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2024 Newsletter week 49

Dec 13
2

Godby Shipping Acquires RoRo Vessel AURORA

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Godby Shipping has agreed to purchase the RoRo vessel AURORA from Navimag, Chile. Built in 1991 for Finnish owners under the name AHTELA, the vessel will be delivered in January 2025 in Algeciras, Spain.

  • After delivery, the vessel will be time-chartered to Peregar, Spain, for their Algeciras-Ceuta trade – the same charterer and route served by Mistral during the spring and summer of 2024.
  • 3-deck RoRo vessel with sideport loading, designed for trailers, mafi trailers, cassettes, forest products, and containers
  • Built: 1991 by Fosen, Norway
  • Ice Class: Finnish 1A Super
  • Length: 140 m
  • Lane Metres: 1,425 m
  • Trailer Capacity: Approx. 100 units
Dec 06
3

Attica Holdings S.A. Reports a 27.4% Revenue Increase in the First 9 Months of 2024

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Attica Holdings S.A.  announced its results for the 9-month period 2024, incorporating for the first time the business operation of ANEK LINES S.A. and its subsidiaries for the entire 9-month reporting period, following the completion of its merger by absorption on December 4, 2023.

  • Revenue Growth: Group revenue increased by 27.4% to €593.4 million (2023: €465.6 million), boosted by the incorporation of ANEK Lines for the full period.
  • Profitability: EBITDA decreased to €93.5 million (2023: €121.3 million), impacted by non-recurring expenses of €18.5 million related to the ANEK merger. Consolidated earnings after tax fell to €45.3 million (2023: €59.9 million).
  • Traffic Volumes: Passenger numbers rose by 12.2%, private vehicles by 25.3%, and freight units by 27.4%. Total sailings increased by 7.4%.
  • Investments: €145.1 million was spent on fleet renewal, environmental upgrades, digitisation, and acquisitions (HIGH SPEED 3, KISSAMOS, KYDON, hotel in Naxos), including advance payment for two E-Flexer vessels and other assets.
  • Debt and Liquidity: Group debt reduced to €578.2 million (from €588.5 million at end-2023). Cash reserves fell to €42.3 million due to significant investments.

Source: Attica Group Press Releases

Dec 06
2

Baleària Welcomes Confirmation of the Award of Berth Number 3 at the Port of Tarifa

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Baleària has been awarded the ferry operation between Tarifa and Tangier City by the Board of Directors of the APBA (*).

Baleària had already declared victory on 18 November, but this was only confirmed on 30 November by APBA.

  • Baleària will operate berth number 3 in the Port of Tarifa, as well as the corresponding check-in facilities and vehicle boarding areas.
  • Contract 15 years.
  • Baleària plans to build two electric fast ferries, electrify the ports and install charging devices.
  • Shipyard: Astilleros Armon Shipyards.
  • Construction time: 2.5 years.
  • During this period two transitional fast ferries: AVEMAR DOS (to be re-engined) and JAUME I.

The public tender, launched in February 2024 by the APBA, also included the participation of the shipping companies FRS Iberia Maroc-DFDS and Sercomisa (Trasmapi – Insotel Marine Group)

(*) APBA = Autoridad Portuaria Bahía de Algeciras – Port of Algeciras

Source: Baleària

Dec 06
2

Two Channel Islands, Two Different Ferry Operators

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The Government of Jersey has appointed DFDS as their preferred bidder to operate the Island’s UK and French passenger and freight services from 28 March 2025. [www.gov.je]

Subject to the completion of contract negotiations, the 2025 timetable will be published by the end of next week which will allow passengers to begin booking for next year.

