2024 Newsletter week 44

The newly built SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV will be temporarily stored at a Scottish shipyard while the Tasmanian government considers leasing options until its home berth is ready. The ferry must leave its Finnish shipyard before winter ice sets in. The duration of its stay in Scotland is uncertain, and a second ferry, the SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V, will remain in Finland for now. Both ferries, already delayed, are not expected to enter full service in Tasmania until 2027.

Speculation suggests that TT-Line, the ferry’s owner, might lease or charter SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV during the delay in Tasmania, pending the completion of berth construction in Devonport. This was suggested by Tasmania’s premier, Jeremy Rockliff.

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV has been built by Rauma Marine Constructions Oy and handed over to the owners in September. The second vessel will be ready in 2025.

Photo: Spirit of Tasmania

The new RoRo line between the port of Trieste in the Northern Adriatic and Damietta in Egypt, operated by DFDS, will begin service on December 2nd.

The local ship agent and terminal operator in Italy, Samer & Co Shipping, has confirmed that this new regular link will operate on a weekly basis, with plans to double the frequency by mid-2025. The transit time between Italy and Egypt is expected to be 68 hours.

The first vessel on the route will be a RoRo unit with a lane capacity of 3,214 metres, capable of transporting 200 trailers and reaching a speed of 21.5 knots.

Grimaldi Group proudly announced that Guido Grimaldi, Corporate Short Sea Shipping Commercial Director, has been appointed Chairman of Interferry.

The official flag-handover ceremony took place during the 48th annual conference of the association in Marrakech, Morocco.

In his acceptance speech, Guido Grimaldi emphasized the importance of sustainability in maritime transport for the Grimaldi Group, reinforcing the commitment to a greener future. He also invited all delegates to attend the next Interferry Conference, which will take place in Sorrento on 4-8 October 2025.

“This prestigious recognition celebrates the Group’s steadfast dedication to the ferry sector and its vision for a more sustainable, integrated future in global mobility,” Grimaldi Group stated in a message.

The Piraeus Port Authority (PPA S.A.) announced record financial results for Q3 2024, showcasing significant growth in revenue and profits. Key highlights include a 6.2% year-to-date increase in revenue to €174.9 million, a 5.6% rise in gross profit to €104.9 million, and a 6.6% increase in net income to €70.2 million compared to Q3 2023. The strong performance was driven by growth in the cruise, container, and car terminal sectors, effective cost management, and higher storage service charges. Shareholders’ equity grew by 10.4%, and the debt-to-equity ratio improved, indicating strengthened financial stability

Full details on the PPA website