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sandra

Jul 12
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 28 | No Comments

South Korea’s KT Marine held a welcoming ceremony for its new vessel, a Damen Fast Ferry 4212 named Hamel. The company placed its order for the vessel earlier this year. The rapid delivery is the result of Damen’s serial construction of vessels for stock. 

Hamel will transport up to 423 passengers at speeds of up to 40 knots. She will operate a route between Yeosu Harbour and Geomundo Island.  

Hamel is the seventh Damen Fast Ferry, and the fifth Fast Ferry 4212, to be delivered to South Korea in recent years. 

Source: Damen 

Ruby Express is the name chosen for the fourth vessel for the company L’Express des Iles, a company in the FRS Group. She’s the former Algeciras Express. 

A new side roro access ramp has been installed last week. In July the vessel will sail to the Caribbean for her new role. 

On May 2024 the Danish Molslinjen announced that its HSC Max Mols has been sold to a Mediterranean ferry operator. According to information the ship will be delivered in the end of 2024, while many suggest that she was probably sold to a Greek ferry operator without having any Greek information at the moment. The ship served for many years the Aarhus-Odden route but also been on the Rønne – Ystad route (Bornholm route). Max Mols was built in Australia (1998/Incat).  

Photo: Wikipedia 

According to Greek press (Source: Kathimerini), rumour has it that Attica Group is in advanced discussions with Chinese shipyards to build eight ships by 2029. The company’s goal is to decarbonize its fleet by 2030. The specific investment plan includes:  

  • 2 E-Flexers announced last week that will be introduced in the Adriatic service by 2027. 
  • 2 larger AERO High-speed craft for the Saronic Island service 
  • 4 more ships for Cyclades, Dodecanese and North Aegean run (2 medium-size ferries, 2 high-speed ferries).  

Finally, the 3 ships that will be released from the Adriatic service (SUPERFAST XI, SUPERFAST III and HELLENIC SPIRIT) will serve the domestic market. 

Jul 05
3

Red Funnel goes e-foiling

By | 2024 Newsletter week 27 | No Comments

Red Funnel’s Southampton to West Cowes route, currently served by Red Jets 6 and 7, will be enhanced with the addition of a zero-emission, electric e-foiling passenger ferry (Artemis Technologies EF-24 Passenger). 

Operation of the Artemis EF-24 Passenger will save up to 3,700 tonnes of CO2e per year.  

Using electricity from renewable sources will increase annual emissions savings to approximately 4,150 tonnes of CO2e. 

In addition to reducing air pollution and noise, the fully accessible passenger ferry will use cutting-edge hydrofoil propulsion technology to fly over waves, lifting the vessel out of the water to reduce drag and provide a smoother, quieter and more comfortable experience for passengers. 

Source

Jul 05
2

E-Flexer galore

By | 2024 Newsletter week 27 | No Comments

Two more E-Flexers have been announced last week (with an option for two more). 

See our news here. 

Here’s the complete list of all E-Flexers: 

  1. Stena Line – 2019 
  1. Stena Line – 2020 
  1. Brittany Ferries – 2020 
  1. Stena Line – 2021 
  1. DFDS – 2021 
  1. Brittany Ferries – 2021 – LNG  
  1. Stena Line – May 2022 – Extended version 
  1. Stena Line – September 2022 – Extended version 
  1. Brittany Ferries – December 2022 – LNG  
  1. Marine Atlantic – February 2024 – LNG operation with battery-hybrid installation 
  1. Brittany Ferries – 2024 – LNG operation with battery-hybrid installation 
  1. Brittany Ferries – 2025 – LNG operation with battery-hybrid installation 
  1. Corsica Linea – 2026 – LNG operation with battery-hybrid installation 
  1. Attica Group – April 2027 – Methanol-ready, Battery-hybrid installation 
  1. Attica Group – delivery August 2027 – Methanol-ready, Battery-hybrid installation 

Download the HiRes overview as PDF 

Download the HiRes overview as PNG 

Jul 05
2

Interview with Michael Goldmann Petersen, Scandlines COO

By | 2024 Newsletter week 27 | No Comments

Executive Summary 

Ferry Capacity and Operation: 

  • The new electric freight ferry Futura will enter service in late 2024, complementing Scandlines’ fleet with a capacity of 66 truck units. 
  • Futura will be fully electrically operated, initially charging in Rødby, with Puttgarden infrastructure ready by 2025. 

2023 Performance: 

  • Scandlines transported 6.4 million passengers, 1.6 million cars, and over 704,000 freight units. 
  • Passenger numbers increased by 5%, but freight business saw a 7% decline due to the economic slowdown in Europe. 

Leadership Changes: 

  • Michael Guldmann Petersen was appointed acting CEO in February 2024, continuing as COO until July, when Eric Gregoire will assume the CEO role. 

Sustainability Initiatives: 

  • Scandlines is investing in electric propulsion, with Futura being emission-free and two other ferries, Schleswig-Holstein and Deutschland, set to convert to at least 80% electric operation by 2025. 

