Port of Hirtshals: Increase In Freight Traffic And In Potential

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During the first four months of 2020, the Port of Hirtshals has increased its turnover by 0.4% in freight traffic compared to the same period last year.

The roro traffic, which constitutes the majority of the freight, basically maintained the level from the same 4 months of 2019.

Due to the border closures in e.g. Norway, Germany and Denmark, there has been no car or passenger traffic over the Port of Hirtshals since mid-March. The ferry companies have thereby been able to use the car deck for lorries and trailers instead. This has meant that the freight traffic over the corridors in Hirtshals has consolidated even further during the corona crisis.

“Although the port has experienced growth in freight traffic for almost 10 years, we can only interpret the development of the last few months as an indication that the freight volumes increase when the capacity is present on the routes out of Hirtshals. This clearly shows that there is more potential to be gained. At the same time, we must see the development as evidence that the transport sector wants to utilise the direct corridors that we have right here in Hirtshals,” says Jens Kirketerp Jensen, managing director at the Port of Hirtshals.

Stockholm Norvik Port RoRo Terminal To Open In Autumn

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The final two of nine ramps have been delivered to Ports of Stockholm.

Five were delivered to the recently rebuilt Värtahamnen Port and two to the Port of Kapellskär.

The last two ramps for the Norvik roro terminal arrived at Stockholm Norvik Port end of March.

Norvik terminal is scheduled to open in September and will be operated by Ports of Stockholm. The two quay-berths for RoRo vessels are 230m and 280m, respectively, with respective depths of 10.5m and 10m. Both the quays and the ramps are dimensioned to be able to handle vessels larger than those that currently call at Ports of Stockholm.

INTERFERRY

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Interferry Welcomes Easing Of Travel Restrictions, Follow Up

In his monthly letter, CEO Mike Corrigan explains how Interferry’s efficient work generated an invitation to participate in the European Union’s (EU’s) Commissioner for Transport’s ‘Healthy Gateways project’. Well done, Interferry!

“On May 15 we issued the above titled News Release in response to increasing signals across the globe that ferry routes would soon be opening up to more than just the movement of lifeline goods and essential travel. To say that this is welcome news might be the biggest understatement in my 17+ years in the ferry industry. Throughout the world, we are pleased to see that more and more governments and health agencies are recognizing that ferries will be the preferred choice of transportation for most travelers as restrictions loosen up – given their ability to adhere to physical distancing onboard and at the terminals, as well as the many other safety measures the industry has adopted.

These measures, COVID-19 Guidance for Ferries, were developed through Interferry’s Operators Policy Committee in consultation with operator members and issued via Johan Roos’ Regulatory Report to the membership and also to European Union’s (EU’s) Commissioner for Transport (COM). Johan reports that our Guidance was very well received by the EU COM. In fact, we have been invited to participate in the EU COM’s Healthy Gateways project and to provide assistance with the development of its comprehensive COVID guidelines for European ferries.”

IN THE MEDIA

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Tallink Loan Delayed Due To Using Vessels Registered Abroad As Collateral

According to KredEx CEO Lehar Kütt, it has taken time to get loans to Estonian shipper Tallink signed due to the volume of the loan contract and the legal complexities of using vessels registered to other countries as collateral for the loan.

SHORT NEWS

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Another Set Of Sea Trials For MOROCCO SUN

On May 29 AML’s MOROCCO SUN had another round of sea trials in the Saronic Gulf, testing her engines. Despite the major repairs done the previous months –with original parts from Pielstick–, the smoke problem has not been eliminated completely. The Irish-built old lady is expected to return back in service on the Strait of Gibraltar.

Arab Bridge Maritime’s AMMAN Arrived In Greece For Repairs

On May 29, Arab Bridge Maritime’s AMMAN arrived at Neos Molos, Drapetsona for repairs. In 2019, she was chartered to AML for the Marhaba 2019 season. Her actual presence in Greece means she will probably be chartered again for the summer season 2020.

It seems that despite the Covid-19 restrictions, AML is getting prepared for the new season on the Algeciras-Tangier Med line and if the developments are good, AML will introduce three vessels on the above line this summer: MOROCCO SUN, AMMAN and MOROCCO STAR.

DFDS Copenhagen – Oslo Route Resumes Service On 25 June

DFDS will start out with the minimum number of staff required for operational start-up, and will monitor booking development closely and change manning on board and ashore when needed.

VIDEO

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Sea Trials Of Electric Ferry FESTØYA For Norled

The first of four hybrid electric-powered LMG-designed car ferries under construction at Remontowa Shipbuilding SA went to sea for the first time.

THREE SHIPS DOWN MEMORY LANE

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Today we go back to Ancona, in 1998.

KRALJICA MIRA

Built as HAMMERSHUS in 1965, by Meyer Werft.
Started to serve the route Copenhagen-Rönne-Ystad.
Did several seasons with TT-Line between Travemunde and Bornholm.
Left the Baltic in 1993, and ended up in the Adriatic.
In 1994 she sailed for Sem Maritime Company’s traffic between Split – Ancona.
Scrapped in 2005.

EGITO EXPRESS

Built as ESPRESSO CAGLIARI, Livorno 1975

She is still active as LAMPEDUSA, between Trapani and Pantelleria for Traghetti delle Isole.

ESPRESSO VENEZIA

Sister vessel to the previous ferry, she was built in 1977.

In 1994 she ended up in Greece via Ventouris. Fakta om fartyg gives an overview of all her routes.

As EXPRESS PEGASUS she is still alive but laid up near Piraeus.