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sandra

Dec 20
2

DFDS Announced its Three Ships for the Jersey Operations

By | 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

DFDS, set to become Jersey’s new ferry operator, unveiled the vessels to serve the island:

  • HSC TARIFA JET – Incat 043 – built 1997 – 700 pax and 150 cars
  • HSC LEVANTE JET – Incat 068 – built 2015 – 675 pax and 151 cars
  • RoPax STENA VINGA –built 2005/2010 – 400 pax and 200 cars – 108 beds -1,235/1,538 lane metres

The other Channel Island, Guernsey, will be deserved by Brittany Ferries / Condor Ferries.

Dec 20
2

Paving the Way for Climate-Neutral Shipping: Gotlandsbolaget’s Major Biogas Investment

By | 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

Gotlandsbolaget is taking a giant step towards achieving climate-neutral crossings between Gotland and the mainland by 2045

Partnering with Andion CH4 Renewables and Equitix New Generation Fund, Gotlandsbolaget is investing in a state-of-the-art biogas plant near Eskilstuna, scheduled to produce high-quality liquefied biogas (LBG) by the end of 2026.

Key highlights:

  • 5,400 tonnes of high-quality LBG annually.
  • A 10-year agreement with Destination Gotland to purchase the majority of the plant’s output.
  • 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ reduction over a decade compared to fossil LNG.

Photo: Mike Louagie

Dec 20
2

BC Ferries Hope for Approval for Five New Major Vessels

By | 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

BC Ferries has now formally submitted its plan to build five New Major Vessels (NMVs) to the BC Ferries Commissioner for approval. [press release]

  • The NMV project proposes to replace four aging vessels and add one new vessel to the fleet, adding critical space on the busiest routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
  • This will reduce wait times and boost overall capacity by up to 28% for passengers and 19% for vehicles.
  • The first of these vessels is expected to enter service in 2029, with five operational by 2031.
  • The public can provide feedback until mid-January 2025.
Dec 20
2

Ripple Operations Appoints Sigrid Kviteberg as Chief Operations Officer and Head of Client Services

By | 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments
  • Sigrid Kviteberg brings over 30 years of experience in maritime and technology.
  • Former leader at AdonisHR, a maritime HR solutions provider, now part of Ripple Operations.
  • Role: Chief Operations Officer and Head of Client Services.
  • Enhancing client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
  • Driving innovation in maritime HR solutions.
  • Supporting Ripple Operations’ mission to empower maritime organisations by prioritising their workforce.
  • Collaborating with the leadership team to deliver world-class HR solutions globally.

Source: Press Release

Dec 20
2

Attica Group Collaborates with Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime to Upgrade Onboard Connectivity

By | 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

Attica Group announced a strategic partnership with Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime to enhance telecommunication and connectivity services onboard.

  • This collaboration aims to provide passengers and crew with uninterrupted, high-speed internet access, even in remote areas, by leveraging advanced satellite and network technologies.
  • The upgrade, powered by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Starlink satellites, will combine multiple technologies (LEO, GEO, 4G, and 5G) through an integrated platform that selects the best connection in real-time.
  • The agreement involves a €7 million investment and covers the entire fleet operating under brands such as BLUE STAR FERRIES, SUPERFAST FERRIES, HELLENIC SEAWAYS, and ANEK LINES.
  • Completion is expected in 2025.

Photo © Mike Louagie

Dec 20
2

Finnlines’ Board of Directors Appoints Thomas Doepel as the New President and CEO from 1 March 2025, when Finnlines’ President and CEO Tom Pippingsköld Retires

By | 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments
  • Tom Pippingsköld will retire and it has been agreed that he will continue in his position as the President and CEO until 28 February 2025.
  • Finnlines Plc’s Board of Directors has appointed Vice President and Deputy CEO, COO Thomas Doepel as the new President and CEO of Finnlines Plc from 1 March 2025.
  • Tom Pippingsköld and Thomas Doepel have been members of Finnlines’ Executive Committee since 2013.
Dec 20
2

La Méridionale To Use Former Brittany Vessel on Marseille-Tangier Med

By | 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

CMA CGM owned company La Méridionale has started to advertise the Morocco Line.