Market Trends and Projections: 

  • The German market is growing, with an increase in German travelers to Denmark and Sweden. 
  • The Swedish market saw a decline in border shop visitors due to exchange rate impacts, despite similar spending levels in Swedish Kronas. 
  • Freight volumes are expected to be flat in the first half of 2024, with a slight increase in the second half. 

Infrastructure and Technological Developments: 

  • Rødby charging installation is complete, with Puttgarden expected to be operational by September 2025. 
  • Futura will operate in a two-hour rotation sequence, enabled by dual-port charging. 
  • Potential future enhancements include increasing battery capacity and considering emission-free operations in Rostock port. 

Challenges and Future Plans: 

  • The feasibility of converting additional ferries to electric power depends on securing funding from EU or Danish government sources. 
  • The ongoing Fehmarn tunnel project is not significantly disrupting ferry operations, although close monitoring and adjustments are required. 
  • Kronprins Frederik will continue as a backup ferry and support freight volumes during peak times. 

Click on this picture to read RoPax magazine – Photo Scandlines 

Jul 05
2

ASSARMATORI chose the fuels for the future: LNG and biofuel

By | 2024 Newsletter week 27 | No Comments

Neither ammonia nor hydrogen. For the Italian shipowners association ASSARMATORI the right choices for the future are LNG and biofuels because they are already available and well tested. This was the key message that emerged this week in Rome at the annual meeting of the association, chaired by Stefano Messina, which represents almost all the short-sea and deep-sea RoRo and RoPax companies based and active in Italy. 

ASSARMATORI has asked Italian and European governments to focus on and select incentives and financial support for these two types of fuels, which have a higher price compared to traditional fuels. 

The association’s goal from now onwards is to obtain all the viable financial resources from ETS and FuelEU to sustain the green transition of maritime transport (through incentives for modal shift, fleet renewals, pricing for new fuels, etc.). 

Jul 05
1

IMAGE CARDS

By | 2024 Newsletter week 27 | No Comments

At Guangzhou Shipyard International, China, the keel laying ceremony took place for the third new RoPax vessel commissioned by GNV. The LNG-fuelled new ship, already renamed GNV VIRGO, will have a capacity for 1,785 passengers, 420 cabins, and 2,780 lane metres. It is scheduled for delivery before the end of 2026.  

The fourth unit, still to be named, will also be dual-fuel LNG, while the first two under construction at GSI in China are fitted with scrubbers.  

GNV Polaris will be delivered before the end of the current year and GNV Orion in 2025. 

Bridgemans Services Group have renewed their agreement with Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Works and Transport (MOWT) for RoRo Cabo Star to continue to connect Port of Spain and Scarborough until January 2026. 

The vessel has been an integral support to the Trinidad and Tobago economy since starting the regularly scheduled sea bridge service between the Port of Spain and the Port of Scarborough seven years ago, in 2017.  

Cabo Star now makes approximately 288 round trips between the ports on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago annually, reliably transporting approximately 66,000 vehicles, 5,500 trucks and trailers, 2,500 containers and 4,100 flatbeds each year.   

Source: Bridgemans 

Baleària’s new fast ferry Margarita Salas’ is carrying out its natural gas sea trials. 

Soon she will be ready to sail between Barcelona, Ciutadella de Menorca and Alcudia, Mallorca. 

Photo: Baleària 

On Friday 28 June 2024, the keel laying ceremony of the first of the two all-new NewMax hybrid vessels took place in China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in WeiHai, China.  

Stena Futura, the chosen name for this ship, is one of two NewMax hybrid vessels that will play a key role in Stena Line’s journey to sustainable fuel as they will both be able to operate on methanol fuel. 

Baleària and Fred. Olsen Express have increased their activity on the route between Huelva and the Canary Islands with a fourth weekly connection in both directions between July 1 and September 30. The additional departure is necessary to meet the high demand expected for this summer period, both for passengers and freight. 

Source: Port of Huelva 

On June 29, HSC Hellenic Highspeed left Greece, chartered to Africa Morocco Link for the summer season of 2024. The ship is expected to enter service on the Algeciras – Tanger Med route on July 6, and she will remain until the end of the season. 

Photo: Attica Group 

It is reported that Finikas Lines’ Finikas Highspeed (ex Sfakia Pionner/Oniyouzu) has been introduced on the Corfu – Agioi Saranda (Albania) route on July 1, 2024. The ship was initially purchased by the Cretan based Anendyk Seaways on February 2019 for the Sfakia-Gavdos route. However, she remained laid up at the port of Souda (Crete) until March 2024 and sold to the Albania-based Finikas Lines. 

Photo: Finikas Lines 

Greek Saronic Ferries has chosen Swedish Nowhere Networks as supplier of high-speed internet for its fleet consisting of five ships operating in the Saronic region of Greece. 

