All Posts By

sandra

Dec 02
2

EU Approves €853.6 Million Public Service Compensation for Corsica Linea and La Méridionale

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

The European Commission has confirmed that €853.6 million in public service compensation granted by France to Corsica Linea and La Méridionale complies with EU State aid rules. This financial support covers passenger and freight maritime transport services between Marseille and five Corsican ports—Ajaccio, Bastia, Propriano, Porto-Vecchio, and L’Île Rousse—over the period 2023-2030.

 Background

In February 2024, the Commission launched an in-depth investigation to determine whether the compensation met the EU’s Service of General Economic Interest (SGEI) Framework. The inquiry focused on justifying certain public service obligations included in five service contracts. Two key concerns emerged:

  1. Towed Freight Traffic: The Commission questioned whether there was a genuine need for public service obligations related to the transport of towed freight between Marseille and Corsica, given that private operators from nearby ports already provided similar services.
  2. Freight Volumes: Concerns arose over the minimum freight volumes required per crossing, which appeared potentially disproportionate to user demand.

 Key Findings

Following submissions from France and stakeholders, the Commission concluded that the public service measures were justified:

  • Genuine Market Need: French authorities demonstrated that private market forces could not fully meet the demand for towed freight between Marseille and Corsica. The investigation revealed irregular and insufficient market offerings from Marseille, with neighbouring ports unable to substitute the services adequately.
  • Proportional Freight Volumes: The set minimum freight volumes were deemed reasonable and necessary to avoid ship saturation and ensure seamless operations. Historical data and traffic forecasts supported the need for these thresholds, highlighting risks of operational inefficiencies if they were not maintained.

 Approval

Based on this evidence, the Commission ruled that the compensation aligns with EU State aid rules, recognising the importance of uninterrupted maritime connectivity for Corsica’s economic and social needs. This decision ensures reliable transport services between Marseille and Corsica, benefiting passengers, businesses, and freight operators.

Reaction from Corsica Linea

Corsica Linea celebrates the European Commission’s validation of the public service delegation. “This decision reaffirms Marseille’s role as the primary freight port for Corsica and strengthens a robust, socially responsible, and environmentally ambitious service.”

As the leading employer of French sailors in the Mediterranean, CORSICA linea invests €500 million in its fleet to reduce CO2 emissions by 40%, with a goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2040. Operating under the French flag, the company upholds the highest standards of safety and environmental stewardship.

Source: European Commission and Corsica Linea

Photo: Jean-Pierre Fabre

Dec 02
2

Brittany Ferries Submits Jersey-Only Ferry Bid, Advocates for Joined-Up Approach

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries, majority shareholder in Condor Ferries, confirmed its bid for the Jersey-only ferry service, asserting its expertise and readiness to serve Jersey for the next 15 years.

CEO Christophe Mathieu welcomed the independent assessment process announced by Jersey Ministers and expressed trust in its integrity. “We recognise past challenges but now is the time to move forward,” he stated.

Brittany Ferries remains prepared for both Jersey-specific and unified service models. “Our ships, schedules, and systems are ready for a joined-up approach benefiting both islands,” Mathieu added, emphasising the efficiency of a single operator for mainland and intra-island services.

The company pledged adherence to service and pricing commitments, while carefully monitoring the process.

Source: Brittany Ferries Newsroom

Dec 02
2

Fred. Olsen Express Strengthens Fleet with a New Fast Ferry

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Fred. Olsen Express has announced the addition of a new fast ferry, the BARLOVENTO EXPRESS, to its fleet. Key details include:

Vessel Specifications:

IMO Number: 9237644

Builder: Incat (Hull 058)

Year Built: 2003

Previous Names: CIUDAD DE CEUTA (Trasmediterranea), VITTORIO M (Liberty Lines)

Operational Plans:

Scheduled to commence operations in December 2024

Will serve the route between Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Morro Jable in Fuerteventura

Fleet Composition:

With this addition, the fleet will comprise:

Eight high-speed ferries

Three mini-ferries

Two cargo vessels

Expansion Plans:

Plans to introduce a new route connecting El Hierro with Tenerife, starting on December 31, 2024

Source: Fred. Olsen Express

Dec 02
2

Cargotec to Sell MacGregor to Triton for EUR 480 Million, Paving the Way for Hiab’s Standalone Future

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Transaction Overview

  • Cargotec is selling its MacGregor business to Triton for an enterprise value of EUR 480 million.
  • The sale supports Hiab’s future growth as a standalone business.

Transformation Timeline

  • Cargotec’s transformation into standalone Hiab is expected to take place on 1 April 2025.
  • The sale of MacGregor is projected to close by 1 July 2025 at the latest.

Strategic Decisions

  • The transformation includes listing Kalmar as a separate company, preparing Hiab for independence, and divesting MacGregor.
  • Following the transformation, Cargotec plans to rename itself as Hiab.

