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2024 Newsletter week 51

Dec 20
2

Paving the Way for Climate-Neutral Shipping: Gotlandsbolaget’s Major Biogas Investment

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Gotlandsbolaget is taking a giant step towards achieving climate-neutral crossings between Gotland and the mainland by 2045

Partnering with Andion CH4 Renewables and Equitix New Generation Fund, Gotlandsbolaget is investing in a state-of-the-art biogas plant near Eskilstuna, scheduled to produce high-quality liquefied biogas (LBG) by the end of 2026.

Key highlights:

  • 5,400 tonnes of high-quality LBG annually.
  • A 10-year agreement with Destination Gotland to purchase the majority of the plant’s output.
  • 100,000 tonnes of CO₂ reduction over a decade compared to fossil LNG.

Photo: Mike Louagie

Dec 20
2

BC Ferries Hope for Approval for Five New Major Vessels

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BC Ferries has now formally submitted its plan to build five New Major Vessels (NMVs) to the BC Ferries Commissioner for approval. [press release]

  • The NMV project proposes to replace four aging vessels and add one new vessel to the fleet, adding critical space on the busiest routes between Metro Vancouver and Vancouver Island.
  • This will reduce wait times and boost overall capacity by up to 28% for passengers and 19% for vehicles.
  • The first of these vessels is expected to enter service in 2029, with five operational by 2031.
  • The public can provide feedback until mid-January 2025.
Dec 20
2

Ripple Operations Appoints Sigrid Kviteberg as Chief Operations Officer and Head of Client Services

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  • Sigrid Kviteberg brings over 30 years of experience in maritime and technology.
  • Former leader at AdonisHR, a maritime HR solutions provider, now part of Ripple Operations.
  • Role: Chief Operations Officer and Head of Client Services.
  • Enhancing client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
  • Driving innovation in maritime HR solutions.
  • Supporting Ripple Operations’ mission to empower maritime organisations by prioritising their workforce.
  • Collaborating with the leadership team to deliver world-class HR solutions globally.

Source: Press Release

Dec 20
2

Attica Group Collaborates with Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime to Upgrade Onboard Connectivity

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Attica Group announced a strategic partnership with Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime to enhance telecommunication and connectivity services onboard.

  • This collaboration aims to provide passengers and crew with uninterrupted, high-speed internet access, even in remote areas, by leveraging advanced satellite and network technologies.
  • The upgrade, powered by Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Starlink satellites, will combine multiple technologies (LEO, GEO, 4G, and 5G) through an integrated platform that selects the best connection in real-time.
  • The agreement involves a €7 million investment and covers the entire fleet operating under brands such as BLUE STAR FERRIES, SUPERFAST FERRIES, HELLENIC SEAWAYS, and ANEK LINES.
  • Completion is expected in 2025.

Photo © Mike Louagie

Dec 20
2

Finnlines’ Board of Directors Appoints Thomas Doepel as the New President and CEO from 1 March 2025, when Finnlines’ President and CEO Tom Pippingsköld Retires

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  • Tom Pippingsköld will retire and it has been agreed that he will continue in his position as the President and CEO until 28 February 2025.
  • Finnlines Plc’s Board of Directors has appointed Vice President and Deputy CEO, COO Thomas Doepel as the new President and CEO of Finnlines Plc from 1 March 2025.
  • Tom Pippingsköld and Thomas Doepel have been members of Finnlines’ Executive Committee since 2013.
Dec 20
2

La Méridionale To Use Former Brittany Vessel on Marseille-Tangier Med

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CMA CGM owned company La Méridionale has started to advertise the Morocco Line.

Dec 20
2

Audit Scotland: “Future of Ferguson Marine’s Port Glasgow Shipyard Remains Uncertain

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Audit Scotland says in a report:

  • The future of Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (FMPG) is uncertain, with no work secured beyond the completion of GLEN ROSA, expected in September 2025. While the yard recently delivered the delayed GLEN SANNOX, significant investment is needed to remain competitive.
  • FMPG currently relies on Scottish Government funding, guaranteed until 2026, and lacks contracts beyond the two ferries.
  • Hopes to secure work under the small vessel replacement programme were impacted by UK subsidy laws, requiring FMPG to compete with five other firms for the tender.
  • Auditors have highlighted serious governance issues, including unauthorised employee exit packages exceeding public sector thresholds and improper contract changes leading to £48,000 in underpaid taxes. Addressing these governance failings is critical for the yard’s future stability.

Publication: The 2023/24 audit of Ferguson Marine Port Glasgow (Holdings) Limited

Dec 20
1

IMAGE CARDS

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On 9 December 2024, EVIA STAR resumed her regular Rafina–Marmari service, fully refurbished and showcasing her new livery. The ship was sold to the newly established Olympian Ferries last June, along with her fleetmate PANORAMA. She has been serving this route since June 2001 under the ownership of Marmari Shipping.

Photo: Spyros Roussos

On 16 December 2024, ANEK Lines’ HELLENIC SPIRIT arrived at Elefsis Shipyards (ONEX Group) for her scheduled major overhaul. The vessel ceased operations on the Patras–Igoumenitsa–Ancona route on 15 December to prepare for an extensive refit.

The upgrade will include a complete engine overhaul, installation of scrubbers, and a transformation of her livery to that of Superfast Ferries. The ship will also be renamed SUPERFAST IV and is expected to resume service on the Adriatic route by February 2025.

Photo: ANEK Lines

STENA EUROPA, freshly repainted in the colours of Africa Morocco Link, has started the operations between Algeciras and Tanger Med.

Watch the stunning video made by Voyagair / Christos Chatzaras.

Besiktas Shipyard started a partnership with Corsica Linea. The first retrofit project, including bulbous bow modification has been successfully completed for RoPax PASCAL PAOLI.

Source: Besiktas Shipyard on Linkedin

Ferry ticket distribution company Liknoss started a partnership with Blu Navy Traghetti, the company that operates between Piombino and Portoferraio.

Source: Liknoss on Linkedin

DFDS’ GALATA SEAWAYS called for the first time at the Greek port of Patras. It will be a weekly call on the RoRo route between Sète (France) and Yalova (Türkiye).