDEO

By 2018 Newsletter week 20

Corsica Linea Tests New Ferry Route

Corsica Linea has been testing a ferry route between Ajaccio (Corsica) and Porto Torres (Sardinia), with ro-pax JEAN NICOLI.
In three days 1,500 Corsican passengers decided to take the opportunity to visit their Italian neighbours.
The test was for passengers only, but there could be a market for freight. At least in one direction. Apparently Sardinian building materials are being exported to Corsica.

Look at the France Info video on YouTube (in French)(Time 1:45)

New Greek Ferry Launched

By 2018 Newsletter week 20

The Greek Atsalakis shipyard launched the double-ender ferry PROTOPOROS XIV on May 5. The 100m long ferry is under construction for Tsokos Line. She has a capacity for 200 cars and 1,000 passengers.

Watch the video of the launch (Time 5:20)

Norway’s Bold Environmental Decisions Catalyst For Change

By 2018 Newsletter Week 19

Norway has taken the audacious decision to ban all polluting ships from the UNESCO World Heritage fjords. The resolution will impact the cruise and ferry industry heavily, way beyond these fjords.

Polluting ships? You might be thinking of a 50-year old veteran ferry. In fact even a modern LNG-powered ship will no longer be welcome in famous fjords as the Geirangerfjord or the Nærøyfjord. In the near future, these fjords will only be accessible for ships producing zero emissions. ZERO!
When? Latest 2026, and if feasible before.

The only zero-emission energy so far is electricity. Either a ship is fully relying on batteries, or a ship is hybrid. In that case fossil fuel could be used outside, and once in these protected fjords, the energy source would be electricity.

For the global cruise industry Norway’s decision is quite a blow. There are no electric cruise ships. Especially the Geirangerfjord will be hit hard. Last year, 181 cruise calls were registered. That is excluding the daily calls of the Hurtigruten ships.
But let’s be honest, anyone who has been in Geiranger can only but agree: cruise ship smoke is an issue.

Cruise ship in Geiranger

FERRY FINANCE

By 2018 Newsletter Week 19

DFDS Q1 Review: Strong Logistics Performance In Q1                                   

“Both growth and earnings were ahead of expectations in Q1 and our full-year growth expectation is now raised to 4% and to 10% including U.N. Ro-Ro. European growth is robust and continues to support our ferry routes and logistics activities. Our continuous improvement projects are on track and will also contribute to earnings this year,” says Niels Smedegaard, CEO.

Some highlights:

  • Revenue growth of 9%, adjusted
  • Passenger volumes up 14% boosted by Easter
  • Ferry freight volumes up 3% despite negative impact from Easter and a collision
  • Profit before special items and tax up 18%

Outlook 2018

  • Revenue growth increased to 4% from 2%, excl. U.N. Ro-Ro
  • EBITDA range of DKK 3,000-3,200m, incl. U.N. Ro-Ro
  • Investments of DKK 5.2bn, incl. U.N. Ro-Ro

Click on the image to start the download of the report.

Port Of Tallinn Announces Its Intention To List On Tallinn Stock Exchange

By 2018 Newsletter Week 19

Port of Tallink (Aktsiaselts Tallinna Sadam) announced its intention to proceed with an initial public offering and a listing of its Shares on the Baltic Main List of the Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange.

The purpose of the Offering is to offer to investors approximately one third of the Company.

With the Offering, the Republic of Estonia, currently the Company’s sole shareholder intends to:

  • Increase flexibility, transparency and efficiency of the Company and to establish the Company’s market value
  • Facilitate the implementation of the Company’s strategic objectives
  • Provide domestic investment opportunities for Estonian private investors and pension funds
  • Increase liquidity and attractiveness of the Tallinn Stock Exchange by attracting international investors.

Long Term Commitment From DFDS To Port Of Ghent

By 2018 Newsletter Week 19

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

Gondan Delivered The Second GRP Ecofast Ferry To Baleària

By 2018 Newsletter Week 19

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