Source and more information: Cargotec

Dec 02
2

Innovation with Sustainable Microgrid Technology will Strengthen Ports of Stockholm

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Ports of Stockholm is launching an innovative project to integrate onshore power supply (OPS) with microgrid technology at the Port of Kapellskär. This initiative, funded by the Swedish Innovation Agency Vinnova, aims to combine solar cell systems, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and an advanced energy management system (EMS) to ensure a reliable power supply, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance the port’s resilience to disruptions.

The project is a collaboration between Ports of Stockholm, the University of Skövde, Stella Futura, and Ilmatar. It is scheduled to run from November 2024 to November 2027, with the demonstration system being implemented at the Port of Kapellskär, approximately 90 kilometers north of Stockholm.

HIS

This development aligns with EU regulations requiring onshore power connections for ships by 2030, addressing the increased demands on the electricity grid and contributing to the port’s environmental goals.

Source: Ports of Stockholm

Dec 02
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 48 | No Comments

Since 22 November 2024, Golden Star Ferries’ ANDROS KING (ex-VOLCAN DE TABURIENTE) has been undergoing dry docking at Perama (Piraeus III dry dock). The ship is currently undergoing an extensive refit and conversion before entering service in Hellenic Coastal Shipping. She is expected to join the company’s fleet for the summer season of 2025. The ferry was purchased in July 2024 and delivered in September.

It is anticipated that she will operate on the Rafina–Andros–Tinos–Mykonos route. One of the youngest ferries in the Hellenic ferry fleet, she was built in Spain in 2006. ANDROS KING has a carrying capacity of 1,500 passengers and 310 cars (1,200 lane metres) and can sail at a speed of 22.5 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

On 3 November 2024, Seajets’ SUPERSTAR arrived at the Spanopoulos yards for her scheduled annual maintenance. The ferry serves the Agios Konstantinos–Sporades Islands route (Skiathos–Skopelos–Alonissos), where she has become very popular.

Built in Belgium in 1974, the ferry has been part of the Greek ferry scene since 1992. SUPERSTAR has a carrying capacity of 1,700 passengers and 250 cars and sails at a speed of 20 knots.

Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos

Malin Collin is appointed as new CEO of the Port of Trelleborg. She replaces current CEO Jörgen Nilsson, who has chosen to move on to new challenges.

Source: Port of Trelleborg

HADAG Seetouristik und Fährdienst AG has put its latest green-energy hybrid passenger ferry into operation.

The 33-metre-long ferry has a capacity of up to 250 passengers and will be used on HADAG’s routes in the Port of Hamburg and on the Elbe. Its name “Finkenwerder” derives from the name of a Hamburg city district.

The ferry’s paintwork, developed by COSCO SHIPPING Europe, brings the message of friendship between the shipping company and the city of Hamburg to the local people for at least the next three years.

Photo: Hafen Hamburg Marketing, Mahdi Ahmad

The arrival of OLYMPOS SEAWAYS at Damietta’s Pan Marine RoRo Terminal marks the start of a new direct freight ferry service between Egypt and Italy, operated by DFDS in partnership with Pan Marine Group. Connecting Damietta and Trieste, the service offers weekly departures and a swift 68-hour transit, ideal for perishable goods like fresh produce and textiles from Egypt, and dairy, agricultural, and industrial goods from Europe. A dedicated terminal in Damietta ensures efficient operations, enhancing trade links and boosting maritime connectivity between Egypt and Europe.

Photo source: Pan Marine Group

Following the issues affecting the ferry GIRAGLIA and the resulting suspension of maritime continuity between Sardinia (Santa Teresa di Gallura) and Corsica (Bonifacio), Moby, along with the relevant stakeholders, has implemented a temporary solution. The ship MOBY ZAZA has been deployed to cover a similar route, though now connecting the ports of Golfo Aranci and Porto Vecchio.

While passenger capacity (1,450) and cargo capacity (530 cars) have increased, the transit time has significantly extended from 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Kenneth Gustavsson becomes the new CEO of Gotland Alandia Cruises, which operates the cruise ship BIRKA GOTLAND. The ship, which entered service with new owners in March this year, cruises between Stockholm, Åland, Gotland and a number of other Baltic Sea destinations.

The ferry companies Viking Line and Gotlandsbolaget have jointly formed the new company Gotland Alandia Cruises in February 2024.

Source: MyNewsDesk

Nov 22
2

Tender Confusion

By | 2024 Newsletter week 47 | No Comments

It was announced that Baleària has been awarded the operation of the Tarifa-Tangier Ville maritime route.

This was based on a Baleària press release.

Baleària’s €135 million proposal included the construction of two zero-emission electric fast ferries with a capacity for 800 passengers, as well as the electrification of ports and battery recharging systems. The vessels were going be built by Astilleros Armon in Gijón, with construction expected to take two and a half years.

However, FRS/DFDS is surprised by thus announcement. So is Ferry Shipping News: this is confusing.

“We have become aware that one of the participating shipping companies has self-proclaimed itself as the winner of the tender, despite the fact that the awarding procedure has not been formally concluded. We consider this action to be disrespectful both to the port authority responsible for overseeing the process and to the potentially affected employees, who deserve a transparent and legally compliant resolution of this tender,” says FRS/DFDS in a reaction.

