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2024 Newsletter week 32

Aug 09
2

Is Nouris El Bahr Ferries more than a fata morgana?

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Nouris El Bahr Ferries?  

Indeed, the website of this unknown Algeria-based company says they will launch soon. A countdown is active.  

The shown vessel is Polferries’ CRACOVIA, currently laid up in Świnoujście, Poland. 

Nouris El Bahr, or “The Seagull”, intends to be a competitor to Algerie Ferries.  

On its Linkedin Page, the company says in French that “Our mission is to transform the maritime industry in Algeria and elevate it to an entirely new level, making every journey exciting and memorable!”.  

After Algerie Ferries suffered from multiple technical issues, with cancelled trips and laid-up vessels, and management reshuffles, irritation is growing. 

Aug 09
2

Kennacraig and Port Askaig (Scotland) reach significant milestones in preparation for new Islay vessels

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A programme of CMAL-led preparatory work to upgrade two ferry terminals on the Islay route has reached key milestones, paving the way for delivery of new vessels by the end of the year.  

Upgrades to the south berth of Kennacraig ferry terminal are now complete, while Port Askaig ferry terminal fendering work has also finished, following a six-week closure, allowing ferry services to resume. 

New Islay Vessel Enabling Works (NIVEW) at Port Askaig.  

Newly refurbished linkspan deck being lifted in place at Kennacraig. 

From left to right: Andrew Laverty, Site Manager from George Leslie Ltd, Tony Fry, Construction Manager from George Leslie Ltd, Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity, Nasir Uddin, Project Manager from CMAL 

Aug 09
2

Ferry veteran HEBRIDEAN ISLES to leave the CalMac fleet end of this year

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HEBRIDEAN ISLES to be retired as CalMac and CMAL modernise major vessel fleet: 

  • Retirement Date: MV Hebridean Isles will be retired in November 2024. 
  • Service Duration: In operation since December 1985. 
  • Recent Service: Primarily served the Islay route. 
  • Replacement Vessels: ISLE OF ISLAY and LOCH INDAAL. 
  • Reason for Retirement: Age and required extensive overhaul. 
  • Certification Expiry: Certification expires on 21 November 2024. 

Source: CalMac.co.uk 

 

Aug 09
2

Brittany Ferries is looking to become the majority stakeholder of Condor Ferries

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The Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority (JCRA) issued a notice of application for approval of a transaction regarding the sale of 22% of the shares in Condor to Brittany Ferries, with the option to buy 100% of the shares at a later date. 

Brittany Ferries (B.A.I. Bretagne Angleterre Irlande) already has a 29% stake in Condor. If the deal is approved, it will take it to 51%. 

Christophe Matthieu, Brittany Ferries’ CEO, is currently CEO ad interim at Condor Ferries. 

The deadline for comments is 20 August 2024. Details can be found here: JCRA (pdf)   

Aug 09
1

IMAGE CARDS

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On August 8, Tallinn-based BLRT Grupp celebrated the commissioning of its new large floating dock. The new floating dock, designed for ship maintenance, repair, and modernization, is capable of servicing all Handysize vessels and some Handymax vessels, ranging from tankers to passenger ships. 

The 180-meter-long, 30-meter-wide floating dock with a lifting capacity of 10,000 tonnes was completed at the HAT-SAN Shipyard in Turkey at the end of May this year. 

Source: BLRT Grupp on Linkedin 

Baleària has teamed up with Iberia Express, leader in flights between Madrid and the Balearic Islands, to offer the airline’s passengers an exclusive onboard promotion: on Madrid-Ibiza flights, Baleària ship tickets can now be purchased for the Ibiza – Formentera route at a lower rate than on the website. 

Source: Baleària 

Echandia has been selected to supply maritime battery systems for San Francisco Bay Ferry’s Rapid Electric Emission Free (REEF) Ferry Program—the first zero-emission high-speed ferries in the USA. 

The REEF Program will initially deploy three 150-passenger and two 400-passenger battery electric ferries, set to transform water transit in the Bay Area by 2026. SF Bay Ferry and its REEF integration team is also working on designs for a new electric charging float for the Downtown San Francisco Ferry Terminal. The float will have energy storage via battery banks to allow for rapid charging during dwell times at the terminal. 

Source: Echandia on Linkedin