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2024 Newsletter week 39

Oct 04
2

Tallink Grupp publishes 2024 September and Q3 passenger and cargo transport statistics

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In September, Tallink Grupp transported a total of

404,143 passengers (+0.7%)

23,178 cargo units (-10.2%)

59,455 passenger cars (-3.5%)

In the third quarter, the company transported a total of

1,715,496 passengers (-3.4%)

66,865 cargo units (-11.7%)

250,810 passenger vehicles (-8.3%)

  • Tallink Grupp CEO, Paavo Nõgene, reflects on the current economic climate, noting that passenger numbers align with expectations considering low consumer confidence, increasing prices, and economic uncertainties.
  • September performed better than expected, but August’s results could have been improved.
  • A positive trend was observed with a rise in international passengers, particularly from Asian countries, despite domestic market pressures.
  • The CEO highlights that any positive developments in key export markets could improve the cargo transport segment.
Oct 04
2

Volcán de Taburiente Delivered to Golden Star Ferries

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On 27 September 2024, the Spanish ferry operator Armas delivered Volcán de Taburiente to the Greek-based Golden Star Ferries. The ship was officially purchased in July 2024 and is currently moored at Las Palmas. She is expected to depart for Greece by the end of the week. Renamed Andros King, she will be refitted and converted to meet the Hellenic Coastal Shipping Standards.

She was built in Spain in 2006 and has a carrying capacity of 1,500 passengers and 310 cars (1,200 lane metres), while being able to sail at 22.5 knots.

Photo: Golden Star Ferries

Oct 04
2

Washington State Ferries Reached another Step in its Electrification Journey

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Three shipbuilders are interested in building five hybrid-electric 160-car ferries for WSF.

Each have sent pre-qualification packages after WSF invited shipbuilders across the country to bid.

In 2023, the Legislature passed a law allowing WSF to seek shipbuilders nationwide and to build vessels at one or two shipyards at the same time. WSF expects the first two boats in 2028, two more in 2029 and the last one in 2030.

These new ferries are expected to support the Mukilteo/Clinton and Seattle/Bremerton routes.

Source: WSF Weekly Update

Sep 27
2

CLdN Complements RoRo Fleet with 10 New LoLo Vessels

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CLdN has confirmed an order for 10 new LoLo (load-on/load-off) container vessels, with delivery beginning in January 2027. 

  • The vessels will have a cargo capacity of 1,100 TEU and will complement CLdN’s current fleet of over 30 RoRo vessels. 
  • The new ships are designed for outstanding fuel efficiency and feature an innovative open-top design to reduce port handling times. 
  • Earlier this year, CLdN successfully launched a LoLo service on its Ireland route using chartered vessels from its newly acquired Distriport terminal in Rotterdam. This service recently expanded to three weekly direct sailings between Rotterdam Distriport and Dublin. 
  • The move into the LoLo segment complements CLdN’s short-sea RoRo services, providing greater operational flexibility, quicker port turnaround times, and more frequent sailings. 
  • This development offers a unique product with shorter lead times and higher frequency compared to the deep-sea feeder market, which typically has longer lead times and less frequent services. 
  • The vessels will be purpose-built by HD Hyundai Mipo in Ulsan, South Korea, a long-term shipbuilding partner of CLdN. HD Hyundai Mipo is also completing the construction of two G9e RoRo vessels, scheduled for delivery to CLdN in the first half of 2025. 

  Source: CLdN 

Sep 27
2

FRS Baltic Discontinues the Rügen-Sweden Route

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FRS Baltic took the decision to cease the fast ferry route between the island of Rügen and Trelleborg. 

  • The reasons: fuel costs, CO2 taxes and fairway dues in the port of Sassnitz. 
  • The ferry service started in September 2020, with Ystad as Swedish Port. In April 2023 FRS switched to Trelleborg. 
  • In total, more than half a million passengers travelled with FRS Baltic. 
  • The last day of service of fast ferry SKÅNE JET is 30 September 2024. 

Source: FRS World  

Sep 27
2

Attica Group Acquires HSC THUNDER

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On 25th September 2024, Attica Group finalised the purchase of the HSC THUNDER from Fast Ferries for €17.75 million. The vessel has already been delivered to its new owners and is anticipated to strengthen the Group’s presence in Crete. Until recently, HSC THUNDER successfully operated on the lengthy Piraeus-Syros-Mykonos-Paros-Ios-Santorini-Heraklion route. Built in Australia in 1998, the vessel has a carrying capacity of 1,068 passengers and 210 cars and can sail at a speed of 36 knots. 