Read more on Nowhere Networks 

Jun 28
2

BREAKING NEWS | Attica Group invests in green transition and fleet renewal

By | 2024 Newsletter week 26 | No Comments

Agreement with Stena RoRo for the long-term charter with purchase option of 2 new vessels and a potential option for 2 additional vessels

  • Agreement with Stena RoRo for the long-term charter with purchase option of 2 new E-Flexer vessels, plus an option for 2 additional vessels.
  • Vessels to be built at CMI Jinling Weihai Shipyard, China
  • Largest RoPax vessels ever ordered by a Greek shipping company.
  • Specifications: 240m length, 1,500 passenger capacity, 3,320 lane metres cargo decks (approx. 200 freight units per vessel).
  • Vessels are Methanol ready, with engines capable of operating on 3 different fuel types and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to optimise fuel consumption.
  • Expected to reduce the Group’s GHG emissions per transport work by 60% compared to existing vessels.
  • Agreement includes a 10-year bareboat charter scheme with a purchase option after the 5th year.
  • Delivery scheduled for April and August 2027.
  • Fleet redeployment to follow, reducing the environmental footprint by retiring older vessels.
  • Innovative design collaboration between Stena RoRo and Attica’s shipbuilding teams based on the successful E-Flexer model.
  • CEO Panos Dikaios highlights Attica Group’s 3-decade innovation history and the new agreement’s role in setting industry standards, reducing environmental footprint, and enhancing travel experience.
  • Per Westling, Managing Director of Stena RoRo, emphasises the bespoke E-Flexer vessels’ versatility, fuel flexibility, and importance in Attica’s green transition.

Green features

  • Installation of battery pack for storage and use of electric energy in order to reduce the operation of diesel generators.
  • Installation of solar panels for the production of renewable electrical energy.
  • Installation of OPS – electrical power supply from shore during the ships stay in ports to avoid the use of diesel generators and the alleviation of harmful emissions and noise.
  • Lighting of the ships with new technology LED to reduce the required energy.
  • Rudder bulb designed and constructed to fit the ship’s propellers for optimizing hydrodynamic efficiency.
  • Hull form design for optimum hydrodynamic efficiency.
  • Intelligent clima control system for optimum energy consumption.
  • Hybrid scrubbers for reducing SOx emissions.
  • Silicon paints of underwater hull for reducing resistance and fuel consumption.
  • New generation main engines, tri-fuel including methanol for reducing CO2

Other features:

  • Design of bow and stern ramps (drive through concept) to avoid maneuvering of heavy vehicles and allow faster loading/unloading from two decks simultaneously.
Jun 28
2

The Swedish Transport Administration awarded the Gotland contract to…

By | 2024 Newsletter week 26 | No Comments
  • Alvina Shipping has been awarded the contract for ferry services to and from Gotland for the period 2027-2035 (with two additional option years). (announcement Swedish Transport Administration)
  • Two routes: Nynäshamn–Visby and Oskarshamn–Visby.
  • Alvina Shipping is a Danish subsidiary of Swedish Gotlandsbolaget. This company will be responsible for financial and strategic management. It is a way to benefit from the Danish tonnage tax regime and the zero salary tax for seamen. However, Destination Gotland will operate the services under Swedish flag and crew.
  • The Swedish Government is developing the Swedish tonnage tax to align Swedish shipping with international standards. Gotlandsbolaget is optimistic that Gotlandstrafiken will be fully integrated into this system. If approved, financial and strategic management will be overseen from the island of Gotland too.
  • A ten-day period is available for appeals after the contract award (Nordic Ferry Infrastructure / EQT ?).
  • The current ferry fleet will continue, with a new hydrogen-powered vessel to be introduced in 2028. During the upcoming contract period, a climate requirement applies which means that the operator must reduce CO2 emissions by 30 percent.
  • The Swedish Transport Administration shares the risk of high fuel prices.
  • Note: Gotlandsbolaget also recently acquired the DFDS route between Oslo and Copenhagen.
Jun 28
2

Moby put half of Toremar’s fleet up for sale

By | 2024 Newsletter week 26 | No Comments

“We already cleared that we would not take part in the coming tender for the maritime continuity, so we sell the ships.” That’s what Moby said to Ferry Shipping News to explain why Toremar, a company controlled by Onorato Armatori and active on the maritime links between mainland Italy and the islands surrounding the Toscana region (Elba, Capraia, and Giglio), put up for sale four of its eight vessels.

More specifically, available for sale are:

  • Rio Marina Bella (2004 – 896 passengers and 85 cars)
  • Giovanni Bellini (1985 – 589 passengers and 60 cars)
  • Liburna (1980 – 692 passengers and 60 cars)
  • Schiopparello Jet (1999 – high-speed ferry – 145 passengers)

The other four vessels in Toremar’s fleet are the 1991-built Stelio Montomoli, the 1980-built Marmorica, the 1980-built Oglasa, and the 2005-built Giuseppe Rum.