IN THE MEDIA

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Strong Debate on Tasmania’s New Ferries

First the new TT ferries would have been built in Europe (FSG, then RMC). Then the Government decided to cancel the contract to look at local shipbuilders.

As the assessment drags on, people are worried about the delays in having the new ships, and the solutions brought forward.

Some media highlights:

  • Austal’s new CEO said they remain committed to bidding to build the replacement TT-Line ferries, as the government awaits on a recommendation from the independent taskforce.

Source: The Advocate of 18 January

  • Incat chairman Robert Clifford, AO, says an additional passenger day sailing service across Bass Strait could operate from a different location to Devonport.

Source: The Advocate of 19 January

  • Head of Tasmanian Peak Tourism Luke Martin says Incat Bass Strait day sailing proposal is kite-flying.

Source: The Advocate of 20 January

  • Joining the debate on Tasmania’s ship building future, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) have called for the construction of a third Bass Strait ferry.

Source: The Guardian 2 February

DFDS To Acquire 100% of HSF Logistics Group

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HSF Logistics Group is one of Europe’s leading cold chain logistics providers to meat producers and other food producers that operates temperature-controlled supply chains.

The HSF Logistics Group has revenue of DKK 2.8bn and an EBITDA of DKK 320m (before adjusting for IFRS 16). The company currently has 1,800 employees and operates around 700 trucks and 1,700 reefer trailers, including both owned and leased units.

The integration of the HSF Logistics Group is expected to generate both commercial and cost synergies as well as synergies from addition of volumes to DFDS’ transport infrastructure of ferry routes and ports. Expected synergies will be described in further detail in connection with the closing of the transaction.

DFDS acquires the HSF Logistics Group for a debt-free price of DKK 2.2bn (EUR 296m).

The acquisition is subject to approval by the European Competition Authority, expected within three months.

Photo: WSI Models

DFDS Expands Logistics Offering In Sweden With New Warehouse In Borås

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DFDS agreed to lease a new 34,560 m2 warehouse in Borås, Sweden, that is an attractive Scandinavian logistics hub area close to Gothenburg.

The new warehouse will expand DFDS’ contract logistics offering that today is focused in Gothenburg. The additional capacity will make it possible to grow with existing industrial customers and attract new customers.

The warehouse will be built by property developer, CH Square, from whom DFDS will lease the warehouse for 10 years with an option to extend further after the lease period. Construction is expected to begin in early February 2021 and the warehouse is planned to open at the end of this year.

LNG-powered WILLEM DE VLAMINGH Finally Put into Ferry Service

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The new LNG-powered catamaran WILLEM DE VLAMINGH of Rederij Doeksen was officially put into service on Tuesday 26 January. With this, the ship follows its sister ship WILLEM BARENTSZ, which was introduced on 3 July 2020.

These ships are The Netherlands’s first (single fuel) LNG ferries and the first vessels in the world with single-fuel, direct-drive LNG engines propelling fixed rudder propellers. The ships will be deployed on the ferry connection to the Dutch isles Vlieland and Terschelling.

Dirk Spoor, CEO of Rederij Doeksen: “Due to a variety of circumstances, the COVID-19 crisis not least among them, the road to this fantastic moment has been long and bumpy. But the result of everyone’s efforts is impressive, and something of which we can be extremely proud.”

Sea Lines Start New Black Sea RoRo Service

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On 3 February 2021, Sea Lines will commence sailings on a new roro route between Karasu in Turkey and Constanta in Romania.

The route will be serviced by one roro vessel, with a capacity for up to 155 units and 12 drivers in Covid-19 safe single cabins. (probably chartered VASALAND)

Karasu and Constanta terminals are strategically located near important highways and provide space for handling all types of cargoes. Their locations also provide a close and quick connection to the main industrial zones.

There will be 3-4 weekly departures from each port, all in evening 11:00 PM, with a crossing time of 13 hours.