Photo: Mike Louagie 

Sep 27
2

Buquebus, Banco Santander, and IFC sign financing for the world’s largest electric ferry on the Argentina-Uruguay route

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  • The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has provided a partial credit guarantee of USD 67 million to Buquebus for building the world’s largest electric ferry (e-ferry), the CHINA ZORRILLA, to connect Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay. 
  • This financing, combined with a USD 107 million loan from Banco Santander Uruguay, represents the first “blue operation” in Uruguay and the maritime transport sector worldwide. 
  • A “blue loan,” part of green financing, supports sustainable initiatives in water management, marine ecosystem restoration, plastic pollution reduction, ecological tourism, and sustainable maritime transport. 
  • Buquebus is committed to sustainability, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy-efficient technologies, with the CHINA ZORRILLA playing a key role in its goal of achieving “Zero Emissions.” 
  • The e-ferry project will mark the world’s first e-ferry in emerging economies and aims to inspire similar initiatives globally; it is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 37,545 tonnes annually. 
  • The CHINA ZORRILLA e-ferry will have a capacity for 2,100 passengers and 225 vehicles, with additional facilities like duty-free shopping and restaurants, including accessibility features for passengers with disabilities. 
  • Buquebus will invest a further USD 14 million in charging stations and transmission infrastructure to power the e-ferry, which is expected to be operational by October 2025. 
  • The vessel is being constructed by Incat Tasmania. 
  • The e-ferry aligns with Uruguay’s and Argentina’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, promoting electric mobility and alternative energy use in the transportation sector for a greener future. 

Source: IFC 

Sep 27
2

Scotland: Update Northern Isles Freight Vessels

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CMAL published an update of the project aiming to replace the two existing freight vessels with an improved design, adding freight capacity, reducing passage time, and potentially adding some flexible passenger-carrying capacity. CMAL say they are currently at the concept design stage and moving towards the preparation of gaining funding.  

As per Transport Scotland’s Vessels and Ports Plan, funding for the replacement NIFS freight vessels is expected in Phase 2 of the plan (2026 to 2031) but not before 2028. 

CMAL has also been actively looking to purchase second-hand tonnage for the Aberdeen to Kirkwall/Lerwick route, with three vessels taken forward to the purchase stage thus far. Unfortunately, it was not possible to conclude the sales in these instances. CMAL continues to explore the market for additional second-hand tonnage that could enhance current services and provide additional resilience to the fleet. 

Source: CMAL 

Caption 

New vessel concept, courtesy of Leadship. The design is currently in development and not final. 

Sep 27
2

Port of Dover: Launch of 2050 Plan

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The Port of Dover, one of the UK’s key trading gateways, is advancing its “Port of Dover 2050” vision, aiming to bolster economic growth and national renewal. Handling around £144 billion worth of trade annually, the port is focusing on modernisation, sustainability, and supporting local communities to secure its role as a vital link between the UK and Europe.  

 Plans include reducing its carbon footprint through renewable energy and electric vehicle infrastructure, enhancing digital systems to improve operations, and supporting local employment through training and skill development.  

 Balancing heritage with future growth, the port’s strategy will ensure it remains a critical hub for trade, tourism, and economic resilience for years to come. 

 Source: Port of Dover 

Sep 27
2

TS Laevad Enhances Onboard Internet with Nowhere Networks

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TS Laevad, the Estonian ferry operator, has announced a significant enhancement to its onboard internet connectivity by partnering with Swedish tech company, Nowhere Networks. The improved internet service, achieved through a combination of advanced antenna systems and smart technology, will provide faster and more reliable internet access for passengers and crew. 

This partnership enables TS Laevad’s vessels to maintain high-quality connections even in challenging maritime environments. By leveraging Nowhere Networks’ innovative solutions, the ferry operator aims to boost the overall travel experience, offering robust internet connectivity across its fleet. 

 The new technology reflects TS Laevad’s commitment to enhancing digital services for travellers and crew members, ensuring seamless communication and entertainment during ferry journeys. 

 Source: News Cision