It doesn’t come as a surprise. Last week Ferry Shipping News carefully wrote something about a potential ro-ro service between Moerdijk (Rotterdam) and Ipswich.
Now the company “apologises for any confusion,” on its website.
“The journey route planned for Moerdijk to Ipswich region was only ever a provisional option, designed to engage with industry professionals to determine the interest in a Holland/Belgium to East Anglia route during a period immediately after a ‘no deal’ Brexit.”
Ferry Passenger Throughput In Marseille On The Rise
The record three million passenger milestone was marked by the cruise sector’s 15% jump to 1.7m passengers, which included 244,000 in October alone. The port expects close to 1.9m in 2019 and 2.0m next year. Marseille is already the main cruise hub in France and now the fourth largest in the Mediterranean. Ferry passenger carryings rose 6% to 1.3 million, including increases of 12% on Algerian services and 5% on Corsica links, which recorded a third consecutive year of growth.
The port of Marseille is preparing to provide LNG bunkering and also to extend ‘cold ironing’ shore power for ferries, with the initial La Meridionale agreement set to be followed from this year on behalf of Corsica Line and in subsequent years for Tunisia’s Cotunav.
The historic J1 ferry terminal in the Marseille Fos eastern harbour is to be redeveloped as a business, retail and leisure centre following the outcome of an international call for projects launched in 2017.
After an 18-month process in which four candidates were shortlisted, the winning group has now been announced as real estate company ADIM Immoblier Provence, Vinci Construction France, the French public sector finance body Caisse des Depots and renowned Paris-based architects Reichen & Robert, who specialise in industrial building conversions.
The prestigious three-storey JI hall covers almost 25,00m2 and is on a site including 150m of quay and a 4,000m2 water basin. The new amenity – due to open in 2023 – will feature offices dedicated to innovation and training, event and exhibition spaces including an esplanade garden, a world class hotel, various restaurant and fast food amenities, craft outlets, food shops and concept stores. In addition, a multi-faceted complex will host a spa and fitness trail, a climbing wall, an aqua-playground and aqua-gym, an activity pool and potentially an outdoor swimming pool.
Wärtsilä To Enhance Competitiveness By Aligning Operations Globally
Wärtsilä Corporation will initiate a formal process to realign its operations and resources to secure future profitability and competitiveness.
The planned actions include an increased focus on targeted sales activities, developing the agreements-based and “as-a-service” business, reviewing the cost structure, as well as optimising the business portfolio and organisation.
The program is expected to lead to a reduction of approximately 1.200 employees globally. At the end of 2018, Wärtsilä had approximately 19.300 employees in more than 80 countries around the world.
The reductions will impact all businesses and support functions.
With these actions Wärtsilä seeks annual savings of EUR 100 million.
Work on the VILLA DE TEROR was suspended this week
The (delayed) ferry that the Volcan Shipyard is building for Trasmediterránea must be finished by 29 March at the latest.
The yard is struggling to survive, with debts building up.
Yard workers have protested, as they have not been paid since September. Several suppliers have open invoices, believed to total EUR 4 million.
Banco Santander has reached an agreement with Trasmediterránea, which gives a margin of financing, in order to complete the vessel.
There is a believe that the vessel will be finished.
Color Line’s SUPERSPEED 1 in Kristiansand.
Austal-built EXPRESS 4 Is On Its Way To Denmark
High-speed 109m catamaran EXPRESS 4 has set sail for Denmark to join the Molslinjen fleet.
Featuring an advanced design with an optimised hull form to minimise fuel consumption and Austal’s Ride Control System for superior sea-keeping and comfort, she will carry over 1000 passengers, 425 cars at speeds up to 40 knots.
Watch a video on Austal’s LinkedIn Page