Dec 20
2

Audit Scotland: “Future of Ferguson Marine’s Port Glasgow Shipyard Remains Uncertain

By | 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

Audit Scotland says in a report:

  • The future of Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (FMPG) is uncertain, with no work secured beyond the completion of GLEN ROSA, expected in September 2025. While the yard recently delivered the delayed GLEN SANNOX, significant investment is needed to remain competitive.
  • FMPG currently relies on Scottish Government funding, guaranteed until 2026, and lacks contracts beyond the two ferries.
  • Hopes to secure work under the small vessel replacement programme were impacted by UK subsidy laws, requiring FMPG to compete with five other firms for the tender.
  • Auditors have highlighted serious governance issues, including unauthorised employee exit packages exceeding public sector thresholds and improper contract changes leading to £48,000 in underpaid taxes. Addressing these governance failings is critical for the yard’s future stability.

Publication: The 2023/24 audit of Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (Holdings) Limited

Dec 20
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 50, 2024 Newsletter week 51 | No Comments

On 9 December 2024, EVIA STAR resumed her regular Rafina–Marmari service, fully refurbished and showcasing her new livery. The ship was sold to the newly established Olympian Ferries last June, along with her fleetmate PANORAMA. She has been serving this route since June 2001 under the ownership of Marmari Shipping.

Photo: Spyros Roussos

On 16 December 2024, ANEK Lines’ HELLENIC SPIRIT arrived at Elefsis Shipyards (ONEX Group) for her scheduled major overhaul. The vessel ceased operations on the Patras–Igoumenitsa–Ancona route on 15 December to prepare for an extensive refit.

The upgrade will include a complete engine overhaul, installation of scrubbers, and a transformation of her livery to that of Superfast Ferries. The ship will also be renamed SUPERFAST IV and is expected to resume service on the Adriatic route by February 2025.

Photo: ANEK Lines

STENA EUROPA, freshly repainted in the colours of Africa Morocco Link, has started the operations between Algeciras and Tanger Med.

Watch the stunning video made by Voyagair / Christos Chatzaras.

Besiktas Shipyard started a partnership with Corsica Linea. The first retrofit project, including bulbous bow modification has been successfully completed for RoPax PASCAL PAOLI.

Source: Besiktas Shipyard on Linkedin

Ferry ticket distribution company Liknoss started a partnership with Blu Navy Traghetti, the company that operates between Piombino and Portoferraio.

Source: Liknoss on Linkedin

DFDS’ GALATA SEAWAYS called for the first time at the Greek port of Patras. It will be a weekly call on the RoRo route between Sète (France) and Yalova (Türkiye).

Dec 13
2

Two New Ferries in 2029 for the Cook Strait

By | 2024 Newsletter week 50 | No Comments

It is exactly one year since the New Zealand Government decided to pull the plug on KiwiRail’s iRex plan to build two new rail-enabled RoPax ferries for Interislander. Reason: ballooning costs, up to 3 billion NZD (1.653 billion EUR).

On Wednesday 11 December, the Government announced new plans:

  • New Zealand Government is establishing a new company to procure two new ferries for the Cook Strait. Cabinet has agreed to capitalise the new company with NZD 4 million of equity.
  • The ferries are expected to begin operation in 2029 (three years later than the cancelled iRex ferries)
  • The Ministerial Advisory Group’s recommendation is for the ships to be medium-sized RoPax vessels, approximately 200m in length. This is larger than the current ferries but smaller than the iReX ferries.
  • Will the new ferries be rail-enabled? “The new ferries will be rail compatible” (…)
  • Expected cost: commercially confidential until procurement and negotiations for the associated landside infrastructure have been completed.
  • First stage of the procurement process in March, after which final decisions on next steps will be taken.
  • Opportunity: alternative proposals will be assessed alongside the initial procurement results in March.

Read official statements from the Government and KiwiRail

New ferries will ensure safe, resilient connection

Press conference

Q&A pdf

Press release KiwiRail

KiwiRail welcomes announcement on future ferries for Cook Strait

Photo Kiwirail: KAITAKI passing through Whekenui Bay