For Jersey passengers this is expected to mean:

  • Greater frequency of ferries to the UK and France in peak periods
  • Faster ferries to the UK
  • Three new ferries within the next six years
  • Two dedicated high speed ferries for the summer.
  • Poole, Portsmouth and St Malo

Earlier, Guernsey opted for Brittany Feries – Condor Ferries, with the following fleet deployment [www.gov.gg]

  • High-speed ferry VOYAGER on St Malo, Guernsey and Poole
  • ISLANDER will provide Ro-Pax and lifeline freights services between Portsmouth, Guernsey and St Malo
  • CLIPPER will provide resilience and operate back-up services as and when required on all routes
Dec 06
2

Scandlines To Test e-Methanol Engine

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  • Currently, Scandlines’ hybrid ferries on the Rostock-Gedser route utilise diesel, batteries, and wind power. To further reduce emissions, Scandlines is exploring the conversion of its MaK diesel engines to run on e-methanol.
  • In partnership with Caterpillar Motoren, Scandlines plans to test an e-methanol engine in 2025. If successful, the first engine conversion could occur in 2027.
  • This collaboration underscores the potential of e-methanol as a sustainable alternative to traditional fuels.

Photo: Matthias Tasler Scandlines

Dec 06
2

Fjord1 Has Been Awarded The Sogn Og Fjordane Contract

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  • Starts in November 2027.
  • 15-year agreement.
  • Ferry routes:
    • Måløy–Husevågøy–Oldeide
    • Isane–Stårheim
    • Askvoll–Fure–Værlandet
    • Rysjedalsvika–Rutledal–Krakhella
    • Option: Askvoll–Gjervik–Fure
  • As part of the contract, Fjord1 will implement significant environmental measures. The Stårheim–Isane and Måløy–Oldeide routes are slated for full electric operation, utilizing combustion engines only as a backup. The other routes will adopt partial electric operation.
  • The contract primarily maintains the existing schedule and capacity for the specified ferry routes.
  • The final contract signing is anticipated after the appeal deadline on December 13.

Source: https://www.fjord1.no/Aktuelt/Ny-kontrakt-tildelt-Fjord1

Dec 06
2

Port Oostende Invests in RoRo Infrastructure

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Port of Oostende is making significant investments to enhance its infrastructure and support RoRo operations. Key initiatives include:

  • Tilbury Terminal Modernisation: Located along Vergunningenstraat and the R31 towards Bredene, the terminal will receive a new fence, upgraded lighting, improved facilities for dockworkers, and an advanced camera system. These upgrades aim to make the site more attractive for RoRo traffic by early next year.
  • Belrail Site Development: Recently designated as a maritime logistics zone, the Belrail site in Plassendale enables the port to better meet the growing demand for logistics space.
  • Vlotdok Area Enhancements: Ongoing investments include asphalting, new fencing, a high-voltage substation, upgraded lighting, and a high-performance camera system. Additionally, sheds 3 and 4 have been demolished to create space, optimizing the area for maritime logistics.
  • REBO and OSSCO Terminal Security: Earlier this year, the port invested in enhancing the security of its REBO and OSSCO terminals at the Zeewezendok.

Collectively, these investments amount to over €1.5 million, reinforcing the port’s commitment to sustainable and future-proof growth.

Port of Oostende, once a Channel ferry port, focuses now on RoRo traffic with new cars.

Dec 06
3

SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV Docks in Scotland after Journey from Finland

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SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV arrived in Scotland on December 3rd, marking the next phase of its journey after departing from the RMC yard in Finland.

The Tasmanian government said it has secured a berth at Leith, Edinburgh, for a minimum of 30 days at an average weekly cost of AUD 47k (EUR 29k) while exploring leasing or chartering opportunities for the vessel.

Both SPIRIT OF TASMANIA IV and sister ship SPIRIT OF TASMANIA V are not expected to commence operations in Tasmania until early 2027, as their home berth in Devonport is still under construction.

Photo: Matt Sudders

Dec 06
2

Color Line’s Compensation Claim Against Sandefjord Municipality

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  • In June 2024, Sandefjord’s harbour was closed due to a failure to renew its authorization for international ship traffic, disrupting COLOR HYBRID ferry operations.
  • Color Line submitted a compensation claim of 4 million NOK in November 2024 for financial losses.
  • The municipality is reviewing the claim and blames a consultancy firm’s lack of expertise for the approval delay.
  • Sandefjord disputes the consultant’s invoice and is considering further claims for its losses.
  • Decisions on compensation and next steps are pending further review.

Source: Sandefjord Kommune