BC Ferries will order five large, green ferries

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BC Ferries is advancing its New Major Vessels project, the largest capital investment in the company’s history, to address population growth, replace aging vessels, and meet customer demands. 

 The procurement process for the first five of seven new vessels is underway, with the remaining two to follow in a later phase.  

The new vessels, designed with LMG Marin, will significantly increase capacity and improve energy efficiency.  

A phased approach will allow BC Ferries to manage investments carefully, minimize fare pressures, and refine the final designs based on performance insights.  

 The first ship is expected to enter service in 2029, with all five operational by 2031. 

 Press release: BC Ferries 

CLdN says it leads the way in short sea shipping with superior CO2 efficiency

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CLdN has published its fleet emission data for 2023, showcasing remarkable advancements in carbon efficiency. The company says its fleet emissions averaged 39g CO2 per tonne-kilometre, “making it 19% more efficient than its closest competitor in short sea shipping.” (which is DFDS, according to the press release). 

 Through strategic investments exceeding €750 million over the past decade, CLdN has expanded its fleet to over 30 technologically advanced vessels. With an average ship age of 11.5 years, much younger than the industry average of 16.5 years, CLdN continues to set the bar for carbon-efficient maritime operations.  

 The company has also focused on eco-upgrades to existing vessels, underscoring its commitment to sustainability. 

 CLdN is preparing to launch two new ships in 2025, which are expected to reduce CO2 emission intensity by a further 40% while maintaining the same cargo capacity. 

 For more details, CLdN will soon release its 2023 Carbon Report. 

 Source: CLdN 

Grimaldi Group completes the acquisition of a majority stake in Port of Heraklion

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On 18 September 2024, the Grimaldi Group finalised its acquisition of a 67% stake in the Heraklion Port Authority (HPA S.A.), solidifying its presence in the strategic port located in Crete. This acquisition, worth €80 million, was completed in partnership with the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF), which retains a 33% share. 

 The acquisition marks a significant development for the port, providing a platform for further growth and enhancing its role in Mediterranean trade routes. Grimaldi Group’s investment will focus on upgrading the port’s infrastructure, fostering sustainable growth, and introducing renewable energy projects to transform Heraklion into a green port. 

 Grimaldi Euromed’s President, Emanuele Grimaldi, highlighted the port’s potential as a hub for both freight and passenger services, contributing to the local economy by increasing tourism, trade, and job opportunities.  

 This acquisition follows Grimaldi’s prior investment in the Port of Igoumenitsa, reinforcing the group’s commitment to enhancing Greece’s maritime infrastructure.

Corsican Ports: Monthly statistics July

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July is traditionally a busy month for the ferry passenger traffic from and to Corsica. Only August is even busier. July 2024 saw a slight increase of 0.4% of ferry passengers on last year’s July. Airlines saw a decline of almost 9%. 

More passengers, but less cars. 

 Ferry Pax: 735,188 (+0.4%) 

Airline Pax: 651,282 (-9%) 

Cars: 239,184 (-1.2%) 

 All details here: www.corse.developpement-durable.gouv.fr (in French) 

Two modern catamarans purchased by Jadrolinija

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Just a few weeks after the tragedy in Mali Lošinj, where three seafarers aboard the LASTOVO ferry lost their lives, Croatian shipping company Jadrolinija is launching an immediate plan to renew its fleet, which has an average age of 28 years. 

The Italian newspaper Il Piccolo reported that the shipping company’s general manager, David Sopta, revealed that two catamarans, built in 2023, have just been purchased for 11.4 million euros and will be added to the fleet from November. 

Constructed last year at Indonesia’s Cahaya Samudra Shipyard, the two fast ferries are 38 metres long, 10 metres wide, powered by 2,880-kilowatt engines, and capable of carrying up to 312 passengers each. 

The vessels, intended to be renamed CVIJETA and RUŽICA, are similar to the KATA and DANICA catamarans purchased by Jadrolinija in 2023, which were built at the same Indonesian shipyard. 

These acquisitions should allow the Croatian company to retire older vessels, such as the DUBRAVKA catamaran (photo Mike Louagie). 

MOBY CORSE sold and expected to be deployed on the Spain – Algeria routes

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Moby is advancing its fleet renovation plan with the sale of the ageing RoPax ferry MOBY CORSE. Sources familiar with the matter told Ferry Shipping News that the Onorato family-controlled company has recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the sale of the 1978-built vessel to a company with Croatian interests. 

The vessel is expected to be chartered out to a third company, with Nouris Elbahr Ferries possibly being the party involved, for deployment on a regular route between Spain and Algeria. (=unconfirmed!) 

The sale price is believed to be under €8 million. 

Built by the Danish shipyard Aalborg and delivered in 1978, the MOBY CORSE was purchased by Vincenzo Onorato in 2009 for approximately €7 million, to penetrate the Corsican market on the Toulon-Bastia route. The ferry is 153 metres long and has the capacity to carry 400 cars and 1,120 passengers. 

Felix Ketchup is now transported to Finland with 90 per cent fewer emissions

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Ketchup? 

Baltic Sea’s first green freight corridor, which involves reducing emissions by 90% in the transport of goods, such as Felix ketchup, has been started between Sweden and Finland. The initiative is a collaboration between Orkla Suomi, Scandic Trans, and Viking Line, using biofuel-powered lorries and ships. This sustainable transport route from Fågelmara, Sweden, to Turku, Finland, significantly cuts carbon dioxide emissions from 1,512 kg to 102 kg per shipment, contributing to Orkla’s goal of halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. 

The project highlights the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel for lorries and liquefied biogas (LBG) for the maritime leg, showcasing how the transport industry can adopt greener technologies. Viking Line’s vessels, Viking Glory and Viking Grace, which primarily run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), were designed to accommodate future fuels like biofuel, further promoting sustainable logistics. 

The initiative serves as a model for reducing the environmental footprint of supply chains across the Nordic region and has garnered widespread interest, demonstrating the potential for large-scale adoption of biofuel in the transport sector. 

Source and more information: Viking Line 

IMAGE CARDS

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The Armas Trasmediterránea Group is adding RoPax vessel AL ANDALUS to its Canary Islands routes.  As of October 1, AL ANDALUS will sail between Las Palmas and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. 

 The former NORD PAS-DE-CALAIS has a capacity for 1,275 lane metres of cargo, 215 passengers and 150 vehicles. 

 Source: Armas Trasmediterránea Group 

Safety and security drills onboard ships are important as something unexpected may take place. Drills train the crew to respond to many incidents, ranging from firefighting to first aid, evacuation and oil spills.
Whenever an opportunity arises, ships’ drill with authorities, such as the Border Guard, police, and fire and rescue department.
Finnlines’ RoPax vessels FINNLADY and FINNSIRIUS trained with Finnish authorities at the end of August. 

 Source: Finnlines on Linkedin 

Corsica Linea marked the commencement of construction for its new LNG-powered vessel, CAPU ROSSU, with a ceremonial first steel cutting at the CMI Jinling shipyard in Weihai, China.  

Set to launch in 2026, this Stena RoRo E-Flexer will support the company’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030, furthering its commitment to environmental sustainability. 

Africa Morocco Link announced the launch of a new RoRo freight service, which started earlier this week. This daily service connects Tanger Med with Algeciras. 

The vessel is the 1989-built Rail RoRo Ferry KAUNAS

Source: AML on Linkedin