Orkney Islands Council has a requirement for consultancy with naval architect services for a Design Specification for the Outer North Isles RoPax Vessels.
All specifications here.
Maintaining the same model adopted recently (public service obligations without compensation), the Sardinia Region has published a public notice to identify companies interested in operating the maritime link between Santa Teresa di Gallura (Sardegna) and Bonifacio (Corsica) during the high season. From April to October 2025, the selected operators will be the only ones authorised to offer RoPax transport services between the two ports of call, but they must provide 4 pairs of daily trips.
The Region’s documentation explains that “up to two shipping companies may be authorised to operate on the line” and that the “service may be operated by only two RoPax vessels, with the possible inclusion of residual slots for small high-speed passenger-only vessels (which are not covered by the procedure)”. The two RoPax vessels will, of course, need to have characteristics that comply with the size limits of the berths envisaged in the two ports, as well as a minimum transport capacity of 200 passengers, 190 linear metres in total, and 50 linear metres for cargo.
In the market audit, the Sardinia Region also reported some data on the traffic served in 2023 by Moby and Ichnusa Lines (the same brands operating this year).
Almost six years after the death of their father, the unforgettable shipowner Aldo Grimaldi, his son Giovanni and the two daughters Isabella and Alessandra have decided to reorganize the company Grimaldi Holding which still owned the three RoPax ships FORZA, TENACIA and REGINA SEAWAYS.
The former two are currently bareboat chartered out to GNV (until 2028) while for the latter has just been prolonged the charter contract with DFDS.
All these three vessels were built in Italy at Nuovi Cantieri Apuania from 2008 to 2010.
Grimaldi Holding has been split up into three separate companies:
- TENACIA: Grimaldi Investments Srl, 100% owned by Isabella Amelia Grimaldi
- FORZA: Grimaldi Capital Srl, controlled by Alessandra Grimaldi
- REGINA SEAWAYS: Grifin, Giovanni Grimaldi
EU tourists will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK from April 2, 2025. Citizens from many other countries need it as from January 8, 2025.
EU citizens also need a passport to enter the UK since October 1, 2021. Before this date, EU citizens could enter the UK with a national identity card. However, after Brexit, the UK changed its entry requirements, and an ID card is no longer sufficient for most EU citizens.
Now an ETA will become an extra requirement. It will cost £10 (€12) and will be valid for two years, or until the expiration date of the passport.
The recently published Moodie Davitt Report 2023 ranks Tallink Duty Free in the world’s top 20 travel retail operators. Based on estimated 2023 travel retail sales turnover, the ranking lends the company an impressive 20th position in the world. Notably, Tallink Duty Free is the only shipping company who has made it to the TOP20 ranking, as well as the only retailer operating within Europe.
On September 12, 2024, Anek Lines’ RoPax ASTERION II was reassigned to the Piraeus – Heraklion route after successfully serving on the Piraeus – Samos – Dodecanese and Piraeus – Chios – Mytilene routes since June 3, 2024. ASTERION II will replace RoPax ARIADNE, which will return to her previous service in the Adriatic.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
On September 10, 2024, the HSC HELLENIC HIGHSPEED returned to the Port of Piraeus after completing its summer charter in the Western Mediterranean. The vessel was chartered to Africa Morocco Link (AML) from June 29, 2024, to bolster the Moroccan company’s service on the Algeciras – Tanger Med route.
Photo: Kostas Papadopoulos
Construction of CLdN’s first new G9e vessel is making great progress. The bridge and funnels are now in place so she really starts to look like a CLdN vessel.
Source: CLdN on Linkedin
Holmen has declared their option and extended the contract with BALTIC BRIGHT until end 2025.
Source: Godby Shipping on Linkedin
Thursday 12 September, the Rauma shipyard celebrated the delivery of the SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV to the Owner, TT-Line Company.
‘I want to thank our client for their excellent co-operation, which has enabled us to bring this project to its successful completion. I would also like to thank our partners and the classification society. This vessel is a fine example of the strong shipbuilding expertise in Rauma. We have now built the world’s southernmost LNG ferry as well as the world’s northernmost LNG ferry, namely AURORA BOTNIa. We wish SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV all the best on its journeys’, says Mika Nieminen, CEO and President of Rauma Marine Constructions.
Stena Line has announced that it will withdraw the STENA VISION from its Rosslare-Cherbourg route at the end of October 2024.
Stena Line has confirmed that they will continue to operate a three-day week service for freight and passenger travel on board the STENA HORIZON and that they will “deploy additional support vessels to the route during periods of peak demand from freight and travel customers”.
Destination Gotland experienced a slight increase in travel during the summer of 2024, with nearly 940,000 passengers between June and August, up by 2,000 from the previous year. June saw a 10% rise in travellers, while July, despite a 4% decline, remained the busiest month. The campaign “Sommarlov på Gotland” contributed to a surge in family visits. Gotland continues to perform well compared to other Swedish destinations, showing resilience in the travel market.
Source: Destination Gotland Photo: Olof Segerberg
As an important step in the green transition, Molslinjen is now investing in a new 132,000 MWh solar park on Djursland, Denmark. The renewable energy from the park will power NERTHUS, the innovative electric ferry on the Alslinjen between Bøjden and Fynshav. The vessel is under construction at Cemre Shipyard.
Source: Via Ritzau
Finnlines is set to celebrate the first anniversary of its FINNSIRIUS, operating on the Finland–Åland–Sweden route. The ship, along with its sister vessel, FINNCANOPUS, has significantly boosted passenger numbers and attracted new customer segments, including families and conference groups. Both ships feature cutting-edge technology aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. Special onboard events and promotions will mark the occasion.
For more details, visit Finnlines.