Sweden Believes in Train Ferries as Alternative to Bridge

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The train ferry is an important alternative in the event of disturbances on the Öresund Bridge, says Trafikverket (Swedish Transport Administration).

The Swedish Transport Administration submitted its report and analysis to the government on the train ferry connection between Trelleborg and Rostock as a long-term sustainable transport route.

  • Despite reduced freight flow, it is an important alternative in the event of disruptions on the Öresund Bridge.
  • Although freight transport by train ferries has decreased significantly, the train ferry connection is an important alternative for freight transport by train. However, there is much to suggest that transport will continue to decrease when the Fehmarn Belt connection is completed.
  • The study shows that several alternative transport solutions for freight transport between Sweden and the continent are crucial and need to be secured. It should be analysed as soon as possible which long-term transport alternatives, with or without train ferries, can be created for freight transport by rail.
  • Some form of financial support may be required if the train ferry is to be maintained.

Stena Line operates the route Trelleborg – Rostock with ropax train ferries SKÅNE and MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERN.

Glenhallen Took RoRo IVAN from Suardiaz and Will Add Piombino to the Links with the Libyan Ports

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Malta-based Glenhallen has just signed a bare boat charter & purchase contract with Spanish Suardiaz for roro IVAN (1,000 lane metres) which has been already operated by the buyer in time-charter for the last 18 months.

Umberto Lazzaretti, head of Glenhallen, confirmed to Ferry Shipping News that the vessel will continue to operate on the maritime link between Italy (Genoa, Civitavecchia and Salerno) and Lybia (Al Khoms, Misurata and sub inducement also Benghazi). Regular sailings are also provided by the same company also from France (Marseille), Spain (Sagunto) and from the North Adriatic region (Koper and Venice).

Lazzaretti further announced that they are going to charter-in a lo-ro geared vessel capable of loading not only rolling cargoes in the garage but also container on the deck. A new link for this new mixed traffic is expected to take shape from the port of Piombino in Tuscany.

Glenhallen last year transported some 50,000 lane metres of ro-ro cargo according to the words of Lazzaretti.

PORTS

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Valenciaport leads Spain in Natural Gas Supply Operations

Last year, Baleària carried out 291 LNG supplies at the Port of València using the multi-truck-to-ship method, which facilitates faster and more efficient operations.

They represent 40% of the shipping company’s supplies in Spain and position Valenciaport as a benchmark in the promotion of clean fuels.

The ships that received this cleaner fuel were the five ferries that last year connected the port of Valencia with the Balearic Islands: HYPATIA DE ALEJANDRIA, ABEL MATUTES, SICILIA, NÁPOLES and BAHAMA MAMA.

Port of Zeebrugge is Ready for Next Step towards Hydrogen

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Tom Hautekiet, CEO Port of Zeebrugge: “As a multifunctional energy hub with a state-of-the-art LNG infrastructure, (i.e. storage capacity and pipelines), the port of Zeebrugge is ideally suited to receive the hydrogen carriers of the future. Together with the partners in this coalition (see link), we wish to develop our role in projects concerning the import and export of hydrogen and participate in creating a hydrogen economy.”

“Limassol is Probably the Best Port for the Greece – Cyprus Line”

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Limassol, will be probably the most suitable port for the new Cyprus – Greece line, according to the Deputy Minister of Shipping of Cyprus, who stated in a recent interview that “Larnaca is disadvantaged in terms of distance”.

This quote provoked strong reactions in Larnaca, which considered that the Deputy Minister anticipates the outcome of the tender, which is still in progress.

In any case, the port of Limassol is the largest on Cyprus, but also one of the most active ones commercially in the Mediterranean. So, it becomes an ideal choice, not only because it has the necessary infrastructure and facilities, but also because of its geographical location which makes it more sustainable (price/distance). At the same time, the completion of the new motorway in western Limassol is expected to offer faster connection to the city center.

Furthermore, a large Greek Ferry Operator has already shown intense interest in the connection, offering one of its most popular and reliable ferries, which is expected to operate the line with an intermediate call in Rhodes.