The FRS/DFDS media release says:

“Additionally, this shipping company has submitted an offer that we consider reckless and based on unrealistic projections and fictitious minimum traffic levels that evidently cannot be achieved.”

“Likewise, we observe with concern that certain elements presented by the shipping company that self-proclaims as the winner, such as the supposed provision of electricity in Morocco to operate an electric propulsion ship, lack technical support and realistic basic coordination. It is not recorded that the port authority of Tangier Ville has been consulted, despite the fact that their participation is essential to guarantee the necessary infrastructure and energy supply.”

“This lack of coordination highlights the inconsistent nature of the project, which seems more focused on scoring points in the technical evaluation than on its actual implementation.”

“It should be noted that the shipping company FRS Iberia Maroc / DFDS has obtained the highest score in the technical proposal, being the only participant that has fully respected the terms of the specifications and presented a plan of realistic and viable minimum traffic. This approach reflects a commitment to the effective

fulfilment of contractual obligations, aligned with the objectives of the port and in defense of the current legality.”

“According to the specifications, specifically its “Rule 19”, the failure to meet the committed minimum traffic for two consecutive years may be cause for “termination of the concession”, which jeopardises the operational stability of the port.”

“The text of the specifications is explicit in this regard: “The failure to meet this activity or minimum traffic for two successive years may be cause for termination of the concession.”

However, the promises of minimum traffic of this shipping company seem to be based on fanciful unrealistic estimates, whose non-compliance is foreseeable from the start.

It stems from the belief that ‘if I get in, it will be impossible to get me out’

Currently, European Union laws protect both consumers and the industry.”

FRS/DFDS urges 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.

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.

FRS/DFDS trust that the competent authorities will make the necessary decisions to award this tender to a shipping company that has strictly complied with the conditions of the specifications, presenting achievable minimum traffic and demonstrating its technical and operational viability on both shores.

Press releases: Baleària FRS/DFDS

Nov 22
2

DFDS Acquires International Transport Network Connecting Türkiye And Europe From Ekol Logistics

By | 2024 Newsletter week 47 | No Comments

DFDS has completed the acquisition of Ekol Logistics’ international transport network, strengthening connections between Türkiye and Europe. The revised (*) agreement includes updates to the terminal agreement with Yalova Port and reinforces Türkiye’s role as a key manufacturing hub.

Key highlights:
Expected 2024 revenue: DKK 3.3bn
3,700 employees joining DFDS
Acquisition value: DKK 1.8bn

“This acquisition enhances our ability to support Türkiye’s growth and strengthens our Mediterranean business,” says Torben Carlsen, CEO of DFDS.

The network spans 10 European countries and integrates road, ferry, and rail, positioning DFDS for significant growth in the region.

(*) On November 1st, DFDS announced that it had terminated the share purchase agreement, and the transaction would consequently not take place. (Source: DFDS)

Nov 22
2

Brittany Ferries Chairman Responds to Jersey’s Ferry Contract Decision

By | 2024 Newsletter week 47 | No Comments

Brittany Ferries’ chairman, Jean-Marc Roué, has issued a strong response to Jersey’s chief minister regarding the ongoing ferry contract dispute. In a letter to Lyndon Farnham, Mr Roué expressed both surprise and concern over Jersey’s decision not to accept the joint Condor-Brittany Ferries bid, particularly given Guernsey’s approval following a thorough nine-month tender process.

While confirming Brittany Ferries’ intention to participate in Jersey’s new bid process, Mr Roué also addressed recent critical comments made in the States of Jersey Assembly and reported in the media.

“The company I chair exists solely to prioritise customer satisfaction,” Mr Roué stated in his letter. “All financial benefits from our activities are fully reinvested into the company. For instance, we are currently undergoing the largest fleet renewal in our history, with five new-generation ships, including two powered by cleaner hybrid LNG-electric technology.”

The letter underscores Brittany Ferries’ commitment to environmental sustainability and operational excellence amid the evolving tender process.

Source: Brittany Ferries Newsroom

Nov 22
2

GNV Announces Two Top Management Appointments to Strengthen Commercial Strategy

By | 2024 Newsletter week 47 | No Comments

GNV, a ferry company that is part of the MSC Group, has announced the appointment of Matteo Della Valle as its new Chief Commercial Officer and Matteo De Candia as the new General Manager of GNV in Spain.

“These new appointments represent an important step in the evolution of the company, which is committed to consolidating its position in the passenger and freight maritime transport sector in the Mediterranean, with a focus on growth in international markets,” the company stated.

Matteo Della Valle, in his new role, will expand his responsibilities to include the coordination of activities for both the passenger and cargo segments. His extensive experience in passenger sales management and his integrated vision of commercial operations are expected to strengthen GNV’s presence and competitiveness in key markets.

Matteo De Candia, formerly the Freight Commercial Director, will now lead GNV’s operations in Spain. His goal will be to consolidate activities in the Spanish market across both passenger and freight sectors. With his deep knowledge of the cargo industry, he is well-positioned to enhance growth opportunities in the Balearic Islands, a strategic region that represents approximately 20% of the company’s business.